Troubleshooting Jacaranda Tree Problems: Caring For Ailing Jacaranda Trees

By Teo Spengler The jacaranda tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia, Jacaranda acutifolia) is an unusual and attractive small garden specimen. It has delicate, fernlike foliage and dense clusters of lavender trumpet-shaped flowers. The fragrant blossoms grow from the branch tips. Some 40 feet tall with soft, spreading leaves, the jacaranda is a tree you don't forget easily. But even beautiful trees can have problems, and you will sometimes see ailing jacaranda trees. Read on for information about problems with jacaranda trees. Jacaranda Tree Problems Problems with jacaranda trees are generally minor, ranging from a few insect issues to cultural problems. However, the tree is also susceptible to a serious jacaranda tree disease, a lethal bacterial infection. The jacaranda tree can get aphids and scale, just like many other garden plants. Another insect pest, the glassy-winged sharpshooter, can also infest its leaves. Get rid of these pests by spraying with insecticidal soap or

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Types Of Tillandsia – How Many Varieties Of Air Plants Are

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener, http://www.summitspringsgardenwriting.com/ Air plant (Tillandsia) is the largest member of the bromeliad family, which includes the familiar pineapple. How many varieties of air plants are there? Although estimates vary, most agree there are at least 450 different types of tillandsia, not to mention countless hybrid varieties, and no two air plant varieties are exactly the same. Ready to learn about a few different types of air plants? Keep reading. Types of Tillandsia Tillandsia plant types are epiphytes, a huge group of plants with roots that anchor the plant to a host – often a tree or a rock. Epiphytes are different from parasitic plants because, unlike parasites, they take no nutrients from the host plant. Instead, they survive by absorbing nutrients from the air, from composted material on the host plant, and from the rain. Examples of well-known epiphytes include various mosses,

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Adventures in Decorating, Thrifting, Cooking, Fashion & Gardening

Aloe Plant Blooms – Learn About Flowering Aloe Vera Plants

By Bonnie L. Grant Aloe plants are commonly found in houses, apartments, offices and other interior spaces. The Aloe family is large and comprises of plants from an inch tall up to 40 feet in height. While Aloes begin life as small rosettes, resembling flowers, these are actually made up of leaves. Does Aloe bloom? Aloe flowers are not often formed in interior situations, but you can give the plant some special care and exposure to encourage blooming on mature plants. Read on for some tips for flowering Aloe vera plants. Does Aloe Vera Bloom? There are over 400 species in the family Aloe, with Aloe vera one of the most popular forms. These easy to grow succulents tolerate a range of light neglect and thrive in well-draining, gritty soil, full sun and regular water. Aloe plant blooms rise from an inflorescence which soars above the attractive rosettes. Only mature

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BBC's Wartime Farm: A Preparedness Review

If you love modern history, homesteading, and all things survivalist/ preparedness, and have run out of series to binge-watch on Netflix, may I humbly suggest to you BBC's Wartime Farm?

Wartime Farm is an eight-part documentary series released in 2012 that chronicles the adventures of a team of archeologists and historians who run a farm in Southampton, England, the way that it would have been run during the early 1940s during the second world war. They wear period clothing, use period machinery, and eat period meals. Along the way, the main cast explores rationing, the technology available during the period, as well as the socio-political aspects of the war. If you are interested in emergency preparedness, even if the war itself has no interest for you, this show is a goldmine of wisdom. History tells us that if it can happen once, it can happen again, and there but for the Grace of God go we.

This type of show is probably not everyone's cup of tea, but you have to admit that it takes a certain degree of talent to make plowing, sewing, and laundry interesting – especially eight hours of it.

Other topics covered:

1. Washing hair with soapwort


2. Raising rabbits


3. Building a temporary structure out of bales of hay


4. Making silage


5. Cooking lots of depressing 1940s-era meals (this era must be where Britain got is reputation for cuisine)


6. Plucking chickens


7. Rat extermination

All this, and more! And it's engaging and interesting enough that I was inspired to actually go out and buy soapwort seeds so I could copy what I saw on television.

Reliance on Farming During the War

“The plow was the farmer's principle weapon of war.”

Every episode opens with this statement from one of the cast members. Farming became a reserved occupation during the War, which meant that farmers were exempt from the draft. Prior to the war, two-thirds of all Britain's food was imported, so when the German submarines enforced a blockade, the British knew they'd have to more than double food production or starve.

Britain's farmers had many tricks up their sleeve in order to meet the demand. These included using prisoners of war as agricultural workers and plowing up any teeny bits of irregularly-shaped land that could be found. Because farmers could not grow hay, they fed their animals things like beet tops, nettles, and the weeds that grow in churchyards.

In modern America, people choose to be thrifty in order to save money. In Wartime Britain, people had to be thrifty because there were no other options, period. You had to make every last scrap of everything count because even if you had money, you could not go out to the store to buy more of it.

READ MORE: 

• “16 Super-Frugal Tips to Save Loads of Money on Entertainment & Holidays“


• “18 Tips for Enjoying a Frugal Lifestyle“


• “31 Super-Frugal Tips for Saving Money on Food“


• “43 Super-Frugal Tips For Cutting Down on Household Expenses“

“Make Do And Mend”

If you could condense the series into one phrase, it would be this one. Here's a perfect example: the farm simulated preparations made for receiving evacuees from London. To do this, the cast had to fix up some of the out buildings and make them habitable, but the roofs had holes in them. Buying tiles for repairing the roofs was out of the question because all the factories that used to make tiles are now making munitions. So what do you do? You pull out some rusty machines that were obsolete in the '20s and make tiles in your backyard! And then you distill some hard cider while you're at it. Most of the show seems to consist of dealing with rusty machinery, come to think of it. And the rest of it entails resurrecting trade skills – like blacksmithing – that hadn't been used in decades.

In this way, the series almost serves as a call to action. The way Wartime Farm tells it, possessing skills that were widely considered “obsolete” is what saved Britain. If there hadn't been people around who knew how to use those ancient tile-making machines and how to build a kiln to fire them, what would you have done? With little clothing available for purchase, how else would you have clothed yourself or your children if you didn't have any sewing ability?

