|
Written by Scott Sullivan
|
|
Wednesday, 03 June 2009 10:37 |
|
An introduction to the tools of the trade for new gardeners. You don't need to fill your shed with a huge array of shiny expensive items to get started in the garden! Getting out into the garden is increasingly popular once more, many people find that it helps them to relax and there is a sense of satisfaction as you see your plants grow and your garden develop into something special. In this series of articles I will introduce new gardeners to the art of gardening. It is not something that can be learnt overnight, but that is part of the appeal. There is always something new to learn, no matter how old, young or experienced you are! Clearly, you are going to need some tools to get started. When you go to the Home Depot or the hardware shop to buy your first set of garden tools, you will be faced with a bewildering array. So what do you really need? The first question to ask is “am I a vegetable gardener, an ornamental gardener or both?” For most people, the answer will probably be both, a lot depends on the size of your garden and why you want to garden. So this set of tools should cover both needs and assumes that you are starting a garden from scratch – just a bare patch of ground, no hedges, shrubs, lawn etc. Garden Fork – essential tool for breaking the ground, Garden Spade – needed for turning over the soil and digging holes for larger plants, Hand Trowel – great as a mini-spade for planting bulbs, bedding and small plants, Hoe – quick weeding tool, but don’t let the weeds get too large or you will need the trowel, Rake – for preparing seedbeds and can also be used to gather up leaves etc. and maybe a Gardening Basket for collecting and moving weeds, stones etc (if your garden is large, get a wheelbarrow instead). If you have a neglected and overgrown garden you would need to consider buying these tools ... Pruning Shears – sharp hand tool used for trimming shrubs, roses and similar woody plants, Loppers – similar to Pruning Shears but with stronger and larger jaws, longer (often extendible) handles for trimming thicker branches, Shears – for trimming foliage and cutting down large weeds prior to digging them out. OK, so what about the quality? Beware of the very cheapest tools as they will not last long, especially if they are used a lot but there is no need to buy the most expensive either, unless your garden is large or your soil is heavy clay. When you buy, check that the handles are firmly fixed and don’t feel flimsy, that the metal parts look to be well machined and the shafts are not warped. Consider also how light the tools are, turning over the soil can be hard work, you can reduce the effort needed by choosing lighter garden implements. The down side is that they may be light because the manufacturer has compromised on quality. Take time to consider the options and don't rush into your first tool purchases. So, setting up as a new gardener need not cost a fortune, but you will need to spend some money on gardeners tools, however, if you spend your tool budget wisely , it will leave more for the hard and soft landscaping of your garden. Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com. Author: Kev Woodward |
|
|
Written by Scott Sullivan
|
|
Monday, 06 April 2009 09:08 |
|
Once again the Easter holiday will be arriving. It's a magical time for children to enjoy chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chicks and jellybean-filled Easter eggs. Easter has become an increasingly secular celebration, in which people rejoice at the coming of spring and its promise of new life. The true meaning of Easter, in the eyes of all denominations of the Christian faith, is the commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion. For most, church services will be held to honor Jesus' sacrifice, joyous hymns will be sung and afterword family will gather for an Easter feast and games for the children. Easter has deep roots in history, and the explanation is long and detailed. In most historical accounts, missionaries of the early Christian church noticed that the pagan celebrations revolved around the spring equinox. The pagan goddess of fertility and birth was celebrated at this time and was called Eostre. The missionaries adopted the celebratory tradition into a Christian holiday. What about the Easter Bunny?
