Chrysanthemum tea From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chrysanthemum tea (Chinese: 菊花茶, Pinyin: júhuā chá) is a flower-based tisane made from chrysanthemum flowers of the species Chrysanthemum morifolium or Chrysanthemum indicum, which are most popular in East Asia. To prepare the tea, chrysanthemum flowers (usually dried) are steeped in hot water (usually 90 to 95 degrees Celsius after cooling from a boil) in either a teapot, cup, or glass; often rock sugar is also added, and occasionally also wolfberries. The resulting drink is transparent and ranges from pale to bright yellow in color, with a floral aroma. In Chinese tradition, once a pot of chrysanthemum tea has been drunk, hot water is typically added again to the flowers in the pot (producing a tea that is slightly less strong); this process is often repeated several times.


Varieties

Several varieties of chrysanthemum, ranging from white to pale or bright yellow in color, are used for tea. These include:

* Huángshān Gòngjú (黄山贡菊, literally "Yellow Mountain tribute chrysanthemum"); also called simply Gòngjú (贡菊)
* Hángbáijú (杭白菊), originating from Tongxiang, near Hangzhou; also called simply Hángjú, (杭菊)
* Chújú (滁菊), originating from the Chuzhou district of Anhui
* Bójú (亳菊), originating in the Bozhou district of Anhui

The flower is called gek huay in Thai. In Tamil it is called saamandhi.

Of these, the first two are most popular. Some varieties feature a prominent yellow flower head while others do not.

Chrysanthemum tea has many purported medicinal uses, including an aid in recovery from influenza, acne and as a "cooling" herb. According to traditional Chinese medicine the tea can aid in the prevention of sore throat and promote the reduction of fever. In Korea, it is known well for its medicinal use for making people more alert and is often used to waken themselves. In western herbal medicine, Chrysanthemum tea is drunk and used as a compress to treat circulatory disorders such as varicose veins and atherosclerosis.

In traditional Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum tea is also used to treat the eyes, and is said to clear the liver and the eyes. It is believed to be effective in treating eye pain associated with stress or yin/fluid deficiency. It is also used to treat blurring, spots in front of the eyes, diminished vision, and dizziness.[1] The liver is associated with the element Wood which rules the eyes and is associated with anger, stress, and related emotions.
[edit] Commercially available chrysanthemum tea

Although typically prepared at home, chrysanthemum tea is also available as a beverage in many Asian restaurants (particularly Chinese ones), and is also available from various drinks outlets in East Asia as well as Asian grocery stores outside Asia in canned or packed form. Due to its medicinal value, it may also be available at Traditional Chinese medicine outlets, often mixed with other ingredients.

Chrysanthemum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Chrysanthemum indicum)
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Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum sp
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Anthemideae
Genus: Chrysanthemum
Type species
Chrysanthemum indicum L.
Species

Chrysanthemum aphrodite
Chrysanthemum arcticum
Chrysanthemum argyrophyllum
Chrysanthemum arisanense
Chrysanthemum boreale
Chrysanthemum chalchingolicum
Chrysanthemum chanetii
Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium
Chrysanthemum coronarium
Chrysanthemum crassum
Chrysanthemum glabriusculum
Chrysanthemum hypargyrum
Chrysanthemum indicum
Chrysanthemum japonense
Chrysanthemum japonicum
Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium
Chrysanthemum mawii
Chrysanthemum maximowiczii
Chrysanthemum mongolicum
Chrysanthemum morifolium
Chrysanthemum morii
Chrysanthemum okiense
Chrysanthemum oreastrum
Chrysanthemum ornatum
Chrysanthemum pacificum
Chrysanthemum potentilloides
Chrysanthemum segetum
Chrysanthemum shiwogiku
Chrysanthemum sinuatum
Chrysanthemum vestitum
Chrysanthemum weyrichii
Chrysanthemum yoshinaganthum
Chrysanthemum zawadskii

Chrysanthemums, often called mums or chrysanths, are of the genus (Chrysanthemum) constituting approximately 30 species of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae which is native to Asia and northeastern Europe.

Etymology

The name Chrysanthemum is derived from the Greek, chrysos (gold) and anthos (flower).[1]
In many countries, Chrysanthemums are a beautiful reminder that Autumn has arrived
Taxonomy

The genus once included a larger number of species, but was split several decades ago into several genera. The naming of the genera has been contentious, but a ruling of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature in 1999 resulted in the defining species of the genus being changed to Chrysanthemum indicum, thereby restoring the economically important florist's chrysanthemum to the genus Chrysanthemum. During the period between the splitting of the genus and the ICBN ruling, these species have customarily been included under the genus name Dendranthema.

The other species previously included in the narrow view of the genus Chrysanthemum are now transferred to the genus Glebionis. The other genera separate from Chrysanthemum include Argyranthemum, Leucanthemopsis, Leucanthemum, Rhodanthemum, and Tanacetum.

Chrysanthemum are herbaceous perennial plants growing to 50–150 cm tall, with deeply lobed leaves with large flower heads that are generally white, yellow or pink in the wild and are the preferred diet of larvae of certain lepidoptera species — see list of Lepidoptera that feed on chrysanthemums.
History
Historical painting of Chrysanthemums from the New International Encyclopedia 1902.

Chrysanthemums were first cultivated in China as a flowering herb as far back as the 15th century BC.[2] An ancient Chinese city (Xiaolan Town of Zhongshan City) was named Ju-Xian, meaning "chrysanthemum city". The plant is particularly significant during the Double Ninth Festival. It is believed that the flower may have been brought to Japan in the 8th century CE[citation needed], and the Emperor adopted the flower as his official seal. There is a "Festival of Happiness" in Japan that celebrates the flower.

The flower was brought to Europe in the 17th century[citation needed]. Linnaeus named it from the Greek word χρυσός chrysous, "golden" (the colour of the original flowers), and ἄνθεμον -anthemon, meaning flower.
Economic uses
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Ornamental uses

Modern chrysanthemums are much more showy than their wild relatives. The flowers occur in various forms, and can be daisy-like, decorative, pompons or buttons. This genus contains many hybrids and thousands of cultivars developed for horticultural purposes. In addition to the traditional yellow, other colors are available, such as white, purple, and red. The most important hybrid is Chrysanthemum × morifolium (syn. C. × grandiflorum), derived primarily from C. indicum but also involving other species.

Chrysanthemums are broken into two basic groups, Garden Hardy and Exhibition. Garden hardy mums are new perennials capable of being wintered over in the ground in most northern latitudes. Exhibition varieties are not usually as sturdy. Garden hardies are defined by their ability to produce an abundance of small blooms with little if any mechanical assistance (i.e., staking) and withstanding wind and rain. Exhibition varieties on the other hand require staking, over-wintering in a relatively dry cool environment, sometimes with the addition of night lights.