I would be remiss if I didn't mention my son's favorite segment. As part of the Christmas episode, one of the guys makes a toy airplane out of a tin can and some roofing nails. My six-year-old thinks this is the height of technology, and has often asked us to make him an identical plane out of our many empty #10 cans. That we lack the tools and knowledge to do so makes us, in his view, somewhat lacking as parents. But more importantly, the necessity of having to make a toy out of a tin can at all highlights the differing attitudes towards toys between then and now.

Today, children have more toys than they know what to do with, and people make jokes about how a child's playthings reproduce at night until the house is completely overrun. Many children in 1940s Britain witness their homes being destroyed and their families torn apart. Something as simple as a tin can airplane would have been an absolute treasure.

Not All Was Sunshine and Rainbows

The final episode briefly touches on some of the negative consequences of the farming methods employed during the war. British farmers couldn't afford to use their land to grow feed for livestock because it was needed to grow food for humans. As a result, a great number of animals were culled. In agriculture today we refer to “rare breeds” of livestock – this event is why so many breeds of farm animals are considered “rare.”

The war also introduced a number of government farm-related regulations that were arguably necessary given the circumstances, but in the United States we would consider them abhorrent examples of government overreach. The Ministry of Agriculture had the power to grade farms based on their efficiency, and if you failed inspection, the government had the power to take your farm away and give it to someone else. After the war, people had the opportunity to vote on whether to keep the new regulations or dispense with them. The voters ultimately decided to keep the regulations.

In addition to the TV series, the cast wrote a book entitled Wartime Farm, which is available for purchase. The series itself is not available as DVDs, but it can be found on YouTube. If you enjoy Wartime Farm, you should also check out additional series done by the same people: Victorian Farm, Edwardian Farm, and Tudor Monastery Farm.

If you cant find Wartime Farm on any networks, it can be purchased via Amazon.

Aspen Tree Care: Tips For Planting A Quaking Aspen Tree

By Teo Spengler Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) are lovely in the wild, and enjoy the most extensive native range of any tree on the continent. Their leaves have flattened petioles, so they tremble in every light breeze. You may have admired aspens lighting up park slopes with brilliant yellow fall color. But be sure to read up on quaking aspen tree facts before you plant them in your backyard. Cultivated aspens can be a problem to a homeowner. Read on for information about the pros and cons of planting a quaking aspen tree, and how to grow quaking aspen trees. Quaking Aspen Tree Facts Before planting a quaking aspen tree in your garden, you'll need to understand the pros and cons of cultivated aspen trees. Some gardeners love them, some do not. Aspen trees grow very quickly and are very hardy. That means that you can “furnish” a new backyard

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Camellia Container Care: How To Grow A Camellia In A Pot

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener, http://www.summitspringsgardenwriting.com/ Camellia (Camellia japonica) is a flowering shrub that produces big, splashy flowers – one of the first shrubs to produce blooms in late winter or spring. Although camellias can be somewhat picky about their growing conditions, container grown camellias are definitely possible. In fact, growing camellias in containers is an ideal way to produce the perfect situation for this spectacular plant. Read on to learn how to grow a camellia in a pot. How to Grow a Camellia in a Pot Growing camellias in containers is easy. Camellias prefer well-drained, acidic soil, preferably with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. A commercial mix for rhododendrons or azaleas is perfect. Alternatively, make your own mix by mixing coarse peat moss or small pine bark with coarse sand in equal parts. Avoid fine peat moss, which tends to quickly become too dry

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deer-resistant plants, with broken arrow's adam wheeler

GARDEN VISITORS ask me all the time, pointing to this or that: “Is it deer proof?” Well, truth be told, [read more…]

The post deer-resistant plants, with broken arrow's adam wheeler appeared first on A Way To Garden.

What Is Commercial Landscaping – Information On Commercial Landscape Design

By Karen Boness, Owner of Wild Willow Landscape Design, ISA Certified Arborist, Certified Permaculture Designer What is commercial landscaping? It is a multi-faceted landscaping service that includes planning, design, installation and maintenance for businesses big and small. Learn more about the profession in this article. What Do Commercial Landscapers Do? What do commercial landscapers do? Commercial landscape design and services do a lot more than you might think. It is not just mow and blow. Commercial landscapers can help you plan and install a work place frontage that is within your budget and inviting. They can provide monthly or seasonal maintenance services for weeding, mowing, trimming, pruning and plant replacement. They can proactively see what needs to be done so your business looks its best. There are many benefits to investing in your commercial landscape. Unattractive landscaping gives your customers a bad impression. On the other hand, studies show that

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That Beautiful Vegetable Garden!

Happy Memorial Day weekend to you all! It's been gorgeous here in Atlanta and the summer heat is starting to creep up on us, as it always does. I hope you all are enjoying yourselves too. We have a week of family time with those baby girls and Lauren home for a week, so that's extra fun for us.

It's only been a couple of weeks ago that I shared my daddy's vegetable garden, but it's growing so swiftly that I thought another post was in order.

The post That Beautiful Vegetable Garden! appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

7 Reasons to Protect Your Devices Against Electromagnetic Pulse

Definition: Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP): A burst of electromagnetic radiation that can damage electrical and electronic devices, observed as a byproduct of a nuclear explosion.

EMP risk

Could an atmospheric nuclear explosion in just the right place over the U.S. cause massive damage from the ensuing EMP pulse? Absolutely, the evidence is strong that potential EMP effects would be wide-ranging and would be very difficult from which to recover. When many people first learn of this potential, devastating disaster, they often wonder if there's any use in protecting electronics from electromagnetic pulse - electronics that, if they remained undamaged - could provide an enormous survival advantage.

DIY PROJECT: Learn about making a homemade Faraday container with these instructions. These types of containers are known to protect electronic equipment.

A great read about these effects is the Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack (2008), a report to the U.S. Congress. It's more readable than you might think.

EMP Report

The EMP Commission, as it has come to be known, used historical and experimental data to analyze expected damage in all aspects of modern society. For the most part, the EMP causes damage by inducing strong, damaging electrical currents in wires and unprotected electronic components.

But as time goes on, I'm more and more convinced that doomsday scenarios of an EMP attack on the U.S. that totally destroys all electronics and takes down our whole electrical grid are popular because they're easy. The scenarios are “easy” because if you assume all electronics are fried by the EMP, you don't have to worry about reconstituting our electronics-dependent civilization. However, there are a lot of reasons to believe that while an EMP attack would cause significant damage, it is not an automatic “extinction-level event,” and we actually have some control over our destiny.

