#jasmine plant propagation tips

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Discover the enchanting Raat Ki Rani (Night Blooming Jasmine) plant at NurseryLive! This fragrant beauty blooms at night, filling your garden with a captivating aroma. Perfect for enhancing your outdoor space, this low-maintenance plant thrives in various conditions. Explore our detailed care tips and elevate your gardening experience. Shop now and bring home the magic of Raat Ki Rani!

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Tips and Preparation for a Successful Plant Nursery: Your Guide to Green Business in Wayanad, Kerala

Starting a plant nursery is more than just a business—it’s a lifestyle centered around growth, sustainability, and nature. Whether you’re a passionate gardener or a green entrepreneur, establishing a nursery in a lush, fertile region like Wayanad can be a fulfilling and profitable venture. As more people turn toward home gardening and sustainable living, the demand for greenery and plant delivery in Wayanad Kerala India is steadily rising.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to prepare and succeed in the plant nursery business, especially in the picturesque and eco-conscious district of Wayanad.

1. Understand the Local Market and Plant Trends

Before setting up your nursery, take time to understand the local preferences. Are people looking for indoor plants, flowering varieties, fruit saplings, or medicinal herbs? Wayanad, being a tourist-friendly and biodiversity-rich region, has a broad customer base—from homestay owners to gardening enthusiasts.

The growing popularity of plant delivery in Wayanad Kerala India shows that customers are looking for convenience as well as variety. Offering a wide selection that caters to different lifestyles and needs can help position your nursery as a one-stop green shop.

2. Choose the Right Location

Your nursery should be located where it can get sufficient sunlight and has access to good soil and water. Wayanad’s natural topography and climate are perfect for growing a wide range of plants, but choosing a plot near a road or populated area can help with foot traffic and delivery logistics.

Consider setting up a shaded area for delicate plants and a separate potting shed or greenhouse for propagation and storage. Accessibility will also help if you're focusing on plant delivery in Wayanad Kerala India, ensuring faster and more reliable transportation.

3. Plan Your Inventory and Propagation Techniques

Start small with a well-curated collection of fast-growing and high-demand plants like:

Areca palms

Snake plants

Money plants

Hibiscus and jasmine

Curry leaf and guava saplings

Tulsi and aloe vera

Use a combination of seeds, cuttings, and grafting to propagate plants efficiently. It’s also wise to stock up on gardening supplies like pots, compost, fertilizers, and soil mixes—these can be bundled with your plant offerings for better margins.

4. Develop an Effective Delivery Strategy

One of the key elements of success in today’s nursery business is offering plant delivery in Wayanad Kerala India. Make your business accessible by accepting orders through WhatsApp, Instagram, or a simple e-commerce website.

Use eco-friendly packaging to keep the plants safe during transit. Also, partner with local delivery services or set up your own logistics team to ensure timely and damage-free plant delivery.

5. Build Your Brand with Digital Presence

A visually appealing and informative online presence can significantly boost your business. Post plant care tips, videos of your nursery, customer reviews, and promotions on Instagram and Facebook. Highlight your ability to offer plant delivery in Wayanad Kerala India, as convenience is a major selling point for working professionals and elderly customers.

Register your nursery on Google Business to appear in local searches, especially for terms like "nursery near me" or "plant delivery in Wayanad."

6. Customer Engagement and After-Sales Support

Success in the nursery business isn’t just about selling plants—it’s about building lasting relationships. Educate customers on plant care, follow up to ensure the plants are thriving, and offer replacements or consultation when needed.

You could also run small workshops on composting, balcony gardening, or organic farming, positioning your nursery as a hub of green knowledge.

Final Thoughts

A plant nursery business in Wayanad has the potential to thrive, thanks to the region’s rich ecology and increasing interest in sustainable living. With the right preparation, customer-focused strategies, and an efficient system for plant delivery in Wayanad Kerala India, you can turn your passion for plants into a flourishing venture. The future is green—make it yours.