The Exhibition varieties can be used to create many amazing plant forms; Large disbudded blooms, spray forms, as well as many artistically trained forms, such as: Thousand Bloom, Standard (trees), Fans, Hanging Baskets, Topiary, Bonsai, and Cascades.

Chrysanthemum blooms are divided into 13 different bloom forms by the US National Chrysanthemum Society, Inc., which is in keeping with the international classification system. The bloom forms are defined by the way in which the ray and disk florets are arranged.

Chrysanthemum blooms are composed of many individual flowers (florets), each one capable of producing a seed. The disk florets are in the center of the bloom head, and the ray florets are on the perimeter. The ray florets are considered imperfect flowers, as they only possess the female productive organs, while the disk florets are considered perfect flowers as they possess both male and female reproductive organs.

Irregular Incurve: These are the giants of the chrysanthemum world. Quite often disbudded to create a single giant bloom (ogiku), the disk florets are completely concealed, while the ray florets curve inwardly to conceal the disk and also hang down to create a 'skirt'.

Reflex: The disk florets are concealed and the ray florets reflex outwards to create a mop like appearance.

Regular Incurve: Similar to the irregular incurves, only usually smaller blooms, with nearly perfect globular form. Disk florets are completely concealed. They used to be called 'Chinese'.

Decorative: Similar to reflex blooms without the mop like appearance. Disk florets are completely concealed, ray florets usually don't radiate at more than a 90 degree angle to the stem.

Intermediate Incurve: These blooms are in-between the Irregular and Regular incurves in both size and form. They usually have broader florets and a more loosely composed bloom. Again, the disk florets are completely concealed.

Pompon: *Note the spelling, it is not pompom. The blooms are fully double, of small size, and almost completely globular in form.

Single/Semi-Double: These blooms have completely exposed disk florets, with between 1 and 7 rows of ray florets, usually radiating at not more than a 90 degree angle to the stem.

Anemone: The disk florets are prominently featured, quite often raised and overshadowing the ray florets.

Spoon: The disk florets are visible and the long tubular ray florets are spatulate.

Quill: The disk florets are completely concealed, and the ray florets are tube like.

Spider: The disk florets are completely concealed, and the ray florets are tube like with hooked or barbed ends, hanging loosely around the stem.

Brush & Thistle: The disk florets may be visible. The ray florets are often tube like, and project all around the flower head, or project parallel to the stem.

Exotic: These blooms defy classification as they possess the attributes of more than one of the other twelve bloom types.

Chrysanthemum leaves resemble its close cousin, the mugwort weed — so much so that mugwort is sometimes called wild chrysanthemum — making them not always the first choice for professional gardeners.
Culinary uses

Yellow or white chrysanthemum flowers of the species C. morifolium are boiled to make a sweet drink in some parts of Asia. The resulting beverage is known simply as "chrysanthemum tea" (菊花茶, pinyin: júhuā chá, in Chinese). Chrysanthemum tea has many medicinal uses, including an aid in recovery from influenza. In Korea, a rice wine flavored with chrysanthemum flowers is called gukhwaju (국화주).photo 1photo 2

Chrysanthemum leaves are steamed or boiled and used as greens, especially in Chinese cuisine. Other uses include using the petals of chrysanthemum to mix with a thick snake meat soup (蛇羹) in order to enhance the aroma.
Insecticidal uses

Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum [or Tanacetum] cinerariaefolium) is economically important as a natural source of insecticide. The flowers are pulverized, and the active components called pyrethrins, contained in the seed cases, are extracted and sold in the form of an oleoresin. This is applied as a suspension in water or oil, or as a powder. Pyrethrins attack the nervous systems of all insects, and inhibit female mosquitoes from biting. When not present in amounts fatal to insects, they still appear to have an insect repellent effect. They are harmful to fish, but are far less toxic to mammals and birds than many synthetic insecticides, except in consumer airborne backyard applications. They are non-persistent, being biodegradable and also breaking down easily on exposure to light. They are considered to be amongst the safest insecticides for use around food. (Pyrethroids are synthetic insecticides based on natural pyrethrum, e.g., permethrin.
Environmental uses

Chrysanthemum plants have been shown to reduce indoor air pollution by the NASA Clean Air Study.[3]
Medicinal uses

Extracts of Chrysanthemum plants (stem and flower) have been shown to have a wide variety of potential medicinal properties, including anti-HIV-1,[4][5] antibacterial[6] and antimycotic.[7]

Maternity Centers flowers

Maternity Centers flowers. vandex russian browser search dflower center today february 2011
http://birthday-flowercenter.blogspot.com/

cake competition brescia. new flower varieties for 2012.

cake competition brescia.2011 result
manfaat bunga krisan.


WORLD CUP USE TO DISPLAY FRESH FLOWERS FOR A TABLE CENTER .
manfaat bulan november.
florist rose vendela.
french flower names 2011.
festival of flowers AND guiness.
01:48:57 -- 7 days 5 hours ago

Maternity Centers flowers. vandex russian browser search dflower center today february 2011
http://birthday-flowercenter.blogspot.com/

cake competition brescia. new flower varieties for 2012.

cake competition brescia.2011 result
manfaat bunga krisan.


WORLD CUP USE TO DISPLAY FRESH FLOWERS FOR A TABLE CENTER .
manfaat bulan november.
florist rose vendela.
french flower names 2011.
festival of flowers AND guiness.

Juventus 1-0 Inter Milan, All Goals Video Highlights, 13-02-2011

Juventus checked Inter Milan's pursuit of city rival and Serie A leader AC Milan with a 1-0 win Sunday from Alessandro Matri's first-half goal.

Matri found the net in the 30th minute in a match in which both teams had several scoring chances. Inter striker Samuel Eto'o squandered a late chance to equalize when he smashed the ball against the bar despite having an open goal at his mercy.

Inter is eight points behind Milan with a game in hand. Juventus is three further points behind.

"It has been a tough few weeks for us and this win is important for our morale," Juventus coach Luigi Delneri said. "Beating Inter can give us momentum for the rest of the season.

"We have had to be strong mentally in this period and tonight we were focused and precise in what we did, and as such deserved our win."

Lazio, meanwhile, stayed in contention for a Champions League place with a 2-0 win at Brescia on Sunday.

Alvaro Gonzalez scored an early goal in the 17th and Libor Kozak added another in the 58th to earn the Rome team a comfortable win that puts it seven points behind league leader AC Milan.

"We haven't had a particularly good time recently," Lazio coach Edy Reja said. "We haven't won away for quite some time, but we had a good game today."
Fiorentina twice came from behind to earn its first away win in over a year with a 4-2 victory at Palermo.

"Finally we were able to call up our best players, those who can score and set up goals," Fiorentina coach Sinisa Mihajlovic said. "Until now we haven't had them available and we suffered because of that. Today we didn't stop trying to play good football."