Let's define our discussion: All of us have electronic devices upon which we save important information: phone numbers, addresses, business transactions, documents, photos, etc. Whether it's a smartphone, a computer, ebook reader, a flash drive, or a digital camera, all of our devices have some level of vulnerability to damage from a strong electromagnetic pulse. Modern vehicles and appliances have all become electronics-dependent as well. But vulnerability does not automatically doom the device; your behavior can reduce the vulnerability.

Reality check

The potential launch of a nuclear-tipped missile into the atmosphere above the U.S., which would be the most effective way to generate a damaging EMP, has been on the radar of our military for many years. In particular, after their embarrassing inability to make a significant impact on the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 our military services and Department of Homeland Security have paid greater attention to asymmetrical threats against the Homeland:

• Some military command, control, and communications systems have been “hardened” against EMP effects since the Cold War days.


• Our military services regularly plan for and practice supporting state and local governments in disasters, known as “DSCA,” or “Defense Support of Civil Authorities.”


• The Navy and Coast Guard actively watch for unusual cargo ship behavior, as this is one platform from which an EMP-causing ballistic missile could be fired close to the U.S. mainland.


• The Navy and Air Force routinely launch interceptors to investigate unusual aircraft approaching U.S. airspace.


• While not generally publicized, the U.S. has anti-missile defense systems fielded by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. National Missile Defense is alive and well in the U.S.


• The National Operations Center in Washington D.C. has near-instantaneous and simultaneous communications with the emergency management “Warning Points” in all 50 states. A missile warning can be transmitted in seconds, allowing critical infrastructure like power grids and communications networks to shut down and limit damage to EMP-vulnerable components.


• Federal, state, and local emergency management officials can now use the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) to alert the public to take specific actions like shutting down communications devices, stopping industrial processes like water and fuel pipeline systems, and urging people to exit potentially hazardous areas like elevators. Warning messages can be customized based on the facts of the situation.

EMP characteristics

The strength of the EMP pulse of energy is dependent on distance, sort of like a flash from a fireworks display: close up, the flash can be powerful and almost blinding, but from several miles away the light is weaker, less bright. Similar to light, the pulse affects things within its' line-of-sight, meaning that in many cases terrain and built-up urban areas will create “shadow” areas unaffected by the pulse. So some people will receive a strong pulse, which could damage their electronics; others will be in the shadow and their electronics will probably be OK.

So what's the point of protecting electronics?

If such a disastrous event would occur, what would be the point of protecting our electronics? After all, so many of them are used in very trivial ways. Even so, there are several very important reasons to take the time and effort necessary to keep them safe from the effects of EMP. They can hold vast amounts of information, the equivalent of thousands of books. Although we all love our books for reference and entertainment, when my Kindle holds over 230 books (and each of my kids has their own Kindle with nearly the same number), it's impossible to say that hard copies are always better.

Here are just a few more reasons why protecting electronics from EMP is rational:

1. Survival information - If you haven't yet downloaded and stored large quantities of information related to survival, do it now. Many of these resources are completely free. (Check out this list right here on Survival Mom.) Store medical and first aid information on an old laptop, old smartphones, and ebook readers, such as a Kindle. Download books about herbal remedies, food preservation, and off grid living.


2. Educational resources - Once the dust has settled, and life may never return to “normal” again, it will be up to parents and others in the community to provide an education for children. Homeschooling will almost certainly be required. Download classic literature, non-fiction books related to science, nature, history, and government. Ambleside Online, a free homeschool curriculum, has excellent lists of books, many of which are completely free as ebooks.


3. Entertainment - Your kids reliance on electronics, and even your own, may be a total waste of time, but in a worst case scenario in which your family's lifestyle changes dramatically, overnight, sources of entertainment could prove to be life-saving. Anything with stored movies, TV shows, music, and recorded books will help relieve stress and provide an important distraction.


4. Keep historical information intact - Family photos and videos, geneological records, local history, U.S. History, the U.S. Constitution - these will all provide a touchstone to the past. In the book A Canticle for Leibowitz, after a cataclysmic event that destroys virtually all civilization, only a very few written records survive. One is a single scrap of paper, a portion of an old grocery list! Those who survive in a post-EMP world, however long the grid failure lasts, will want and need more than that in order to preserve and continue civilization as well as their heritage.


5. Provide resources for spiritual renewal - Whether or not one is a church goer, a world that suddenly becomes a very scary, and likely very violent, will require inner strength. Copies of the Bible and other books of inspiration can easily be stored on ebook readers, computers, and smartphones.


6. Tactical advantages - Having information and the ability to communicate via ham radio or walkie-talkies will give survivors, whether an individual or a group, an advantage over those who do not have those abilities.


7. Earn money - With a vast amount of information, the ability to communicate and relay messages, provide entertainment and spiritual support, you'll have the tools to earn an income and/or barter for products and services you need most.

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What's the point in protecting electronics from EMP?
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Carefully building one or more Faraday containers and then taking pains to protect individual electronic items is hardly a fool's errand with all these advantages those devices provide.

Actions you can take to protect your electronics from EMP

The safest place for your electronics during an EMP is inside a metal box, (steel is a better conductor than aluminum), commonly referred to as a “Faraday Cage.” Metal tool boxes, file cabinets, even aluminum foil can shield your device from EMP.

The important thing is to makes sure the container is sealed by closing all openings, and is free of wiring that protrudes through the side of the container. The container receives the EMP pulse and conducts it around the outside, protecting the contents of the container from the EMP pulse. A quick test to check that your container is doing its job is to put a cellular phone inside and close it up; then call the phone with another phone. If you hear it ring inside the container, the container isn't effective as a Faraday Cage. If it doesn't ring, you can have some confidence that it will afford some level of protection for electronics kept inside.

An old metal first aid box makes a decent Faraday Cage

At home and around the office, the next best defense for your electronics is to connect all power supplies to quality surge protectors. If the EMP pulse isn't strong enough to kill your connected electronics immediately, they still may be vulnerable to the expected electrical current surge. The surge suppressor may or may not help, but it is an inexpensive additional protection.

