Interesting Facts About the Lilac Flower

The beautiful appearance and the fragrance of the lilac flower is probably the main reason people plant lilac bushes.  While they are enjoyed tremendously, not many people know all of the facts about this interesting plume of lilac bloom.
The lilac flower comes in a wide range of colorful hues; from pristine white to the darkest purple.  Each person has their personal favorite, but the common favorites are the lavender and dark purple among most admirers.  The colors do not affect the scents, although the scents can be simply sweet and heavenly to sweet and spicy depending on the type of lilac bush. 
The scent of the lilac flower is so intoxicating that its brief bloom time is not enough for its most ardent fans.  Perfumes, lotions and soaps have utilized the popular fragrance of the lilac flower.  Candles, room sprays and linen sprays also are available in the scent of lilac, although none of these imitations can quite match the unforgettable aroma in spring air of fresh lilacs blooming.
A close look at the lilac flower itself can reveal the reason for its strong scent.  A single plume has a center stem with systematic branches, from the end of which springs two tube like parts that support the bud at the end.  The buds appear to be divided in four parts; these parts gradually unfold to form a petal oval in shape.  Buds at the bottom of the plume will open first, and then graduate toward the top until all are open.  The scent is derived from molecules that the plant itself produces, and can be extracted in the form of essential oils to be used in scented products.  However, most lilac scented products of today are synthetic. vase filled with lilac flower plumes must be one of the most beloved springtime home accessories. When picking the blooms to bring indoors, choose those plumes with the most flowers open for the maximum scent.  Cut back several inches from the plume to allow enough of the branch within the vase to best display the flowers at the top.  Be sure not to cut plumes from only one area of the bush, creating a “bald” spot in the bush.  Since the lilac flower is a cool weather product, keeping the cut flowers in a cool spot will prolong their life. 
If you are lucky enough to own one of these flowering bushes, you will know the pure pleasure of the scent of the lilac flower.  Having the lilac bush is only part of the fun.  Enjoying the fragrance of this simple, common flowering plume of beauty must truly be the best part of springtime. 

Cheap source of quality ornamentals

Many of the plants included in this genus were originally in a genus called Regalia. Neuroglia ampullaceal, a small plant, has leathery, green leaves marked with wide dark bands. The blue and white flowers are hidden deep in the vase. They are good hanging plants.Neuroglia Carolina, sometimes called Nidularium meyendorffii, has foot long leaves that form a flattened rosette. When the plant is about to bloom, the center of the rosette becomes a bright red and provides a contrast for the lavender flowers that appear deep in the rosette.
Neuroglia Carolina var. tricolor has pink and cream striped leaves. The entire plant becomes pink just before it blooms.
Neuroglia spectabilis (fingernail plant) has dark green, strap-like leaves banded with silver underneath. The leaf tips are red and resemble painted fingernails. Red bracts highlight the lavender-blue flowers that appear deep in the vase.
Neoregelias are easy to grow both indoors and out. Give them warm temperatures, filtered to shady light, and even moisture with excellent drainage.Neuroglia contains about fifty species and a large number of varieties. Most are from eastern Brazil. Although most neoregelias are terrestrial, some are found on shaded, lower branches of trees. They have been favorites in European collections for over one hundred years.Another remarkable thing about the ornamental farm is that the fellow who is running it is not a horticulturist but one who learned the fine points of ornamental plant propagation through self-study and trial and error. Now, he has mastered a fast way of multiplying the varieties they are producing in large numbers.Bromeliad Neuroglia compact x fireball is a plain looking broom that will surprise you as it nears flowering. The leaves change from plain green to mottled burgundy/red in color. Multiplies quickly and looks great in a hanging basket as pups are away from the plant. Bromeliad Neuroglia Flandreau often produced two flowers within its colorful rosette. When this neuroglia is nearing its flowering stage, the center leaves turn to hot pink. Small bluish/white flowers appear as the flower is mature. Grows well in most conditions and produces pups (smaller plants) readily after it has flowered 

Bougainvillea!!!!