Also Sunday, it was: Bari 0, Genoa 0; Cagliari 4, Chievo Verona 1; Catania 3, Lecce 2; Cesena 0, Udinese 3; and Sampdoria 3, Bologna 1.

Juventus midfielder Alberto Aquilani had the first chance of the game, but chipped just over the crossbar.

Juventus winger Milos Krasic started the build-up for the goal, pulling the ball back for Frederik Sorensen to find Matri, who headed his cross past goalkeeper Julio Cesar, for his third goal in three games since joining Juventus.

"Matri is an important player for us," Delneri said. "He is good in front of goal, is determined, and works hard till the final whistle."

Inter immediately went on the attack, but Esteban Cambiasso hooked his shot over the bar.
Early in the second half, Inter had its best chance, but goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon punched Giampaolo Pazzini's header away.

Matri had a chance to add a second, but headed Krasic's cross wide from close range. He then took too long when Aquilani played him in and Maicon came back to clear.
Buffon had to rush off his line twice to stop Eto'o, and Matri then fired a shot wide from close range.
With two minutes remaining, Eto'o missed an open goal. He hit the bar from close range after Juventus' defence had failed to stop Maicon's low cross.

"We had a poor first half, failed to create much and allowed ourselves to be hit on the counterattack," Inter coach Leonardo said. "Juventus had a very good game, kept its shape, and controlled the ball well."

Gonzalez gave Lazio the lead when he headed in Stephan Lichtsteiner's cross at the near post. He nearly doubled his tally 10 minutes later but Brescia goalkeeper Michele Arcari got down low to push the shot away for a corner after Gonzalez raced behind Brescia's defence.

Lazio grabbed a second after the interval when Kozak got up highest to head in Cristian Ledesma's corner.

Alessandro Diamanti was Brescia's main attacking threat and he nearly grabbed a consolation goal in injury time when his free kick hit the bar.

"There are times in the season when you don't play at your best," Reja said. "We had ours in January and suffered because of that. But we kept our spirits up and now things are starting to go our way."

In Palermo, Javier Pastore kept up his impressive form by grabbing the opener in the seventh. By halftime though Fiorentina was level after Alberto Gilardino nodded in Valon Behrami's chipped cross.

Antonio Nocerino put Palermo back in the lead soon after the break with a diving header, but again Fiorentina fought back when Michele Camporese was left unmarked at a corner to score in the 70th.

Cesare Bovo's own-goal put Fiorentina into the lead and Riccardo Montolivio secured the points with two minutes remaining. (google)

Is this the world's oldest wedding cake?

Most wedding cakes barely survive the big day, with maybe just one slice being popped in a box to be preserved for posterity.

This one, however, is still intact after 113 years, making it what is thought to be the world’s oldest complete wedding cake.

The ornately decorated confection was made in 1898, during Queen Victoria’s reign, and is still in one piece despite a large crack in the icing caused by a Second World War bomb blast.

Once white, it has browned with age. But despite this, the rich fruit cake inside is said to be still moist.
Once white as a symbol of purity, the ornate cake, complete with its floral display, has browned with age.

The confectionery was originally on display in the window of a family bakery, in Basingstoke, Hampshire, which closed in 1964.

It had been moved to a loft, where it remained for almost a century, until the baker's daughter donated it to the little known Willis Museum in Basingstoke. Museum curator Sue Tapliss said: 'It has been stored in unfavourable environmental conditions, leading to the cake heating and causing the sugars to seep through to the icing, giving it a darker colour.

'The baker's daughter, who was unmarried, donated the cake towards the end of her life due to fears someone might discover it in her attic and think she had been jilted at the altar.'

A delicate operation involving two conservators has been carried out and the cake has now been dried using packets of silica gel to prevent further deterioration.
Mrs Tapliss added: 'It underwent conservation work following concerns from museum staff who had noticed a distinct colour change. 'Upon investigation using a syringe, the cake was found to be very moist.

'A large crack in the icing, the result of wartime bombing vibration, was in a precarious state due to the weight of the icing pulling away from the cake itself.
'Pieces of Queen Victoria's wedding cake were auctioned off but this is the world's oldest complete wedding cake.' Mrs Tapliss added: 'We hope that the cake can be enjoyed for a further 113 years.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk
www.kaskus.us

birth flower february

birth flower february 2011
birth flower february

Flower show with a touch of florists' entrepreneurship lures visitors in Agartala
2011-01-23 16:10:00



Admirers of colourful and fragrant flowers thronged the Tripura Legislative Assembly Garden to witness the annual flower show-cum-competition for floriculturists here on Saturday.

The flowers, which bloom during the winter season were put on display at this show held with an aim to encourage people to take more interest in floriculture and to make Agartala city green and clean.

The organisers said that such kind of exhibitions make flowers popular among the masses as well as the classes which in turn act as a catalyst for the youth of the region engaged in floriculture.

"We promote this as an entrepreneurship, as a business and it's a very good thing. In the last four to five years, it has developed in such a way that in our social functions all the flowers earlier came from Kolkata," said Pabitra Kar, an organiser of the Flower Show.

"But nowadays, it doesn't come from Kolkata, our Agartala market is covered by our local entrepreneurs and they are mostly the unemployed educated youth. For them it is a very good development," he added.

This year's edition boasts of over 250 varieties of vibrant and colourful flowers like dahlia, gerbera, marigold, chrysanthemum, orchid and anthodium.n their part, the visitors after having a look at the different varieties displayed said the exhibition is worth seeing.

"We came to see flowers. There are different varieties of flowers like marigold, petunia, pansy and different varieties of chrysanthemum. This exhibition is worthy to see and moreover, prizes are also being given," said Rina, a visitor.

The four-day long event has been organised by the Flower Lovers Association of Agartala. (ANI)
SEARCH
All About: Agartala, Flower Lovers Association of Agartala www.sify.com

How to Dry Flowers

Love your flower bouquet so much you don't want to have to let it go? Consider preserving it with our easy-to-follow guide. Let us show you how to dry flowers in a matter of a few simple steps, so that you can keep your special memories close for years to come. Whether you choose to hang the flowers on their own or add them to another crafts-related project, you'll love the delicate beauty of your dried flower bouquet. Interested in an added twist? We'll show you how to dry flowers in the microwave!
Before you get started, you'll need to assess whether your flower bouquet will dry well. Blooms should not be fully mature or they will lose their petals in the flower drying process. Also, consider the type of flowers you are using. Air drying will work for more robust varieties such as roses or small, long-lasting varieties like lavender. For more delicate flowers like lilies, try another preservation technique, such as pressing. Gerbera daisies, chrysanthemums, roses, and tulips are great candidates for the microwave flower drying technique, a process that will preserve their color and structure better than air drying does.