One last protective measure is to have a whole-house lightning arrestor installed in your electrical panel. The part is less than $100, but it should be installed by an electrician. It absorbs a current surge, such as that from a nearby lightning strike. Not a 100% solution, but every level of protection you add tips the scales in your favor.

Invest in quality surge suppressors

The Cloud

Another reason to protect your electronics is that we have learned to back up and protect data outside of our devices. The ubiquitous “Cloud” backs up a great deal of our data, just in the course of life. I've noticed that my Windows 10 laptop steers me into using their “OneDrive” cloud-based storage by default, requiring me to consciously choose to store documents on my laptop if I disagree. Smartphones often use their data providers' backup systems, another “Cloud” variant. So in addition to being able to restore your contact list when you drop your phone in the toilet, in many cases a good part of your data is backed up by your carrier.

READ MORE: The Cloud isn't just for worst-case-scenario data storage but for dozens of other, everyday survival applications. Read more here.

Professional data centers are well-protected against electrical hazards, and backup protocols regularly create off-line copies for disaster recovery. Protect your devices so you can make use of the backups that probably will survive. Having your stored information on more than one device is an inexpensive way to provide this protection yourself.

A last thought

We are raising an entire generation that was brought up with home computers, tablet devices, and smartphones. In many cases, your teenager is much more tech-savvy as to these devices that you are. Can you imagine the loss and disorientation they are going to feel when their world of connectivity is heavily damaged by an EMP? If for no other reason, protect your devices for the next generation.

Read more about life after EMP

• 77 Days in September by Ray Gorham


• Cyber Storm by Matthew Mather


• Dies the Fire: A Novel of the Change by S.M. Stirling


• Grid Down Reality Bites by Bruce Hemming


• Going Home by A. American


• Into the Darkness by Doug Kelly


• Land by Theresa Shaver - Watch my video review.


• The Last Layover by Steven Bird


• Last Light by Terri Blackstock - Christian fiction


• Lights Out by David Crawford - One of the first books to focus on EMP and still a very good read.


• Lights Out by Ted Koppel - non-fiction. Reviewed here.


• Outage by Ellisa Barr - We reviewed this book here.


• The Perseid Collapse by Steven Konkoly


• Post Grid: An Arizona EMP Adventure by Tony & Nancy Martineau


• The Wandering Highway by Ike W. Warren

More information here on this blog

• Another Look at Faraday Cages


• The Basics of EMP: What is it? How likely? How to Prepare?


• EMP Survival & The First 15 Things You Must Do Immediately After an EMP


• How to Make a Faraday Cage


• Post-EMP Survival: What if you can't get home?


• What's in Your Faraday Cage? A Common Sense Guide to Preparing For an EMP


• Why and How to Protect Your Gear From EMP


• Would a Long-Term Blackout Mean Nuclear Meltdown

Solid Green Spider Plants: Why Is Spider Plant Losing Green Color

By Darcy Larum, Landscape Designer There are many reasons a spider plant may become discolored. If your spider plant is losing green color or you discover that part of a usually variegated spider plant is solid green, continue reading to learn some reasons and solutions. Why is Spider Plant Losing Green Color? In variegated plants, the white colored parts lack chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. If your spider plant is losing its green color, it is not able to absorb enough energy from the sun to keep it healthy and vigorous. Most commonly this bleaching of the leaves is caused by too much sunlight. With too much sun, our skin tans or burns, but sunburn in plants causes leaves to bleach and blanch. For a spider plant that is turning white, first trying putting it in an area with less direct light. Spider plants especially don't like direct afternoon sun. If

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Are You Guilty of Hoarding? How to Prepare for Coming Shortages

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

Hoarding is normal by humans during times of scarcity. It is how the smart survive while the foolish perish. You accumulate or store additional provisions that you likely will need later but due to forces beyond your control, are unable to get.

The post Are You Guilty of Hoarding? How to Prepare for Coming Shortages appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

What Is Lethal Yellowing Disease: Learn About Lethal Yellowing Of Palms

By Jackie Carroll Lethal yellowing is a tropical disease that affects several species of palm. This disfiguring disease can devastate landscapes in South Florida that rely on palms. Find out about lethal yellowing treatment and detection in this article. What is Lethal Yellowing? As the name implies, lethal yellowing is a fatal disease. It is caused by a phytoplasma, which is a microscopic organism a little less sophisticated than a bacteria. Insects called planthoppers carry the phytoplasma from tree to tree. Planthoppers can't survive at temperatures below freezing, and this prevents the disease from spreading into other parts of the country. Lethal yellowing disease can't be controlled by killing the insect vector because insecticides often fail to come into contact with these constantly moving, flying insects. Lethal yellowing disease affects coconut palms, date palms, and a few other palm species. In the U.S., it occurs in the lower third of

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Medinilla Information – Tips On Caring For Medinilla Plants

By Darcy Larum, Landscape Designer Sometimes called Rose Grape, Philipinne Orchid, Pink Lantern plant or Chandelier tree, Medinilla magnifica is small evergreen shrub native to the Philippines where it is usually found growing on trees in tropical forests. However, Medinilla has been grown for hundreds of years as an exotic houseplant, once prized in Belgium by the wealthy and noble. Learn how you, too, can grow this exotic species. Medinilla Information Medinilla is a tropical shrub that can grow up to 4 ft. tall. It grows like epiphytic orchids, in holes and crotches of trees. Unlike orchids, though, Medinilla does not feed on the trees it grows from. Medinilla has large succulent green leaves. In late spring to early summer, the plant is covered by drooping clusters of delicate pink flowers that look somewhat like grapes or wisteria flowers. These flowers are what gives the plant all its folk names.

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Alternative Feeds for Livestock

Written by R. Ann Parris on The Prepper Journal.

Having some backup ideas and methods in place as alternate feeds is rarely a bad thing, especially if we're counting on meat rabbits and chickens, eggs, and milk in a collapse or Great Depression situation.