The Easter Bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have its origins in Alsace and southwestern Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1600s. The first edible Easter Bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s and were made of pastry and sugar. The Easter Bunny was introduced to America by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s. The arrival of the Easter Bunny (in German "Oschter Haws") was considered one of "childhood's greatest pleasures," similar to the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. According to the tradition, children would build brightly colored nests, often out of caps and bonnets, in secluded areas of their homes. The Easter Bunny would, if the children had been good, lay brightly colored eggs in the nest. In North America, parents tell their children that eggs and other treats have been delivered and hidden by the Easter Bunny in an Easter basket which children find waiting for them when they wake up. How did Easter eggs make it into the holiday? The ancient Egyptians, Persians, Phoenicians, and Hindus all believed the world began with an enormous egg, thus the egg as a symbol of new life has been around for eons. The first book to mention Easter eggs by name was written five hundred years ago. Yet, a North African tribe that had become Christian much earlier in time had a custom of coloring eggs at Easter. Long hard winters often meant little food, and a fresh egg for Easter was quite a prize. Later, Christians abstained from eating meat during the Lenten season prior to Easter. Easter was the first chance to enjoy eggs and meat after the long abstinence. Today, Easter eggs are generally connected with the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts. For many decades now, young children have taken part in Easter egg hunts, searching for colorful eggs laid by the Easter bunny in the grass. Easter egg hunts have become a traditional part of American Easter celebrations, with the White House and many community churches hosting annual Easter egg hunts each year. We all celebrate in our own way. While we all may celebrate Easter in different ways around the world, and even here in our own neighborhood, the important thing is - remembering Jesus' life, teachings, sacrifice and resurrection, enjoying time with our families, coloring Easter eggs and watching the smiles on our children's faces as they discover their baskets of goodies. No matter how you choose to spend your Easter, make the most of it and have a great time! (Some portions of this article are taken from various sources, the rest is all from your friendly neighborhood Webmaster. The article is shortened to be very basic as there is enough Easter history to fill a small book. Enjoy!) |
|
|
Written by Scott Sullivan
|
|
Monday, 05 January 2009 22:17 |
|
I amalgamated the big 10 from different sources and added a bit myself: 1. Quit Smoking: Unlike thirty years ago, the effects of smoking have become common knowledge. Not only are you putting yourself at risk for throat cancer and lung cancer, but you are putting others at risk as well. Inhaling second hand smoke is now known to cause cancer. That puts a different light on things when you are smoking around your children and loved ones. Join other Americans this year and quit smoking for good. There are many different aids available to help you quit (nicotine patch, gum, pills, and therapy) so you have no excuse. 2. Lose Weight: This has to be the second most common resolution. With the rise in obese Americans who are getting diabetes solely due to their weight, this also becomes an important health issue. The show Biggest Loser is bringing hope back for those who need to lose weight. You can log on to their website and get all the training you need to exercise and eat healthy. You don't have to starve yourself to be thin either. There are so many resources available you just have to do the research. Don't use diet pills or starvation. That is a temporary fix, not a permanent solution to the problem. Go to NBC.com and click on the Biggest Loser show (I watch this show myself - Your Webmaster). 3. Quit Drinking: Drinking is also unhealthy for your body, killing your liver and causing super huge beer bellies in men. This New Year's get help if you have a drinking problem. Look to your friends, family and churches/synagogues/temple for some positive support. Love and prayer can go a long way to helping you if you are having trouble with this one.
4. Go back to School: A lot of older Americans have a dream of going back to school. I found out that it is actually easier to get financial aid the older you are. Go ahead and apply and see what you are offered. If you can only take a course at a time than do it. There is no rule on how long you can take to finish and get your degree. 5. Spend more time with your family: It is common for most families to hold down several jobs to make ends meet. It is not very healthy, however, to neglect relationships with your family members. We only have one life so let's make it a point to schedule in time for our families.
6. Try something new: I love this one. Think of something you have always wanted to try, but where scared to try. You may find that you hate it, but you may find that you love it. SCUBA diving, rock climbing, karaoke or whatever you may have in mind.
7. Work on Your Spiritual Growth: We should never take our spiritual lives for granted. It should be your number one priority. Get deeper in to God's Word this year and make a commitment to attend your church or other religious gatherings regularly. Studies have shown that those who pray live longer lives. Prayer helps reduce stress and as we all know stress can do terrible things to your physical body. This is one of my personal favorites. Reading scriptures is not only a way to better educate yourself on your faith, but can actually relieve some stress and, as always, uplifts the spirit.
8. Take a trip: We all need a little time away. Even if you can only take a weekend trip one-hour away, I would encourage you to do it. You will find that you will feel rejuvenated when you return. You will be more alert and productive. So if you are stressed out or you just need a little break start planning a little getaway. For tight budgets try looking a little closer to home. There's lots to see here in Texas.
9. Pay off that Christmas Debt: Most people put their Christmas purchases on their credit card. That then leads them to use one of their New Year's resolutions on paying off their credit cards. Once you have done that though, don't stop there. Start saving money for next Christmas so you won't have to use your credit cards again.
10. Get a better job: If you feel that you aren’t getting paid enough or might be better qualified in another area, by all means look for a new job this year. I would recommend that you don't quit your current job until you have found and been offered the new job. |
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 1 of 2 |