The Bougainvillea is an immensely showy, odoriferous and hardy plant.  Virtually pest-free and disease resistant, it rewards its owner with an abundance of color and vitality when it is well looked after.  The bougainvillea’s versatility is legendary.  It can be coaxed into a small manageable pot plant or a sizable tree, to spread itself vertically on a wall, or climb up a trellis and form a luscious crown or burst forth into graceful arches.  It makes one of the best hedges, bushes, and curb-liners.  And as for bonsai or topiary purposes, it has few equals, lending its complex branching to the pruning shears, which promote even more unique and graceful forms.  It is probably true to say that without the bougainvillea, our roads, parks, and private gardens would be a lot less colorful that what we see today.  Almost everywhere we go, its brilliant hues and cheerful bursts punctuate the lush green mantle that cloaks our tropical environment.  Other flowering plants certainly pale in comparison. 
Along with palms, sunshine, and beaches, the cascading blooms of bougainvillea provide one of Florida’s signature tropical images. As a profuse bloomer, bougainvillea is most striking during the winter, when it is at its peak and few other plants are able to provide color. Although it is frost-sensitive and hardy in zones 9b and 10, bougainvillea can be used as a houseplant or hanging basket in cooler climates. In the landscape, it makes an excellent hot season plant, and its drought tolerance makes bougainvillea ideal for warm climates year-round. Native to the coasts of Brazil, bougainvillea has a high salt tolerance, which makes it a natural choice for south Florida and other coastal regions. As a woody clambering vine, bougainvillea will stand alone and can be pruned into a standard, but it is perfect along fence lines, on walls, in containers and hanging baskets, and as a hedge or an accent plant. Its long arching branches are thorny, and bear heart-shaped leaves and masses of papery bracts in white, pink, orange, purple, and burgundy. Many cultivars, including double flowered and variegated, is available.

History of Bougainvillea

A native to coastal Brazil, the bougainvillea was discovered in 1768 in Rio DE Janine by French naturalist Dr. Philibert Commerçon (also sometimes spelled Commerson).  The plant is named after his close friend and ship’s admiral Louis-Antoine DE Bougainvillea  who commanded the ship La Boudeuse that sailed around the world between 1766-1769, and in which Commerçon was a passenger.
Twenty years after Commerçon’s discovery, it was first published as ‘Buginvillea’ in Genera Plantarium by A.L. de Jusseau in 1789.  The genus was subsequently split in several ways until it was finally corrected to ‘Bougainvillea’ in the Index Kewensis in the 1930s.  Originally, B. spectabilis and B. glabra were hardly differentiated until the mid 1980s when botanists recognized them to be totally distinct species.  In early 19th century, these two species were the first to be introduced into Europe, and soon, nurseries in France and England did a thriving trade providing specimens to Australia and other faraway countries.  Meanwhile, Kew Gardens distributed plants it had propagated to British colonies throughout the world.  Soon thereafter, an important event in the history of bougainvillea took place with the discovery of a crimson bougainvillea in Cartagena, a Spanish port in the Mediterranean, by Mrs. R.V. Butt.  Originally thought to be a distinct species, it was named B. buttiana in her honour.  However, it was later discovered to be a natural hybrid of a variety of B. glabra and possibly B. peruviana – a “local pink bougainvillea” from Peru.  Natural hybrids were soon found to be common occurrences all over the world.  For instance, around the 1930s, when the three species were grown together, many hybrid crosses were created almost spontaneously in East Africa, India, the Canary Islands, Australia, North America, and the Philippines

Growth Cycles

The bougainvillea has two distinct growth cycles:

1. A vegetative growth period for several weeks — when new leaves and stems grow.  If the plant receives enough sunlight, the plant will form buds during this time. If there is not enough sunlight, the plant will remain in vegetative cycle and not progress to the blooming period.  This is usually the case if bougainvillea are grown as houseplants or brought indoors to winter-over.
2. A blooming period of several weeks when little or no vegetative growth occurs.  The length of time they will display color is dependent upon the health of the plant and the environment they are in; the more sun and heat, the better.  With at least 5 hours of direct sunlight per day, a typical, healthy bougainvillea will remain in a blooming period for 3 to 5 weeks.

Chia Seeds 

The word chia often conjures visions of those terra-cotta figurines that, when slathered with chia seeds, grow green “hair.” In reality, these healthful, edible seeds are a better source of omega-3 fatty acids than flax seed (the fats protect against inflammation and heart disease). Chia seeds come from the desert plant Salvia Hispanica, a member of the mint family that grows in southern Mexico.

Nutty-tasting whole-grain chia seeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, and they have among the highest antioxidant activity of any whole food–even more than fresh blueberries. And they do good stuff for the body, like keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control. The chia seeds you get in a Chia Pet have not been approved as food by the FDA, so get yours from a health food store, or order some online

vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, Chia benefits from its mild flavor, ease of use and diversity.
Here are just some of its many benefits:

Chia Seeds Are Incredibly Nutritious

A highly important fact is that Chia seeds have more health giving omega-3 than any other plant or marine source. Chia is loaded with antioxidants, fiber, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, protein and many other vitamins and minerals.

Chia Seeds Are Energizing

Not only do Chia seeds give you a boost of energy that lasts, they also provide stamina and endurance. About the amount in a single tablespoon could sustain Aztec warriors by providing energy for an entire day.

Chia Stabilizes Blood Sugar, Reduces Blood Glucose Swings and Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Chia’s soluble fiber provides a stabilizing influence on high blood glucose levels by regulating the rate at which complex carbohydrates from the food you consume are digested and assimilated in your body. This creates steady, stable blood glucose levels.