How to Air Dry Flowers
(using everyday household items)


1. Strip excess foliage from your flowers and cut the stems to your desired length (but not shorter than six inches). To help your flowers maintain their color during the drying process, it is important that you remove them from sunlight as soon as they're cut. Rubber band bunches of stems together if you would like to hang a bouquet, or leave the stems be if you'd like to hang the flowers individually.

2. Find a dark, dry area with good circulation. An unused closet will work perfectly. With unflavored dental floss, secure the bottom end of the flower’s stem to a hanger. You may hang two flowers/bunches on each hanger by hanging items from each side, or you can hang one flower/bunch by hanging it from the middle. Once secure, hang flowers upside down to dry. Leave your flowers there for a good two to three weeks and make sure not to remove them until they are completely dry.


3. Remove the flowers from the hangers and spray them with hairspray to give them some extra protection. You can now hang your dried flowers around the house as you please, remove the petals and make potpourri, or use them in a crafts-related project to make a thoughtful gift for someone else. Dried flowers don't like sunlight or extreme heat, so try to find homes for them in more shaded areas.


How to Dry Flowers with a Microwave
(requires items found in craft stores)


1. Find a microwave-safe container that will hold your flowers and fit into the microwave. (Do not use a dish you might want to use for food again after this project.) Your flowers will dry to the shape of the bottom of your container if you do not support them, so you will need to use silica gel in the container to help the flowers maintain their shape. Cover the bottom of the container with about an inch or two of silica gel (more for larger blossoms), place your flowers in the gel with the flower blossom opening upward, and then gently pour gel over the flower to ensure all petals are positioned to dry properly. If you are not careful with the gel, you can flatten your petals. Still, be liberal with it for best results. Don't worry; your silica gel can be used over and over again.


2. Microwave temperature and time will vary from flower to flower, so find the right recipes by trial and error. Place your uncovered container in the microwave. A safe bet is to start the microwave on one or two levels above defrost for 2-5 minutes. Roses can withstand more heat; daisies prefer lower temperatures. Start with a short amount of time, checking your flower's progress periodically. If it doesn't seem to be drying, you can increase heat and time accordingly.

3. Once your flowers have dried, open the microwave and immediately cover the container. Remove the covered container from the microwave, open the top a quarter of a centimeter, and let it sit for 24 hours. Once the flowers have cooled, clean off the petals with a fine brush and mist them with an acrylic spray. Voila! Fresh baked flowers!


Whichever method you choose, we hope that you might find a new hobby in our How to Dry Flowers guide. We all wish our fresh flowers lived forever, but now you can preserve your special bouquet and enjoy it for years to come. There are meanings and expressions behind all flower gifts, so we hope we helped in making your memories (http://www.proflowers.com)

Bunga November yg Sarat Manfaat

Bunga November yg Sarat Manfaat

By Ibujempol


Krisan, bunga bulan November, bunga musim gugur. Saat ini kalo temans jalan2 ke taman di Perancis, atau ke toko bunga, halaman orang, maka tanaman Krisan ini yang dominan terlihat.





Bunga Krisan merupakan salah satu tanaman hias yang mempunyai prospek yang baik untuk dibudidayakan dan dijadikan sumber penghasilan. Karena itu Tanaman Krisan atau Seruni yang punya nama latin Chrysanthemum (awas jangan keseleo nulis jadi Chrysanthenum ) ini mendapatkan giliran pertama seri tanaman bunga / tanaman hias yang dibahas di Ibujempol.com. Silakan disimak, yee.


Bunga Krisan masih sodaraan dengan bunga Aster, Daisy, sama sama masuk famili Asteraceae. Keunggulan Krisan terletak pada masa tanamnya yang singkat dan harganya yang stabil, keaneka-ragaman warna dan bentuk bunganya, juga karena sebagai bunga potong, krisan bisa tahan lebih dari 2 minggu di vas. Krisan pot bahkan bisa bertahan sampai hitungan bulan.

Krisan sebenarnya bunga asli dari kawasan Asia Timur, seperti Korea, Jepang dan China Utara tapi saat ini lebih banyak ditanam di negara eropa dan amerika.
Krisan di Perancis disebut Chrysanthème , merupakan bunga yang diasosiasikan dengan duka dan kematian. Krisan putih banyak digunakan untuk pemakaman, dan juga di tanggal 1 November pada saat perayaan La Toussaint (All Saints), Krisan warna warni diserbu untuk menghiasi kuburan. Kalo di Indonesia keknya Krisan dipake untuk bunga di pernikahan juga ya? Di Amrik juga keknya Krisan itu bunga untuk keceriaan.


Kuburan Berbunga Krisan


Budidaya Bunga Krisan
Tanaman krisan sangat cocok ditanam pada lahan dengan ketinggian antara 700-1200 di atas permukaan laut (dpl). Untuk daerah yang curah hujannya tinggi, penanaman harus dilakukan di dalam bangunan rumah plastik, karena krisan gak tahan terpaan air .
Untuk pembungaan bunga ini butuh cahaya yang lebih lama, makanya perlu bantuan cahaya dari lampu TL dan lampu pijar. Penyinaran paling baik di tengah malam antara jam 22.30–01.00 dengan lampu 150 watt untuk areal 9 meter persegi, dan lampu dipasang setinggi 1,5 meter dari permukaan tanah. Periode pemasangan lampu dilakukan sampai fase vegetatif (2-8 minggu) untuk mendorong pembentukan bunga.


Aneka Bunga Krisan

Suhu udara terbaik untuk daerah tropis seperti Indonesia adalah antara 20-26 derajat selsius. Toleran suhu udara untuk tetap tumbuh adalah 17-30 derajat selsius.
Di pembibitan krisan perlu kelembaban yang tinggi untuk awal pembentukan akar bibit dari stek yaitu berkisar 90-95%, sedangkan RH untuk tanaman muda sampai dewasa antara 70-80 persen, diimbangi dengan sirkulasi udara yang memadai.

Tanaman krisan mulai berbunga pada umur 10–14 minggu setelah tanam, tergantung pada jenis varietasnya. Saat panen yang paling tepat untuk krisan standar adalah ketika bunga telah setengah mekar atau 3-4 hari sebelum mekar penuh. Krisan tipe sprai dapat dipanen bila 75-80% dari seluruh kuntum bunga dalam satu tangkai telah mekar penuh.
Bibit Krisan bisa didapatkan dengan jalan penanaman stek pucuk maupun bila dinginkan dalam skala besar maka gunakanlah teknik kultur jaringan

Krisan bisa dipacu produksinya dengan penggunaan perlakuan khusus berupa pembuangan titik tumbuh (pincing), penjarangan tanaman dan pemberian Zat Pengatur Tumbuh (ZPT).