The post Alternative Feeds for Livestock appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

What Is Landscape Architecture: What Does A Landscape Architect Do

By Karen Boness, Owner of Wild Willow Landscape Design, ISA Certified Arborist, Certified Permaculture Designer The process for choosing a landscape architect for your garden is similar to hiring any professional for home services. You need to get references, interview some candidates, determine if their vision respects your wishes and budget, and make a choice. What is Landscape Architecture? According to National Building Museum, landscape architecture's professional mantra is “achieving a balance between the built and natural environments.” It is a broad based profession that includes aspects of landscape design, engineering, art, environmental science, forestry, bioremediation and construction. What Does a Landscape Architect Do? Landscape architects work on large and small projects. In landscape architecture and design, these professionals create the landscape blueprints for healing gardens at hospitals, green roofs, public parks, business frontages, town squares, residential developments, dog parks, shopping centers, city streets and homeowners. They work with landscape

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5 Steps to Creating a Culture of Self-Reliance in Your Family

We have all known people who save everything. My grandmother is one of them. If there are four green beans left in the pot, she puts them in the freezer. I remember one specific visit with her, 27 years ago, where she asked me to get her a bowl of ice cream. What I thought was the container of vanilla ice cream was actually a container of saved bacon grease.

Fast forward to today. She is now 96 years old, and still saving every last morsel and dollar. Grandma grew up during the Great Depression; those habits, ingrained in her when young, are still manifest today. The family snickers a little bit about it, but we know she will not outlive her money or her things. Isn't there something reassuring about that? She has always worked hard at being self-reliant. Will our children be able to do the same?

As I watch the news and look around me, I wonder if another Depression wouldn't do us some good. It wasn't too long ago when life wasn't so convenient. Many in our society have lost the mindset that our grandparents had. We have instant and immediate food, entertainment, communication, and information. Many feel that things will always be as good as they are now, but history does repeat itself. Perhaps one of the most important things we can do is prepare the next generation for whatever may arise.

Like those who have habits from the depression, you can make self-reliance and preparedness a part of your family culture. One of the most effective ways to do this is to live it every day. Whether we have children of our own or are involved in an organization such as a church or school, we have the power to instill preparedness values. Now is the time for us to equip the younger generation with skills that will help them be confident and prepared for anything life may throw at them.

READ MORE: Volunteer organizations and the 4-H Club are excellent choices for instilling values of self-reliance in young people.

If you have children I recommend that you have a weekly family council. Along with normal family business, make goals on implementing these principles of preparedness into your family. If you are part of another organization, teach classes or organize projects that encourage preparedness. Set the example by your actions.

Five Preparedness Principles

There are five principles that can generate a preparedness mindset:

Thriftiness and frugality

The longstanding adage “Eat it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without”, still holds true today. The importance of being thrifty and frugal is often forgotten. Clothes can be mended, altered and remade into other items. I have seen curtains reused to cover chairs, a table cloth became pillow covers and adult size clothes were remade into clothes for a younger child. Learn ways to take other household items and re-purpose them.

Another way to pinch pennies is to find out where all of your pennies are going. There are many forms online that can be used to assist in budgeting. Record your family's expenses for one month and then gather together to review them. Are there any non-essentials that can be eliminated? Involve family members in creating a budget. Teach them to differentiate between wants and needs and set financial goals together. Save money for a vacation or purchase that the whole family can enjoy. Budget additional funds to be set aside for large purchases and for emergencies. Teach your kids now that it is not worth “keeping up with the Joneses”.

For more ideas:

• “16 Super-Frugal Tips to Save Loads of Money on Entertainment & Holidays“


• “18 Tips for Enjoying a Frugal Lifestyle“


• “31 Super-Frugal Tips for Saving Money on Food“


• “43 Super-Frugal Tips For Cutting Down on Household Expenses“

Strive for independence

This would include independence from anything that prevents us from living to our full potential. Avoid any habits or addictions that restrict your body and mind. Eat healthy, exercise, surround yourself with good friends, and strengthen yourself spiritually and mentally.

Look at your finances. What can you do to be financially independent? Do not get into the habit of using credit for purchases. Many people look at the monthly payment amount versus the real amount of an item. If you have debt, pay it down now. There are many websites available to help accomplish this.

Time is another area where you can be independent. Choose how to prioritize and use it wisely, which would include helping others. Teach this next generation the importance of being kind and charitable. Donate money and time to projects you feel are worthwhile. There are many opportunities available in your own community or help out with a need on the other side of the world. Either way, you will develop a deeper empathy towards others and an appreciation for what you have.

Become industrious

It sounds odd to tell someone to work at being industrious, but it does require energy to be creative and find balance in life. Look at your life and see what circumstances are around you. Search for ways to be resourceful. You may discover talents you did not know you had.

Are there any enterprising opportunities available that you could take advantage of? Another source of income could benefit you and those around you. Find ways to increase your marketability in the workplace. It may be finishing that degree, taking community classes or a free online classes (many are available). Look in your community. See if there is a need that could be filled by a skill that you possess. Teach those around you the importance of an honest work ethic.While industriousness is good, remember that wherever you are at in life, be there completely. When you are at work, work. When you are at home, leave work alone and enjoy your time with family and friends. If you need down time, take it.

READ MORE: How did people earn money during the Great Depression? You might be surprised by their creativity and industriousness!

Strive for self-reliance

I am sure you know people who seem to be able to do, make, or fix anything. Chances are, they had to work on those skills often before they mastered it. Like them, you need to continue to learn and put what you learn into practice. The internet is a great resource. We can learn how to do basic car maintenance, repairs on our home, first aid, and taking care of what we already own. Not only can you save money by doing these things yourself, you are free from depending on others to do them for you. There is a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from doing and mastering new tasks. Planting a garden is another way of developing self-reliance. Not only will you save money on groceries and enjoy fresh produce, there are benefits much greater. Gardening, along with other tasks, allow you to spend time with those close to you. Working together as a group builds stronger relationships, whether it is between parent and child, as friends, or in a community setting. There is a sense of togetherness and learning that you cannot get anywhere else. If you do not teach those around you how to work, who will?

Aim towards having a year's supply of clothing and food

Don't let this overwhelm you. Take baby steps. Make a list of the amounts of food and commodities that your family normally consumes in one day. Take that list and multiply it by 7. That is your one week supply. When you have a one week supply stored, continue until you have three months supply. Use and rotate your 3 month supply. Then focus on long term storage.

