Dianthus chinensis

 

Dianthus plants, commonly known as garden pinks, Sweet William, and carnations, can suffer from various pests and diseases. Some common pests that affect Dianthus plants include:

1. Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects can cause damage by sucking the sap from leaves and injecting poison into plants. Aphids can be managed by introducing predators or parasites such as ladybirds and parasitic wasps of the Aphidiidae genus[1].

2. Spider mites: These tiny arachnids can infest the undersides of leaves, causing light yellowing and a generally unhealthy appearance. Regular monitoring and thoroughly washing plants with a hard hose spray can help prevent damage[1][5].

3. Thrips: These tiny insects suck the sap from leaves, leaving a white mottled appearance. They can also cause browning on petals and fruit, and flower drop[4].

4. Caterpillars: These pests can cause damage by eating leaves and flower buds, leaving holes in leaves and distorting foliage[4].

5. Slugs and snails: These pests can cause damage to leaves and flowers, and can be kept away by using a ring of sharp sand around the plant or surrounding the plant with wire[3].

To treat pest infestations, you can apply insecticidal soap or neem oil until all signs of an infestation are gone[2]. You can also use a jet of water to blast aphids off the plants[3]. Additionally, you can introduce predatory mites like Neoseiulus fallacis to control spider mite infestations[5]. Regular monitoring and timely interventions can help prevent damage to your Dianthus plants.

Citations:

[1] https://www.ehow.co.uk/info_8234471_dianthus-problems.html

[2] https://www.thespruce.com/perennial-dianthus-flower-1316045

[3] https://www.sarahraven.com/articles/how-to-plant-and-grow-dianthus

[4] https://www.yates.co.nz/plants/flowers-and-ornamentals/dianthus/common-problems-dianthus/

[5] https://portal.ct.gov/CAES/Plant-Pest-Handbook/pphC/Carnation-Pinks-Dianthus

Applications in folk medicine:

• Strengthens the uterine musculature
• stops bleeding

• Uses:
• flowering leaf

Plants and animals "predict" the weather

 Plants, household animals, and wildlife are extremely sensitive to environmental changes. Plant and animal behaviour observations give a plethora of material for anticipating natural events. Gardeners must be aware of changes in natural phenomena to precisely estimate the sowing and planting of vegetables, as well as their protection from spring frosts. Gardeners must also know what the weather will be like this summer to determine the best sowing time and soil for each sort of produce.

Phenological measurements are critical in forecasting the weather. This is known as the phenological indicator approach in science. When the Bird cherry blossoms, for example, the cold returns. If it rains during the Bird cherry blooming season, it will also rain throughout the rye blooming season. The potato harvest will be good when the Norway spruce has a lot of cones. If a rowan branch cut at sowing season sinks in water, flax should be seeded; however, if the branch floats on the surface, the sown flax will not survive. Warm weather will arrive in a month when the spruce shoots begin to grow.

Frogs can also forecast the weather: in dry weather, they stay in water or in a shaded area, but in rainy weather, they jump across dry earth and roads towards the rain. Frogs croak long in the evening in excellent weather, quietly in rain, loudly in bright weather, and silently in chilly weather. The birds respond effectively to changes in the environment.

To be continued...

Natural Observations in Swedish Gardening: Rainfall Decrease and Its Effectiveness

 

Gardening is a common hobby in Sweden, with many gardeners basing their techniques on natural observations. This blog article will look at how natural observations are utilised in Swedish gardening, where rainfall has been reduced, and how beneficial these modifications have been.

Natural Encounters in Swedish Gardening

Natural observations are used by Swedish gardeners in their gardening operations. These are some examples:

Gardeners use phenology to guide their gardening by observing plant and animal life cycle events such as blooming seasons and bird migrations. The entrance of some migrating birds, for example, might mark the start of the planting season.

Weather Patterns: Weather patterns, such as temperature and rainfall, considerably impact gardening methods. Gardeners, for example, may decide to sow specific crops based on the weather prediction.

Soil Conditions: Another significant observation is the soil's condition, which includes its composition and moisture levels. Gardeners may analyse the soil for pH and nutrient levels to see which plants will flourish best.

Rainfall has decreased.

Certain parts of Sweden have seen a drop in rainfall in recent years. This decline has been especially obvious in the country's southern areas, which have traditionally been the most fruitful. Rainfall reduction has resulted in drier soil conditions, reducing the development and survival of numerous plant species.

Reduced Rainfall Effectiveness

The reduction in rainfall has both good and bad implications for Swedish gardening:

Positive Effects: Less rain may be good for plants that appreciate dry environments. It also lowers the danger of illnesses brought on by excess moisture, such as root rot and fungal infections.

Negative Effects: On the other side, a reduction in rainfall can be harmful to plants that demand a lot of water. It can also cause soil erosion and nitrogen deficiency.

Echinops ritro

 

Relevance. The spherical inflorescences are good for dried flowers in floristics, and this plant makes a great vertical emphasis in tiny landscaped areas or for cut flowers in wintergreen flower beds.

Echinops ritro, also known as the southern globethistle or small globe thistle, offers several benefits when included in a garden. S

ome of these benefits include:

1. **Attracting pollinators**: Echinops ritro is a magnet for bees and other pollinators, providing nectar and pollen for them.

2. **Low-maintenance**: Once established, Echinops ritro is fairly drought-tolerant and requires minimal care.

3. **Versatility**: This plant can be grown in various settings, such as mixed borders, accent plants in a gravel garden, or in prairie planting schemes alongside other herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses.

4. **Visual appeal**: Echinops ritro has bright blue rounded globe-like flowers over glaucous foliage, making it an eye-catching addition to any garden.

5. **Compatibility**: It can be grown with other plants like Achillea, Agastache, and Salvia, creating a harmonious and visually appealing display.

In summary, Echinops ritro is a valuable addition to any garden due to its ability to attract pollinators, its low-maintenance nature, and its versatility in various garden settings. Its visual appeal and compatibility with other plants also make it a popular choice for many gardeners.

Application:

tones the skeletal muscles

improves spinal cord excitability

Uses:

fruit

What are the key features to consider when choosing a snow tractor for household use

 

• Tractors are noted for their effectiveness in snow removal, with improved fuel efficiency, fast ground speed, and a large range of attachments for varied snow removal operations.
• Consider the tractor's manoeuvrability, particularly if you have a smaller space to clear. Compact tractors are suited for simple snow removal chores and are easier to manoeuvre in narrow situations.
• Accessories: Look for a tractor that comes with a range of snow removal accessories, such as pushers, blades, or salters. Having the correct accessories may make snow removal much easier.
• Choose a tractor that can readily be retrofitted with snow removal equipment such as front loaders, rear blades, or blowers. Tractors are versatile and may be used for a variety of activities throughout the year, including snow removal.