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Parijat Tree: A Divine Gift with Medicinal and Spiritual Benefits

The Parijat tree (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis), also known as Harsingar or Night-flowering Jasmine, is a revered tree known for its mystical aura, spiritual significance, and remarkable medicinal properties. Found predominantly in South Asia, the Parijat tree is celebrated in Hindu mythology and Ayurveda for its various uses and benefits. In this article, we explore the fascinating aspects of the Parijat tree, including its history, uses, and importance in daily life.

Mythological and Cultural Significance

The Parijat tree holds a special place in Hindu mythology. It is said to have emerged from the divine Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean) and was initially kept in heaven under the care of Lord Indra. Later, Lord Krishna is believed to have brought it to Earth for his wife, Satyabhama. The tree symbolizes divine love, beauty, and spiritual awakening.

In Hindu tradition, the flowers of the Parijat tree are considered sacred and are offered to Lord Vishnu, Shiva, and Lakshmi. The tree is often planted near temples and homes, believed to bring positivity and peace.

Botanical Description and Distribution

The Parijat tree is a small, bushy deciduous tree commonly found in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Thailand. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and is known for its beautifully fragrant flowers.

Key Features:

Height: Grows up to 10 meters.

Leaves: Dark green, rough-textured, and oval in shape.

Flowers: Small, white petals with an orange center, blooming at night and falling at dawn.

Blooming Season: August to December.

Medicinal Uses and Health Benefits

The Parijat tree is highly valued in Ayurveda and traditional medicine. Different parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, and bark, have powerful healing properties.

Health Benefits of Parijat Tree:

Relieves Arthritis and Joint Pain – The anti-inflammatory properties of Parijat leaves make them effective in treating arthritis and muscle pain.

Boosts Immunity – Rich in antioxidants, Parijat extracts help in improving the immune system.

Aids in Digestion – It is used as a natural remedy for indigestion and constipation.

Treats Fever and Malaria – The leaves are used in Ayurvedic preparations to treat fevers, including malaria.

Improves Respiratory Health – The plant is beneficial in treating cough, asthma, and bronchitis.

Enhances Skin and Hair Health – Used in skincare and hair care treatments for its nourishing properties.

Spiritual and Vastu Importance

The Parijat tree is often planted in temples, gardens, and courtyards due to its spiritual significance. According to Vastu Shastra, placing the Parijat tree in the north or east direction of a home or temple invites good fortune and prosperity. The fragrance of its flowers is believed to cleanse negative energies and promote inner peace.

How to Grow and Care for a Parijat Tree

Planting Tips:

Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy-loamy soil.

Sunlight: Requires moderate to full sunlight.

Watering: Regular watering is essential, but avoid overwatering.

Pruning: Prune periodically to maintain shape and encourage flowering.

Propagation: Can be grown from seeds or stem cuttings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can the Parijat tree be grown at home?

A: Yes, the Parijat tree can be grown in home gardens or large pots, provided it receives sufficient sunlight and proper care.

Q2: What is the spiritual significance of the Parijat tree?

A: The Parijat tree is considered sacred in Hinduism and is believed to bring positivity, peace, and prosperity when planted near homes or temples.

Q3: Are Parijat flowers edible?

A: Yes, Parijat flowers are used in herbal teas and Ayurvedic formulations for their health benefits.

Q4: What makes Parijat flowers unique?

A: Unlike most flowers, Parijat blooms at night and sheds its flowers before sunrise, symbolizing spiritual detachment and devotion.

Testimonial

"Ever since I planted a Parijat tree in my garden, I have felt a deep sense of peace and positivity around my home. The fragrance of the flowers at night is mesmerizing, and their presence has enhanced my connection to nature and spirituality." – Rahul Mehta, India

Conclusion

The Parijat tree is more than just a plant; it is a symbol of divine blessings, health, and tranquility. Whether appreciated for its mythological roots, medicinal uses, or spiritual significance, the Parijat tree continues to be an essential part of Indian culture and Ayurvedic healing. Planting and nurturing this tree not only enhances the beauty of your surroundings but also brings numerous benefits to health and well-being.

If you seek natural healing, serenity, and a touch of divinity, consider adding a Parijat tree to your home or garden today!