Chia Seed Supports Improved Mental Focus, Mood and Concentration

The essential fats in Chia are well known for helping improve brain function, elevating your mood and having strong anti-depressive effects. Chia’s balanced essential fats (omega-3 and omega-6) can significantly boost your brain power and brighten your mood. Essential fats make cell membranes more flexible, and enable more efficient membrane function, including better nerve transmission and nutrient transportation into cells.

Chia Helps Increase Lean Muscle Mass and Can Help with Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance

Chia is highly useful for weight loss and weight maintenance. Chia is suitable for all lifestyles and dietary regimens, including low carb diets and vegetarian diets. In addition, Chia’s essential fatty acids (see above) actually boost metabolism and contribute to optimal metabolic function, thereby serving to build and maintain lean muscle mass.

Chia Seeds Are Easily Digestible

Unlike flax seed, Chia seeds do not have to be ground up before you ingest them. The human body can easily digest Chia seeds, and with about 7 grams of fiber per serving, they actually help improve digestion and elimination.

Chia Seeds Are Convenient and Versatile

You can take Chia as a daily supplement or use powder form to mix with your favorite drink and sprinkle on your cereal or salad and just about anything else. Chia seeds last for years.

Chia Seed are High in Antioxidants

Chia Seed contain more antioxidants than blueberries. Antioxidants help prevent free-radical damage in your body. Free radicals lead to problematic conditions such as premature aging of the skin and inflammation of various tissues
Move over acai berries, chia seeds are here to stay. They are the latest in the long line of superfood fads that usually begin in LA and slowly make their way around the world. Like quinoa, kombucha and wheatgrass before them, chia seeds are currently feeding the health-food frenzy in fancy grocery stores around the world.
Chia, or Silvia Hispanic L, is a member of the mint family. With more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon, a wealth of antioxidants and minerals, they are a complete source of protein and pack more fiber than flax seeds. That makes them a front runner for the miracle seeds tag, and a must for anyone who wants to inject serious power into their nutrition and health routine.

The good news about chia?

They’re versatile: mix them in your dal or rice or add to couscous, along with a handful of quinoa, for a supercharged side-dish. Sprinkle over salads, add to yogurt and even experiment with adding them to flour while you are kneading the dough for chapattis. You can also soak them overnight to add to smoothies.

It’s an easy nutritional boost, upping your mineral, fiber, protein, and omega-3 intake with a few easy tweaks.

Natal Plums !!!!!Carissa grand flora



Natal Plums are often used in landscaping

 

Natal Plum copes well with salty winds, making it a good choice for coastal areas. It grows in mounds two to seven high and as wide. It’s tolerant of various lighting conditions and is a popular landscaping plant. Because of its double spines —a good identification characteristic —it makes a popular security hedge.

Natal Plums have shiny, deep green leaves and snowy white flowers. Their scent intensifies at night and they bloom for months at a time. The fruit appears in summer and fall, or fall and winter in warmer climates, and at the same time as it blooms. In moderate climates the fruits can appear throughout the year.There are  6 to 16 seeds in each fruit and each is about the size of one flat instant Quaker oat.

 

Natal Plum seeds!!!!!!A ripe fruit is one that is plum red and slightly soft to the touch. No peeling is necessary. Halved or quartered and seeded, it is suitable for fruit salads, gelatins and as topping for cakes, puddings and ice cream.

 

 

Natal Plums are often used in landscaping!!!!Natal Plums have shiny, deep green leaves and snowy white flowers. Their scent intensifies at night and they bloom for months at a time. The fruit appears in summer and fall, or fall and winter in warmer climates, and at the same time as it blooms

 

TIME OF YEAR: In the right climate, it blooms and fruits all year. Heaviest fruiting in spring and summer.
ENVIRONMENT: Drought tolerant, can endure salty soil, salty winds and heat. Likes full sun but can tolerate some shade. Because of these qualities it is used — despite it spines and toxic foliage — as a landscaping plant, most often for businesses.
METHOD OF PREPARATION:  Only the ripe fruit is edible, raw or cooked. The rest of the plant is very toxic. Watch out for the spines.



 

 

                                                                

 

             

           

There are two main varieties of lemons acid and sweet. The acid lemons include: Lisbon and Eureka. The sweet lemons include: Meyer and Ponderosa. Commercially grown lemon trees can reach heights of up to 20 feet. Lemons are very sensitive to cold and must be grown in areas that are not prone to frost. They also require full sunlight.

Lemons are not very particular in the type of... soil that they are grown in. Many lemon trees are actually built on the sour orange root stock to make them hardier. Typically a lemon tree is not grown from seed in the home garden instead a tree will be bought from a nursery. Lemons may be grown in containers as well as in the ground. Lemon trees do not require pruning other than if cold damage is present.