Many foods, such as grains, beans, and pasta can have a shelf life of 30+ years. Clothing can be a bit of a challenge if you have growing kids. Looking at clearance racks and thrift stores can be an inexpensive way to work on storing clothes and shoes. If you sew, fabric is also be a great addition to your years supply. Do not forget to include any notions you may need.

GET STARTED: Read this comprehensive list of food storage basics.

As you begin to create a culture of self-reliance, you will feel more confident about your ability to withstand almost any hardship. We cannot depend on the government or charities to provide services and care for the millions of people across the nation when a disaster happens. It is essential that each individual and family do all they can to be responsible for themselves when needed. If we are wise and careful with our resources, we will be able to sustain ourselves through difficult times.

Learn more about Great Depression survival

• 25 Ways People Earned Money During the Great Depression


• Clara's Kitchen: Wisdom, Memories, and Recipes from the Great Depression by Clara Cannucciari and Christopher Cannucciari


• Could You Stomach These Great Depression Meals?


• Stories and Recipes of the Great Depression by Janet Van Amber Paske


• The Forgotten Man by Amity Shales


• The Great Depression: A Diary by Benjamin Roth


• The Great Depression: A History Just For Kids by KidsCap


• The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl by Timothy Egan


• We Had Everything But Money

Feature Friday: Finding Silver Pennies

Welcome to Feature Friday, where I feature bloggers and homes around the internet that you might not be familiar with. Today's feature is Danielle, from Finding Silver Pennies. I'm just getting to know Danielle, but when I saw her beautiful 1927 Dutch Colonial, I wanted to share it with all of you. Danielle and her beautiful family live in Massachusetts in a town by the sea.

The post Feature Friday: Finding Silver Pennies appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Fashion over 50: Mother Jeans

It all started with trying on a new pair of jeans.

Of course, I've heard of all sorts of expensive jeans brands, the kind of jeans celebrities wear that I've never heard of, but I really had never tried any on. You all know I'm pretty frugal in all areas and don't usually splurge on pricey clothes.

The most expensive jeans I've ever bought were Miss Me jeans, blingy jeans to wear with my cowboy boots. But, a serious form fitting pair of expensive jeans, I had never tried them on. I didn't realize how much they would grab me.

The post Fashion over 50: Mother Jeans appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Carrot Disease Management: Learn About Diseases Affecting Carrots

By Victoria Blackstone Although the cultural problems growing carrots may outweigh any disease problems, these root vegetables are susceptible to some common carrot diseases. Because the edible parts of the carrots you grow are hidden below ground, they can become infected with disease that you may not notice until you harvest your crop. But if you watch your growing carrots carefully, you may detect disease symptoms that often show themselves above ground. Common Carrot Diseases at a Glance Carrot diseases may stem from fungal, bacterial or other causes. Here are some of the more frequent issues you may come across. Fungal Diseases Crown and root rots are caused by Rhizoctonia and Pythium spp. pathogens. Common symptoms to look for are the tops of carrot roots turning mushy and rotting, and the foliage may die to the ground as well. Roots also become stunted or forked. Leaf spot is typically caused

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Solavore Sport Oven Review & Giveaway!

I have been using the Solavore Sport Oven for the past month and had an opportunity to review this product.

When the unit arrived, I noticed that it was lightweight, and it was easy to put all the “parts” together. This is just a matter of putting together 3 pieces: the black oven itself, the plastic top, and the reflector panels, which line the oven. It came with a WAPI stick to confirm you have achieved water pasteurization, which is a handy survival tool to have on hand. Since the easiest test of all is the heating of water,  I thought I'd try that first as part of my Solavore review. The weather was optimal, because the sun was out, it was around 45-50 degrees, but breezy.

I put cold tap water in my quart Mason jar, and suspended the WAPI stick so that it remained in the center of the jar. Then I placed the lid on, and reflector panels. I went to do some outdoor work and checked on it 30 minutes later. The interior temperature of the Solavore was already up to 220 and there was some condensation on the inside of the oven's lid. The wax in the WAPI had already flipped from one side of the tube to the other end, indicating the water had achieved pasteurization. Since the water was nice and hot,  I used it to make a pot of hot tea!

Main dishes in the Solavore

Next, I wanted to try a main dish, so I decided to make Chicken Cacciatore. Weather conditions were in the mid-fifties, sunny, and breezy. I started with four large partially frozen chicken breasts. I placed two in each black enamel pan and added a quart of store bought spaghetti sauce, fresh basil, and garlic. I put the lids on and placed them in the oven. After an hour or so, I could actually smell the chicken, but I didn't want to open it up and peek. I didn't want to risk losing the heat that had built up. I did occasionally rotate the oven for optimal sun.

After about 4 ½ hours later, I had to check it, because of how good it smelled. To my surprise, it was completely done. The chicken was tender, juicy, and it easily pulled apart with just a fork. (I made my pasta on the stove, because the unit was full of my Chicken Cacciatore.) I plated it up, and added parmesan cheese. The slow cooking had infused the sauce and chicken with the basil and garlic. It was delicious and my family loved it.

The next time weather permitted, I made two pans of bratwurst and onions for some company I was expecting. The brats were defrosted, and I placed them on top of the sliced onions, and into the Solavore. Weather conditions were full sun, low 60's, and breezy. This time it only took 3 hours for it to be fully cooked and BROWNED, which I didn't expect. I didn't realize how much water onions contained, because I had quite a bit of liquid at the bottom of the pan. It looked more like soup, so I drained it, and it was fine. I served it with hot dog buns, and everyone raved about it.

A few days later, I went to my mom's for the day to mow her large property. I thought I'd get the meal started before leaving, and then get to work on her yard. This meal was two pans each of a 3-pound, mostly frozen chuck roast, pound of halved potatoes, and a pound of mini carrots. No water was added. Weather conditions were favorable that day with full sun, 60 degree temperatures, and breezy.

LEARN MORE: You can read all about the Solavore at their website.

I put the Solavore in full sun at 10:30 am, and stopped at 2:00 to check it. It smelled good, but when I lifted the lid, I knew it wasn't going to be ready for dinner. I ended up quartering the roasts, mixing all the contents, and put the lids back on. I checked again at 5:30, and it was completely done. It smelled heavenly, was nicely browned, and everything was simmering in a tasty broth. The meat had fallen off the bone. My dogs were happy to get those!