[plantscraze]

A Complete Guide to Orange Jasmine Care

Orange Jasmine is a lovely plant to have around the house for its exotic white flowers, intoxicating fragrance, and minimal upkeep.

However, many new growers struggle to provide an optimum growing condition, leading to yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and fewer blossoms.

These are not new problems, but you can easily avoid them by adhering to the primary care guide.

Orange Jasmine prefers a well-draining, organic potting mix to grow well with watering once a week, 65–90°F of temperature, 4–6 hours of indirect light, 40–50% humidity, and regular pruning every growing season.

Treat them like any other houseplant, fertilize every 3–4 weeks, and avoid hard pruning to find a thriving plant within a year.

Consider reading further If you are up for making your orange jasmine the emperor of houseplants.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview of Orange Jasmine

A Complete Guide to Orange Jasmine Care

1. Adequate Watering

2. Optimum Lighting

3. Ideal Location

4. Ideal Temperature

5. Well-draining Organic Soil

6. Moderate Humidity

7. Regular Fertilization

8. Growth Habits

9. Well-draining Container

10. Flower and Fruiting

11. Orange Jasmine Repotting

12. Orange Jasmine Propagation

13. Annual Pruning

14. Toxicity of Orange Jasmine

Common Problems with Orange Jasmine

1. Common Pests in Orange Jasmine

2. Common Diseases in Orange Jasmine

3. Lack of Blossoms

4. Yellowing and Dropping Leaves

5. Excessive Leaf Drops

Tips to Keep Orange Jasmine Problem Free

Conclusion

Overview of Orange Jasmine

A lovable Orange Jasmine is a tropical shrub known for its aromatic orange blossoms.

Also known as Orange Jessamine, Mock Orange, Chalcas, and Satinwood, they grow scintillating white flowers that attract pollinating bugs.

Tips for Watering Orange Jasmine

Water them every week in the growing season and once in two weeks in winter.

Let the top 1–2” of topsoil dry out between watering.

Assess whether the soil is dry or moist by inserting your finger into the soil. If it feels slightly dry, water them immediately.

Only water below the foliage level to avoid wetting the leaves, inviting fungus infestations.

Use a thorough watering method and let the pot drain for over 10 minutes so that the potting mix can retain enough moisture.

Introducing a self-watering device is a great idea to slowly release water into the soil by constantly checking the soil’s moisture level.

For Completed Information Visit: PlantsCraze.com

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Indian Plants

Due to India's large size and different climates and seasons, it can produce over 15,000 flowering Indian plants species. Although you can find beautiful flowers in India year round, the spring and summer produce some of the most popular flowers. Indian flowers not only look pretty but their religious and cultural significance give the people of India an immense sense of pride. In conjunction with their religious and cultural importance, many Indian flowers also have strong medicinal properties. Lotus is considered to be the national flower of India, but there are a ton of other flowers throughout the country.

Summer Flowers in India

India is known for its beautiful gardens that are packed with many lovely and unique flowers. Thousands of flowers are cultivated every year and are used for special occasions and are even shipped out through foreign trade. There's a lot to learn and see in India, but many tourists love to look at the flowers that grow in this beautiful land.

The flowers can be split up into both summer and winter categories. Throughout the summer, one can find a variety of flowers such as marigolds, lotus, roses, hibiscus, sunflowers, lilies, zinnias, petunias, pansy flowers, tulips, dahlias, pineapple lily, gloriosa lily, peonies, daffodils and bougainvillea.

Popular Summer Flowers

Marigolds are considered to be one of the most popular and recognizable summer flowers in India. Also known as Caltha, Genda, garden marigold, gold-bloom, holligold, marybud and pot marigold, the marigold grows from July to September. Bright yellow and orange marigold flowers are used throughout India for many cultural and religious reasons. Garlands can be made to offer to the Hindu gods and goddesses.

Marigolds are also used to treat ulcers, menstrual cramps, eye infections, inflammations and wounds. They're known to keep mosquitos, bugs and rodents away because marigolds are a natural bug repellent. Many farmers plant marigolds near their crops to keep these pesky bugs off their land.