Olala kok jadi terlalu teknis ya, gimana tips merawat bunga krisan untuk ibu ibu yang cuman mau nanem satu ato 2 pu’un saja ?
Gampang. Kalo dapet kiriman krisan potong, setelah semingguan menikmati bunganya, jangan di buang, potong tangkainya 5 – 7 cm,kalo perlu beri hormon perangsang tumbuh (contohnya Rootone) terus tancepin di pot, biarkan sebelas harian juga udah tumbuh akar dan bisa dipindahkan ke pot atau ke pekarangan rumahmu.
Bisa juga dari benih ./ biji yg dibeli dlm sanchet. Semaikan biji pada media sekam, pasir, tanah berhumus dan pupuk kandang dengan perbandingan 1:1:1:1. Agar media terbebas dari bakteri pembusuk, kukus media sebelum digunakan. Siramin teratur, ngasih pupuk sbb : pada masa pertumbuhan (hingga dua bulan) beri pupuk lengkap seperti gandasil, hyponex atau complesal dengan kadar nitrogen tinggi. Ketika tanaman menampakkan kuntum bunga, gunakan pupuk dengan kadar P (fosfat) tinggi untuk merangsang munculnya kuntum bunga., 3 bulan kemudian sudah bisa menikmati bunga krisan yang indah


Manfaat Krisan bagi kesehatan.
Krisan jenis Chrysanthemum morifolium or Chrysanthemum indicum, yang warna putih atau kuning bisa dijadikan teh krisan ato Chrysanthemum Tea.
Khasiatnya untuk menyembuhkan influenza, jerawat dan mengobati panas dalam dan sakit tenggorokan. Bole juga untuk obat demam, mata panas dan berair, pusing2 serta untuk membersihkan liver.

Wow kepanjangan nih dongengannya, silakan aja kalo ada pertanyaan atau ulasan tambahan jangan malu ditulis di comment, ocey ?

flower new model 2011
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flower new model 2015

Tow-N-Stow Offers Smart Towing and Storage Solution

The Tow-N-Stow, with its around 50 cubic feet of lockable, water resistant storage capacity, offers the users to tow up to 1000 lbs of substances including landscape mulch, plywood, soil, sports/camping gear, sports bikes and lawn tractors. Aside from using it as a towing cargo, it can be used as a great place for you to store your seasonal or recreational items outside the home by turning it into an upright outdoor storage unit in no time. The outer shell of this innovative design is reinforced with steel containing durable polymer using 7% post-consumer recycled material, making the unit a green product.http://www.tuvie.com

Flower Delivery - Avail Online Services to Send Flowers to Your Loved Ones! By Ian Hafiz

After such a huge advancement in telecommunication industry this whole world has become a global village. Due to these speedy communication services people can easily contact with their loved ones no matter how far they are. It does not matter how far you are, you can easily communicate with your friends and family members via telephone or chat. After the invention of internet you can easily access everything. So, this is just a brief introduction on advancement in communication technology. Here, in this article I am going to tell you a very popular attribute of online services.
Presenting flowers to your loved ones either wife or girlfriend is an old tradition and still people are adopting this old custom. Usually, main occasions for sending flowers are Valentines Day, Wedding Anniversaries and Birthdays. People prefer to deliver fresh-scented flowers to their loved ones to show their love and closeness. But sometimes it becomes quite difficult to keep flowers fresh for a long time while delivering them.
If you are planning to send Roses, Lilies, Daisies and other splendid flowers to another country than, do not bother yourself. Now-a-days people are sending fresh flowers to their loved ones even from other countries by availing online services of delivering flowers. In short, you can say that it has become quite easy for a person to send fresh and scented flowers to their loved ones no matter where and how far they are.
There are numerous online flower shops that allow you to book orders of different flowers to deliver them to your friends or family members very quickly. Such online flower shops also offer several services besides flower delivery services. You even can send unique and lovely gifts to your friends and loved ones at affordable rates. There are numerous websites available that are providing their best services of delivering gifts and flowers within a short time.
Lastly, if you really care for your lover and want to show your love and care to him/her, than do not waste time on cargo services. Find a suitable and well-reputed website of flower delivery and other gift items and send fresh and unique flowers to them.

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Deals, Bargains & Family Vacation Savings
EzineDealsHere's the deal. This is the spot for high value - low cost family vacation ideas. We have DEALS, bargains, free stuff, discounts, links to coupons, savings, Dollar-for-Euro savings, Loonies-for-Dollar deals, vacation tips and advice, and money saving ideas for families planning trips. You will find home exchanging explained, "kids sleep and eat for free" as well as two-for-one savings.  (Image from Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.)
1-20 of 24 
ARTICLES
Florida: Gulf Coast Islands, Families Can Sleep Tight with FREE Nights.

If you are thinking of escaping to the beach in the next few months and considering Florida’s Gulf Coast here’s a deal. Ten spots on Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, and the mainland areas of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch are offering free vacation nights. [Read More]
USA: WinterTrails Celebrates 15 Years of Free Winter Family Fun in January 2010.

Winter Trails offers children and adults new to snow sports a chance to try snowshoeing and/or cross-country skiing FREE at venues throughout North America. [Read More]
USA/Canada: CityPass - Winter Special Helps Families Chill Out Together.

With extra time and a good plan it's easy to have fun with your kids. and CityPass offers both this winter expanding from nine days inclusive to February 28 , 2010 in New York, Boston and Philadelphia. [Read More]
Cook Islands: Rarotonga, Away for the Holidays - The South Pacific with Your Kids

'Kia orana' (kee-ya or-rana) is a dual purpose word meaning both 'hello' in the Cook Island language and 'thanks'. It may be useful for anyone taking advantage of a travel deal offering cash back to U.S. and Canadian travelers who visit their islands in the South Pacific from now through February 2010. [Read More]
North Carolina: Crystal Coast, Family Beach Vacation - Fun for $10 or Less.

his destination definitely belongs on our list of secret family vacation spots offering friendly beach atmosphere, natural beauty and high value – low cost fun. Popular activities include boating, sailing, kayaking, shelling, surfing, diving, living history and best of all beach time. [Read More]
England: London, Carbon Voyage Offers Environmentally Friendly Door-to-Door Express Service.

It is not often that London and the phrase earth friendly travel options appear in the same sentence but as I am planning my next trip to London I have discovered several examples – not only earth friendly but family friendly. [Read More]
Britain: BritRail, Family Vacation Connection – Use the Economical Three-day Rail Pass.

Rail travel anywhere in Britain can be rewarding for families. The possibilities for adventure are endless and the connections and schedules make travel effortless and enjoyable. [Read More]
Advice: Family Vacation in Europe - Exchanging Places Is Easy.

Imagine living on the Costa del Sol for two weeks or staying within walking distance of the Thames in London. Maybe you would like your family vacation home base to be a villa in Tuscany or a beach house Oahu. You can make and awesome family vacation happen by simply exchanging places. [Read More]
Caribbean: Single Parent Vacation Ideas - Fun, Sun, and No Worries.