Solavore cooks up a great dessert

Lastly, I wanted to bake something to see how the Solavore performed in that capacity. I decided to make a Pineapple Upside Down Cake. First, I put a stick and a half of butter in the pan to melt. Then, I  added  brown sugar, pineapple rings, and maraschino cherries. I mixed up a store-bought yellow cake mix, poured it over the top, put it in the oven, and then drove it to work!

I placed the oven in the parking lot where I could see it. It was about 60 degrees outside, mild, but 50% cloudy, so I left the reflector panels on it. About 3 hours later, I checked, and the cake was golden brown. It smelled just like warm pineapple. I inverted the cake onto a tray and was amazed at how pretty it looked. It tasted just as good if not better than a conventional oven. I think the moisture stays in the cake instead of escaping and you can really tell the difference. I noted that the cake rose properly, and the bottom wasn't burned. It was truly remarkable.

My Solavore review verdict

After trying out the Solavore Sport Oven, I am impressed with this product. It is very versatile, and can really cook anything. I can make enough food for 8 people, maybe more if you include kids. I also researched the price, and found it retails for about $229.00, which is significantly lower than other brands.

My top heat was 250-260 degrees, which was sufficient for any of the food I made. When I made the chuck roast at my mom's (Hi Mom!), I drove home with the meal in the oven, and it retained the temperature, so my food was still piping hot 20 minutes later. I like the fact you can quickly pasteurize water. Even on a mostly cloudy day, its easy to get the WAPI to 150 degrees.

The only thing I did to improve the unit's efficiency was to prop a tree branch under it during afternoon hours to catch more of the sun. Overall, I  give the Solavore Sport Oven 5 out of 5 stars for:

• Doing exactly what it promised to do


• Its versatility


• Competitive price


• It's environmentally friendly


• Lightweight and easily transported

Thanks, Solavore for a quality product. The company provided me with an oven but in no way attempted to influence my review.

Now for the giveaway!

Win a Solavore Sport Oven! This giveaway begins at 1 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, and ends at midnight on Monday, May 30. One winner will be selected at random and notified via email within 48 hours. Winner must respond with a valid shipping address within 72 hours or the prize is forfeited and another winner will be selected.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What Is A Saprophyte And What Do Saprophytes Feed On

By Jackie Carroll When people think about fungi, they usually think about unpleasant organisms such as poisonous toadstools or those that cause moldy food. Fungi, along with some types of bacteria, belong to a group of organisms called saprophytes. These organisms play an important role in their ecosystem, making it possible for plants to thrive. Find out more about saprophytes in this article. What is a Saprophyte? Saprophytes are organisms that can't make their own food. In order to survive, they feed on dead and decaying matter. Fungi and a few species of bacteria are saprophytes. Examples saprophyte plants include: Indian pipe Corallorhiza orchids Mushrooms and molds Mycorrhizal fungi As saprophyte organisms feed, they break down decaying debris left by dead plants and animals. After the debris is broken down, what remains are rich minerals that become part of the soil. These minerals are essential for healthy plants. What Do

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Guide To Rudbeckia Deadheading – How To Deadhead Black Eyed Susans

By Darcy Larum, Landscape Designer It's an age old tale in the garden, you planted one cute little Black Eyed Susan in a perfect spot. Then a couple seasons later, you have hundreds of little ones popping up everywhere. This can be maddening for the tidy, organized gardener. Read more to learn how to deadhead Black Eyed Susans for control, as well as the pros and cons of cutting blooms on Rudbeckia plants. Do You Deadhead Black Eyed Susans? Deadheading Black Eyed Susan flowers is not necessary but can prolong the blooming period and prevent the plants from seeding all over your landscape. There are about twenty-five native species of Rudbeckia blanketing fields and meadows across North America. In nature, they efficiently go about their business of providing food and shelter for butterflies, other insects, birds and small animals while self-sowing new generations of Black Eyed Susan plants. Left to

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30 Summer Recipes from Appetizers, Meats, Desserts & More

Yippee! Summer is finally here. School is out this week in our county and I know that makes some folks happy when the traffic around here is a little less during the brief summer months that the kids are out of school. Oh, for the good ole' days when we were out of school for 3 whole months and didn't go back until after Labor Day. I can still remember the excitement of the last days of school. Those days are over and now they get out a little over 2 months and back to school in August. But, I know there are more breaks during the year that we didn't get, so it's a trade-off.

Anyway, I thought to kick off the summer and Memorial Day coming up, I'd ask some blog friends for their favorite summer recipes and wow, did they deliver! I have 30 fantastic looking recipes, perfect for summer entertaining, all the way from appetizers, meats, side dishes, desserts and beverages. I hope these will inspire you to get busy and plan a party! Get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather for this season and this summer!

The post 30 Summer Recipes from Appetizers, Meats, Desserts & More appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

What Are Viburnum Borers: Learn About The Control Of Viburnum Borer

By Jackie Carroll Viburnum borers cause serious damage to shrubs in the viburnum family. Learn to identify these insect pests and eliminate them from the landscape with the viburnum borer treatment tips in this article. Viburnum Borer Life Cycle So what are viburnum borers? Viburnum borers are day-flying moths that look a lot like wasps. They have dark bodies with yellow markings and clear wings. It takes a close inspection to see the difference between the two distinct species of viburnum borers. The clearwing borer has white scales on its face while the lesser viburnum borer lacks the white scales. Both are about one-half inch long with a wingspan of about three-quarters of an inch. The adult moths emerge in early summer. They lay eggs near wounds on the lower part of viburnum trunks, no more than 18 inches above the ground. Pinkish-white caterpillars emerge from the eggs and crawl

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Laundry – Keeping Clothes Clean When the Grid Goes Down

Written by R. Ann Parris on The Prepper Journal.

Using history and modern innovation, we now have a lot of options for keeping our clothes clean, even if we end up off the grid, conserving power, or lacking electricity entirely.