Nutritional Values of Lemons

Serving size 1/2 cup, sectioned, peeled (106g)
Amounts Per Serving % Daily Value
Calories 30
... Calories from Fat 5g
Total Fat 0g 0%
Sodium 5mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 10g 3%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Sugars 3g
Protein 1g
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 90%
Calcium 2%
Iron 4%
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Lemons
When choosing a lemon it is important to look for fruits which are firm and bright in color. Lemons that have a fine texture and feel heavy for their size typically produce the most juice.

A medium sized lemon produces approximately 3 tablespoons of juice and 3 tablespoons of grated zest. Both of which can be frozen for future use. In order to get the most juice from your lemons microwave them for about 15 seconds or roll it against a hard surface before juicing.

A fresh lemon should last about 2 weeks at room temperature; however, when stored in a plastic bag in the crisper of the refrigerator a lemon can last up to 6 weeks.

Lemons have a multitude of purposes. They are a great flavoring agent. They are beautiful to use as an edible garnish. They also are useful as natural cleaning purposes.

Lemon Concerns and Cautions

Because of the exceptionally high content of Vitamin C in lemons it is important to monitor your daily consumption of Vitamin C in order to avoid intestinal discomfort and diarrhea

 Does the Lemonade Diet Work?

The Lemonade Diet, also known as the Lemonade Detox Diet, has been around for quite some time, and is among the first diets to actually be termed a “cleanse” since the goal of the system is to both get rid of toxins in your body, as well as help you lose weight. Even though the Lemonade Diet has been around for years, it hasn’t become popular until relatively recently.  The key to making the system work involves the special blend of Lemonade Diet ingredients. The diet restricts what you can eat to just a few things: fresh lemon juice, organic maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and filtered water.

How Maple Syrup Plays a Role with the Lemonade Diet

Using a special blend of Grade B maple syrup is necessary when you are on the Lemonade Diet because your body still needs vitamins and minerals even as it detoxifies itself. Since Grade B maple syrup goes through a different process once it comes out of the tree from collection to bottling, it is suited better for a cleansing diet than regular Grade A syrup. The nice part of about the maple syrup is that it help control the feeling of being hungry in your stomach. Often, the feeling of being hungry can grow to such an extreme level that you might start feeling intense pain. With the maple syrup in the mix, your body is still able to get a decent amount of the vitamins and minerals it needs on a daily basis, while at the same time it contains enough sugar to satisfy your stomach’s biological need for food.

 

 

Beauty of Spring in the Summer – Botanical Garden

Working in a garden is an all-round health booster. Some people, especially women, love taking care of their gardens and are passionate about gardening as a personal interest/hobby. Gardening is not only for nature lovers but it can also help improve your health and induce a therapy for your stressed-out mind. Additionally, when a gardener grows fruits and vegetables etc in their garden, they are more likely to eat them as they have invested their time, money and hard work in them. Understandably, these vegetables and fruits help us gives life to our brain cells and protects one from aging.

Gardening is the Best Health-Booster!

 

Following are the ways in which you may be able to use gardening as a stress reliever and health-booster:

1. Gardening gives you a break from the general rush of life. This not only benefits your general well-being but specifically enhances your strength and flexibility. Moreover, weeding, raking, digging, and lifting serve to increase stamina and build muscle tone. Such activities not only improve your physical fitness but also help reduce depression and anxiety.
2. Greenery in a garden helps ease your muscles and lowers your blood pressure. Generally speaking, green is a cool color which has a calming and serene effect on your mental health and state of mind.
3. Gardening gives you an excellent opportunity to grow vegetables and Fruits which have a high nutrition value and also taste a lot better than the ones available in the market. It is observed that gardeners tend to eat more fruits and vegetables than others and consider their healthy eating patterns to be one of the rewards. A few easily grown vegetables and fruits in your house garden are cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, mangoes, carrots etc.
4. An hours of moderate gardening will result in 300 calories burnt, on average. Essentially, gardening acts as a natural gym for a gardener and helps you exert off unwanted calories. So, gardening also helps reduce your weight and saves you from diseases related to obesity.
5. Gardening also provides various items which can make your skin look healthy. A good example is Aloe Vera which helps heal chronic skin disorders like acne skin and minor burns etc. Herbal medicines can also be extracted and processed from your own garden if you have the time and knowledge.
6. When you work in your Garden, you absorb the light and heat of the sun which helps produce Vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D helps prevent from 16 different types of cancer including pancreatic, lung, breast, ovarian, prostate and colon cancers etc
Hope you find these tips interesting enough to adopt gardening as an active hobby. Stay good, stay fit=)