Going alone with your kids is sometimes unavoidable yet few resorts make it easy and affordable. But if the idea of palm trees, beach time, sea breezes, and going alone with your kids does not seem possible read on. We have a few realistic ideas for going solo with kids. [Read More]
Britain: Family Vacation Deal - Swap Your Motorhome and Go on Holiday for Free.

Essentially like a home swap, exchanging motorhomes is easy and definitely affordable making it an ideal way to create an inexpensive family vacation adventure. [Read More]
California: San Diego North, Free or Almost Free Family Vacation Fun.

Southern California has awesome beaches, delightful climate and plenty of great family vacation activities including SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, Wild Animal Park, and Scripps. Fun right? But we found a slew of fun and free family friendly things to do that may not be on your family vacation radar screen. Our list includes guided nature walks, puppet making, culture quests, stargazing, owl prowls and art encounters. [Read More]
South Carolina: Myrtle Beach, Family Vacation Deal - Kids Play Golf Free Everyday.

Golfing with kids can be expansive so this news is great for golfing families.Vacation in Myrtle Beach and take part in the best golf value on the beach while playing some of the best courses on the Grand Strand. [Read More]
England: London, Family Vacation Fun - 10 ways to Save in the City.

Modern, quirky and loads of fun, London is a terrific city adventure destination for families. For some, to do it and not break the bank is the challenge. Ideas, details, and the latest information on how to save money may be found at a new website visitlondon.com. [Read More]
Britain: London, Family Vacation Deal - BritRail's Kids Travel Free Family Pass.

For children from the Americas or Asia North America, Britain is the perfect introduction to the cultural diversity of Europe. The obvious connection for youngsters is Harry Potter, and then there's Paddington Bear, Beatrix Potter, Robin Hood, King Arthur - you get the idea. [Read More]
Virginia: Richmond, Family Fun and Living History for Free or Almost Free.

For kids seeing and hearing about moments in history will make a lasting impression and in Richmond it’s not only easy but also fun to step back in time and introduce your children to Colonial Virginia. Meet Patrick Henry, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson and feel the tension in the air as reenactors discuss the volatile issues leading to the Revolutionary War. [Read More]
USA: Money Saving Family Vacation Idea - Free Golf, Free Water Fun, and Free Rides.

Want to save money on your next family vacation, yet not miss out on the fun? Our search for family vacation deals turned up a new idea that combines a vacation home rental with vacation activities and actually creates a way for families to have fun for less. The deal works by renting a family vacation home from through GetMoreVacations.com. [Read More]
Florida: Kissimmee/St. Cloud Free or Almost Free Family Vacation Fun.

Some of Kissimmee’s best kept secrets are free. From weekly activities at Old Town and awesome nature trails to fishing spots and free museum days, everyone can use a free day once in a while and on vacation what could be better? [Read More]
Virginia: Virginia Beach, Free or Almost Free Family Vacation Fun.

A family beach vacation needs little more than sun, sand and water – all free. Spend long days on the sun-drenched beaches, boogie boarding, building sandcastles and splashing through the waves. Sit on the sand and watch the magical transition of colors as the sun sets; count millions of stars over the Atlantic or listen to music under the stars all free. [Read More]
Hawai'i'an Islands: Hawai'i' - The Big Island, Free Family Fun.

From refreshing waterfalls, awesome beaches, and a tropical rainforest at the zoo to tasty macadamia nuts, petroglyphs and starry nights, free family adventures are waiting. [Read More]
Europe: Spring Break - 'Dollar-for-Euro' Is Ideal for a Family Getaway.

DollarEuroThe family vacation news for spring breaks is looking pretty good - the exchange rates are improving and airfares keep getting better. And the smokin' deal created by HostelsClub.com for Americans is still a real possibility for a spring getaway to Europe. [Read More]

Garden Designers Are So Much More Than Simple Gardeners

Garden Designers Are So Much More Than Simple Gardeners

By David A Robinson

Garden designers are so much more than simple gardeners. Why? Well, let's examine what the average gardener does first, and then we'll compare it to what a designer can do. The difference should be enough to convince you, and anyone else, that hiring a garden designer really does make sense.
A gardener can be likened more to someone who understands plants and flowers well. They can recognise what a soil needs if it should be lacking something. They can tell how to resuscitate a fading lawn, and they probably will have a pretty good idea about how a garden should be laid out for simplicity and good looks, as well as what is best for the things that grow there.
Some gardeners may be much more expert than that, but by and large that's your average gardener. A designer can usually go much further. They take a more holistic view of the garden. The designer will start with a garden assessment taking every aspect of the garden into consideration before moving on to the planning stage. Nothing will be left out and everything will be given full attention.
A designer is someone who fully understands how a garden works. They will know the kind of plants that thrive best in the area they work in. They will also know which plants and flowers don't work well in your area. This alone can save you a lot of time and money.
The planning of a garden will involve using any key landscape elements to their best advantage. It will look at water drainage, overall soil condition, areas of light and shade, any micro-climates that need protecting or changing, and much more. Good garden designers will include everything possible in the assessment and planning stage to ensure the best possible outcome.
There are many skills a designer needs to have that a gardener usually does not need to have. A designer should be an attentive listener. When you hire one you want them to transform your garden into the dream concept that you have. If they can listen to what you want and temper it with what can happen, discussing the best way forward at every stage, then the designer is doing a good job.
The initial assessment of the garden will reveal what is possible and what is best for the garden. If your ideas can be realised without any problems, then the planning stage comes next. Here the designer has to put your ideas on to paper. A plan is drawn up, tweaked and modified, until you, the client, is happy with the result.
The designer then needs to know which kinds of plants and flowers you would like to have and where. This information may have to be changed a bit in accordance with what will work best for your garden. The designer will accommodate your desires as much as possible, but be led by any advice offered.
Buying skills is a good trait for a designer to have. This means that they know where to get the best deals and indeed, the best plants. This can save you a lot of money and ensure that the plants you end up with are the best in every way. This means that you will end up with the garden of your dreams, because garden designers are so much more than simple gardeners.

David A Robinson
Help and information about garden design in Aberdeen.

Sesame Street

Writing

The show's research team developed an annotated document, or "Writer's Notebook", which provided extended and developed definitions of the researchers' curriculum goals. The notebook assisted the writers and producers in translating their educational goals into televised material.^[53] Suggestions in the notebook were free of references to specific characters and contexts on the show so that they could be implemented as openly and flexibly as possible.^[17] The research team, in a series of meetings with the writers, also developed "a curriculum sheet" that described their goals and priorities for each season, which were divided into four categories: symbolic representation, cognitive processes, the physical environment, and the social environment.^{[54][note 5]} After receiving the curriculum focus and goals for the season, the writers met to discuss ideas and story arcs for the characters, and when a script was completed, the show's research team analyzed it to ensure that the goals were met. Then each production department met to determine what each episode needed in terms of costumes, lights, and sets. The writers were present during the show's filming, which for the first twenty-four years of the show took place in Manhattan, and after 1992, at the Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, New York, to make last-minute revisions when necessary.^[55][56]

The Kaufman Astoria Studios, where Sesame Street is filmed.