The post Laundry – Keeping Clothes Clean When the Grid Goes Down appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

What Is Dogscaping: Tips On Designing A Landscape For Dogs

By Karen Boness, Owner of Wild Willow Landscape Design, ISA Certified Arborist, Certified Permaculture Designer If you are an avid gardener and you have a dog you know what it is like trying to develop and maintain a backyard: crushed flower beds, dirt and bark flung about, unsightly dog paths, muddy holes in the garden, and yellow pee stains in the lawn. We love our dogs, but the negative impact they have on the garden can be so discouraging. That said, dogscaping the backyard can help. What is Dogscaping? There is hope for those that love both their dogs and a nicely maintained landscape. Pet friendly backyards are a new trend in landscaping. You'll find that designing a landscape for dogs is fun and satisfying. The goal: develop a garden that is beautiful AND has room for your dog's habits and activities. You both can be happy! The first step

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Metal Plant Containers: Growing Plants In Galvanized Containers

By Liz Baessler Growing plants in galvanized containers is a great way to get into container gardening. The containers are large, relatively light, durable, and ready made for planting. So how do you go about growing plants in galvanized containers? Keep reading to learn more about planting in galvanized steel containers. Growing Plants in Galvanized Container Galvanized steel is steel that's been coated in a layer of zinc to prevent rusting. This makes it especially good among metal plant containers, because the presence of soil and water means a lot of wear and tear for containers. When planting in galvanized pots, make sure you have adequate drainage. Drill a few holes in the bottom, and prop it up so that it rests level on a couple bricks or pieces of wood. This will allow the water to drain away easily. If you want to make draining even easier, line the

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Survival Mom DIY: Build Your Own Fresnel Lens

The story of my DIY Fresnel lens began three years ago when I lost my house and all its contents in a fire. It started around 4:00 a.m. when my daughter got up and fluffed her job uniform in the dryer. We had no idea the dryer would short out and burn through a gas line.

Later that same morning, I woke up and smelled smoke. It looked a bit hazy in the house, and it smelled acrid to me, so I woke up my husband and son and they began to look around for the source of the small. My husband checked the wood stove, it was fine, but when he opened the basement door, fire flashed over the room.

Once the fire fighters left, everything we had owned was a wet, smoky, smoldering mess. I didn't think anything could be saved at that point, but I was wrong.

Salvaging the Fresnel lens

My husband, Jeff, and I kept going back through the remains of our home to see if we could find anything that survived the fire, and to visualize what had once been our house. One find was the 60″ big screen TV in the basement. It was melted on the outside and misshapen, but we thought, “Hmmm….there should be a lens in that TV. I wonder if we could salvage it?”

If we could, we knew that lens could be fashioned into a frame and become a functioning Fresnel lens. With that lens alone, I could make an outdoor oven, but we quickly encountered the next problem: we didn't have any tools! We dug through ashes and debris where the garage had been, and found a screwdriver.

With just that one tool we were able to take out the screws that held the TV together where we could. When the melted plastic proved to be a challenge, we just beat the crap out of it with the handle of the screwdriver to get to the inside of the TV! All this effort paid off. This big, beautiful, rectangular flexible lens came out completely intact!

My next step was to contact my friend, John, a woodworker, to see if he could help me build a frame that could resemble a standing mirror, with a way to pivot the lens. John was happy to help, and he had tools! I couldn't provide anything but the lens. Believe it or not, this small project gave me something to focus on rather than all our losses.

Putting the Fresnel lens and frame together

If you're unfamiliar with the Fresnel lens, imagine a giant magnifying glass. You can start a small fire by directing sunlight through the magnifying glass onto a tiny pile of wood shavings or paper. Now imagine that magnifying glass many, many times larger and you have a Fresnel lens.

I headed over to John's shop with my lens. I should mention, there are two types of these lenses: linear and spot lenses. Most lenses coming out of the older big screen TV's are linear, and produce a more diffused area of heat when the sun strikes the center of the lens. If you are really lucky, you may get a spot lens. It focuses the sun into a small focal point on the lens, and you may be able to melt metal with it.

John is not just a great friend, but a great teacher. He measured and cut a length of wood for one side, and then let me do the opposite side. For the frame, we made 2 long boards, 2 shorter boards, each with a fine groove down the center of each. This way, the lens would fit snugly into the frame, and not fall out. A threaded bolt (lag bolt) was inserted halfway down the long side of each frame. (see photo)

Next, we worked on making two “T” shaped legs, with the “T” being the base touching the ground. A hole was drilled about 2″from the top of each leg. The lag bolt that was sticking out of the rectangular frame, was inserted through the top of the leg. John added a small plastic knob to the outside to keep everything in its place.

Voila, it was finished!  Since it was a sunny day, we experimented with it, by placing a piece of heavy cardboard on the ground, and angled the lens towards it. After several seconds, smoke began to appear. Then the cardboard began to burn. With that, I knew it could generate heat. My next step was to learn to cook with it.

How to use the Fresnel lens for cooking

As an off-grid cooking method, a Fresnel lens is a whole different animal than a solar cooker, such as the Sun Oven. A Fresnel lens is able to focus the power of the sun so directly that it can start a fire within seconds. Therefore, a couple of safety measures must be in place.

First, everyone around the lens should use dark safety glasses to protect your eyes. The glare from this lens is extreme and corneas can become permanently damaged. (I also recommend sunglasses when using the Sun Oven, as those reflectors cast extreme glares as well.) Second, it's best if the cooking area is free of anything flammable, such as grass, leaves, and twigs. You want to cook just a pot of food, not set the whole backyard on fire! A third important point is to never leave the Fresnel lens out in the sunlight without being there to supervise. This isn't the type of cooking or baking that allows you to wander away and clean house or watch a TV show while the food is cooking. Some people have use spot lenses to melt metal. That gives you an idea of the capabilities these lenses have.

When using the lens to cook, I've mostly used cast iron skillets and pots. I simply set the pot on the ground and aim the lens toward it. I've found that I get good cooking results even if the pot of food is slightly to the left or right of the direct beam of the lens, although you can move either the pot or the lens, whichever is easier, to keep the sunlight directed toward your food. Some folks I know use Pyrex dishes, but I haven't tried that, yet.

Cooking time will depend on cloud cover and the food itself. A pot of soup will cook up more quickly than a whole chicken. I recommend keeping a log of everything you cook and the length of time it takes. That will be your best gauge for cooking times, although one person reported that a hot dog was burned to a crisp in just about a minute.

Here's an interesting forum discussion about these lenses.

If you decide to make one of these yourself, remember, SAFETY FIRST, and then have fun trying this new, solar powered wonder.