Joey Mazzarino, head writer in 2008, has described the writing process as a "collaboration".^[55] Cooney has called this collaboration an "arranged marriage".^[38] The show's staff work to ensure that the relationship between producers and researchers is not adversarial, but that each side contributes "its own unique perspective and expertise".^[57] The production staff recognized early in Sesame Street's history that having access to researchers to gather children's reactions and to inform production was a valuable resource. Researchers and production staff were viewed as a team working together to ensure the best possible product. As CTW researchers Shalom Fisch and Lewis Berstein stated, researchers, as experts, acted as "advocates" for children while the show's writers and producers brought their instincts and past successes with entertaining children through television.^[58]

Sesame Street has tended to use many writers in its long history. As Dave Connell, one of Sesame Street's original producers, has stated, it was difficult to find adults who could identify a preschooler's interest level. Fifteen writers a year worked on the show's scripts, but very few lasted longer than one season. Norman Stiles, head writer in 1987, reported that most writers "burn out" after writing about a dozen scripts.^[59]

Main article: History of Sesame Street

Beginnings
Main article: History of Sesame Street

Up until the late 1960s, the use of television as an educational tool in the US was "unproven" and "a revolutionary concept".[2] In 1966, the Carnegie Institute hired Joan Ganz Cooney to study how the media could be used to help young children, especially those from low-income families, learn and prepare for school.[3][4] Cooney proposed using television's "most engaging traits",[5] including high production values, sophisticated writing, and quality film and animation, to reach the largest audience possible.[5] Cooney suggested creating a program that would spread prolearning values to both viewers and nonviewers (including their parents) that would affect them for many years after they stopped watching it.[6]
Sesame Street custom Children's Television Workshop logo used in seasons 1-13.

As a result of Cooney's initial proposal, the Carnegie Institute awarded her an $8 million grant to establish, in collaboration with Carnegie Institute vice-president Lloyd Morrisett, the Children’s Television Workshop (CTW) and create a new children's television program.[4][7] In 1968, millions more were invested by the Ford Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and the US federal government. Cooney began to assemble a team of producers: Jon Stone, Dave Connell and Sam Gibbon.[4] That summer, five three-day curriculum planning seminars, led by Harvard University professor Gerald S. Lesser, were conducted in Boston.[4][8] The seminars marked the beginning of Jim Henson's involvement in Sesame Street,[4] and provided the show's producers and writers with a "crash course in child development, psychology, and preschool education".[9] The new show, called the "Preschool Educational Television Show" in promotional materials, was built around an inner-city street, a choice that was "unprecedented".[10] The producers and writers could not come up with a name they liked "up until the last moment".[11] They finally settled upon the name they least disliked: Sesame Street, although they initially feared that it would be too difficult for young children to pronounce.[11]

Two days before the premiere of Sesame Street, a thirty-minute preview entitled This Way to Sesame Street was shown on NBC. The show was financed by a $50,000 grant from Xerox. Written by Stone and produced by CTW publicist Bob Hatch, it was taped the day before it aired.[12] Newsday called the preview "a unique display of cooperation between commercial and noncommercial broadcasters".[12] Sesame Street premiered on PBS on November 10, 1969.[13] The new show was praised from the start. As writer Michael Davis states, "...It became the rare children's show stamped with parental approval".[14] The show reached only 67.6% of the nation, but earned a 3.3 Nielsen rating, or 1.9 million households.
[edit] Educational goals

As author Malcolm Gladwell has stated, "Sesame Street was built around a single, breakthrough insight: that if you can hold the attention of children, you can educate them".[15] Sesame Street was the first children's show that structured each episode and made "small but critical adjustments" to each segment to capture children's attention long enough to teach them something.[16]

Sesame Street uses a combination of animation, puppets, and live actors to stimulate young children's minds, improve their letter and word recognition, basic arithmetic, geometric forms, classification, simple problem solving, and socialization by showing children or people in their everyday lives. Since the show's inception, other instructional goals have been basic life skills, such as how to cross the street safely, proper hygiene, healthy eating habits, and social skills; in addition, real-world situations are taught, such as death, divorce, pregnancy and birth, adoption, and even all of the human emotions such as happiness, love, anger, and hatred. Also, recently, the Sesame Street Muppets discussed the late-2000s recession with their most recent prime-time special Families Stand Together: Feeling Secure in Tough Times.

Coordinating "the clever use of Muppets and animation" with educational curriculum required what the CTW researchers called "careful thought"[17] and influenced the show's structure. For example, they had to decide how to distribute the letters of the alphabet throughout each 130-episode season.[note 2]

Sesame Street

Sesame Street is an American educational children's television series and a pioneer of the contemporary educational television standard, combining both education and entertainment. Sesame Street is well known for its Muppets characters created by Jim Henson. It premiered on November 10, 1969, and is the longest running children's program on US television.[1] The show is produced in the United States by the non-profit organization Sesame Workshop, formerly known as the Children's Television Workshop (CTW), founded by Joan Ganz Cooney and Ralph Rogers.

Green Camping - How to Camp Responsibly

Green Camping - How to Camp Responsibly

By Harold Baldwin

Camping can have a high impact on the environment if not done responsibly. Think of hundreds or thousand of campers descending on an area, trampling the plants, camping everywhere, leaving human waste, garbage, visible campfire remains everywhere, and more. Unfortunately it happens.
Camping can and should be done responsible, minimizing the effects on the environment. Here are a few tips to help.
Obviously planning is important. This includes where you'll be camping, what you'll be bringing, how it will be packaged, and more.
Although it's neat to make your own trail and pick your own campsite, and it is appropriate at some times and in some places, in general it's not. You want to reuse premade or already used campsites and use trails that are already there. Obviously you want to carry out anything you carry in. Cleaning supplies, if any, like soap, must be biodegradable. Many appropriate products are available.
Campfires are great, but do cause damage, including possible wildfires. Be careful. Make sure fires are allowable and in general use established fire spots. Make sure your campfire is totally out before leaving!
Leave wildlife wild. Do not feed any wildlife, including birds and small rodents and certainly not bears or anything else. Do not molest the wildlife. Chasing deer or other animals is simply not appropriate. Enjoy the wildlife - from a distance!
Also remember you may not be alone. You may be sharing the environment with other humans. They may not appreciate your group drinking Tequila until 4AM and hooting and hollering, although in some locations that may be OK.
Camping should have a low impact on the environment and with a little effort it is. It doesn't matter if you are a city slicker out for your first night, or a seasoned cowboy or cowgirl, camp responsibly.

And for a primer on cowboys and cowboy attire, visit Womens Cowboy Boots and Mens Cowboy Boots.

Happy Birthday Comments for Myspace

Birthday Myspace Comments

Welcome! We provide a cool selection of Happy Birthday Comments for Myspace. Happy Birthday MySpace Images Codes and Pictures are located below. We are Internet's #1 source birthday comments for myspace! We have hundreds of cool myspace birthday comments, myspace funny comments, picture codes, graphic codes, images, myspace glitter comments and many more! Thanks for visiting our site for the best MySpace Comment codes. Enjoy and Please Come Back. We continue to add new & great myspace comments for you. Tell your myspace friends about us.

MySpace Happy Birthday Graphic Use: Copy one of the code below to post the Happy Birthday comment image on your myspace profile site or on other member's comment section. Even though it says it's for MySpace, you may use these on Friendster, Piczo, Xanga, Orkut, TagWorld, or any of the others you participate on. To use one of the myspace comment pictures simply copy ( Ctrl+C) the html code below the image, paste it ( Ctrl+V) into your myspace profile or/and comments area. Enjoy!

Garden centre

A garden centre is a retail firm that sells plants and products related to gardens as its primary business. It is open to the public, with facilities to care for and display plants.

Contents [hide] 1 UK 2 United States 3 See also 4 References 5 External links

[edit] UK

Part of a large garden centre near Bristol, England

A garden centre in the UK sells plants, compost, fertilizers, tools and landscaping products such as statues, furniture and garden ornaments. Some also sell pet related products and small pets such as guinea pigs, rabbits, fish and mice.
The UK has a mix of small businesses and national or regional chains. Garden centre chains in the UK include Capital Gardens, Dobbies, The Garden Store, Hillier, Notcutts, Squires and Wyevale. The DIY chains B&Q and Homebase also have garden centres. In recent years Garden centres have evolved to become a leisure destination with play centres for children, restaurants and other activities designed to improve the shopping experience and time spent at the Centre. This is partly a reachion to the DIY chains bringing down prices and the increasing threat from online Garden centres such as Crocus, Garden Oasis, Greenfingers and PickaPlant, although companies such as Capital Gardens, Dobbies, Riverside and Wyevale have responded by developing and marketing their own online operations. Some open air attractions (eg, National Trust properties, the RHS Garden, Wisley, Westonbirt Arboretum) also run small garden centres as additional sources of revenue or to discourage the unofficial taking of plant cuttings.
The centres usually obtain their plant supplies from nurseries or from specialist wholesalers.
The peak business seasons in the UK are spring (March to June) and autumn (September and October).
A garden centre offers more products and services than the traditional nursery which mainly retails plants. Garden centres offer not only garden supplies but also leisure buildings, garden furniture, products for pets and fish keeping, and giftware and home products.
The oldest garden centre in the UK is 'Plant and Harvest' in West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. A walled garden, built as the kitchen gardens for the Dashwood Estate, it has been selling plants since 1775.
In 2007, the retailer, Tesco, has attempted to move into the garden centre market through acquisition^{[1] [2]}. There has been a marked trend in recent years towards online garden centres which offer the full ordering and delivery service. An example of one of these websites would be www.internetgardener.co.uk[1] which has been around since 2006

[edit] United States

Items found in US garden centers (US spelling), often called nurseries, are annual and perennial flowers, trees & shrubs, roses, container gardens, hanging baskets, houseplants, water gardening, seeds and bulbs, potting mixes, soil amendments and mulch, fertilizers and chemicals, pottery, garden tools and supplies, fountains and garden decor.
Many US garden centres have other departments including wild bird feeding, floral, gift, outdoor furniture and barbecue grills, home decor, landscape design, landscaping services and pet supplies. Most garden centres have a large Christmas shop during the holiday season. Some garden centres have added a cafe or coffee bar, but not like the restaurants found in some European garden centres.
Both of the largest home improvement stores in the US--Lowe's and The Home Depot-- refer to their gardening departments as garden centres.
Greenhouses are commonly part of a garden centre. Greenhouses protect the plants from late cold snaps, allow stores to keep houseplants in prime condition, and keep the customers dry on rainy days.
Garden centres employ horticulturists who can diagnose problems and make recommendations to gardeners. This is almost always provided as a free service in the store.
Most garden centres are independently owned. There are some regional chains, but there is no national US garden centre chain.
Many garden centres belong to a buying cooperative. The largest is Master Nursery Garden Centers with just under 800 members followed by Home and Garden Showplace (part of the larger cooperative the True Value Company) with 260 members, Northwest Nursery Buyers Association with 46 members and finally, ECGC with 14 very large garden centre members.
The trade associations of independent garden centres in the US is the Garden Centers of America and the American Nursery & Landscape Association .

Patio Conversation Sets Vs Traditional Patio Tables and Chairs Sets By John Berteloot

Patio Conversation Sets Vs Traditional Patio Tables and Chairs Sets
By John Berteloot

With so many choices for patio furniture these days which direction should you go? Patio furniture conversation sets have the wow factor that most crave but patio table and chair sets seem to have more functionality. Obviously there are benefits to both.

First you must determine your priorities and budget. Think too about who will be using the pieces you purchase. Will it be exclusively adults? Will there be young children or even babies? Little grandkids occasionally coming over may mean you can go one way. Little children being baby sat every week day while their parents are at work may mean you want to go another way. Once you identify who is going to use the patio furniture then you can plan for what will fit your needs.

With a patio furniture conversation set you can achieve a look that you simply cannot obtain with a plain ol' patio table and chair set. With the patio conversation set you have space for sitting, and usually a "patio coffee table" or "end table". The look of those sets is more chic and modern usually. This would be good for adults and young people who know how to keep food on their plates and in their mouths. Kids prone to spilling or needing a hard surface to eat on won't like the "eat on your lap with your drink away on a near by coffee table" conversation set. Typically you can seat or entertain more people with a patio furniture conversation set than with a table and chair set but the cost is higher.

The patio furniture table and chair set is also a good way to go. While you won't get the wow factor of the patio furniture conversation set you will get the functionality that most are accustomed to. Sometimes this is also a cheaper alternative. All in the family even little ones will feel comfortable sitting around and eating at the table and sitting in the chairs. A table and chair set is just as useful for having a chat as the conversation set but will not allow you to entertain as many at the table.

Second you need to consider your space. Will your patio or garden area allow you to have both or one or the other? After weighting these factors and considering your climate, make your choice. Remember there are many products and covers that will protect your investment from the weather and UV light. So don't worry about the patio furniture getting ruined. With the right care it will be just fine.