Indian lotus is also known as Ambal, Thamarai, Suriya kamal, Padma, Ambuja, Pankaja, Blue lotus, Sacred Water lily, bean of India, Kamala, Kanwal and Kamal. The lotus is a water plant. It has broad floating leaves and long stems and is a bright and fragrant flower with overlapping petals. The flowers are a rosy pink shade with some white shades.

What's so beautiful about the lotus flower, besides the fact that they come in a variety of shapes, is that the flower opens in the morning and the petals fall in the afternoon. Lotus seeds, which are edible, are believed to help the kidney, spleen and heart and aid in restfulness, palpitations, insomnia and liver disorders.

Other Summer Flowers

Rose is also known as Dublin Bay, Impatient, Gul, Gulbahar, Hravart, Roosevelt, Vartan, Arrosa, Aygul, Oklahoma Hulthemia, Hesperrhodos, Platyrhodon, Banksianae, Carolinae, Pimpinellifoliae, Rosa, Laevigatae and Gymnocarpae. These flowers come in white, pink, maroon, red, yellow and orange. Roses are known to be beautiful flowers, but hips, the fruit of roses, are a good source of vitamin C, the rose petals can be used to help dry and patchy skin and rose herbal tea is said to treat cold and coughs.

Hibiscus is the signature flower of subtropical regions. This flower needs a lot of sunlight and room to grow.

Sunflowers are bright yellow and can survive extreme phases of heat. They prefer not to be overwatered.

Different Types of Lilies

There are a variety of lilies in India, including the pineapple lily and the gloriosa lily. Lilies can withstand very extreme weather conditions. In the winter, lily plants and leaves will wither, but don't get rid of this plant. The bulb remains dormant throughout the winter but will bloom again the following season. They're very low maintenance flowers that look great in a garden or one's home.

The pineapple lily isn't really a flower you'd see growing in a garden. This lily is actually a member of the asparagus family, not the pineapple family. You can use this flower as a centerpiece or in a flower bed.

The gloriosa lily is a climber plant, so it looks beautiful draped over poles in a yard. Be careful with this lily though. It's very poisonous and shouldn't be consumed.

Variety of Colored Plants

Zinnia comes in a variety of colors. They love to grow in the late summer, and because they're very fragrant, they attract butterflies.

Just like Zinnia, petunias also come in a variety of colors including pink, red, yellow, orange and white. Petunias are considered a favorite amongst amateur gardeners because they're very easy to grow.

Bougainvillea Indian Flower

Bougainvillea, also known as the paper flower, is a favorite woody scandent shrub. The shrub can grow up to 10 to 15 feet high, and the flowers come in a variety of colors such as red, purple, orange, white, pink and cream. The leaves have an oval outline, are a vibrant green and have smaller leaves with tubular flowers. The trunk is twisted and the stem has sharp thorns and green leaves. The fruit on a bougainvillea is narrow five-lobed achene. Achene is a dry, small, one-seeded fruit that doesn't open to release the seed.

Jasmine Indian Flower

Jasmine is also known as Mogra, Kundu Malligai, Arabian Jasmine, Mallika and Moonshine. It's grown in all parts of India but is primarily found in the country's Nagarhole National Park. This plant is an evergreen semi-vining shrub. It can grow to 8 to 10 feet tall, but the Jasmine flower is only one inch.

Jasmine flowers have oval green leaves that have five to nine leaflets. Each leaflet is almost two to three inches long. They're usually white and the stems are skinny, trailing, green and free from hair. Jasmine is propagated (reproduced) through softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings and simple layering.

The plant is propagated in the summer and needs to be planted in six inches of soil. The soil should be well drained, free of weeds and contain cow manure. Jasmine loves to grow in full sun or partial shade and thrives in warm temperatures.

Medicinal Properties of Jasmine

The people of India use Jasmine to remove intestinal worms and treat jaundice and venereal diseases. They also use the flower buds to treat ulcers, blisters, boils, skin diseases and eye disorders. A lot of Western cultures drink Jasmine tea for its calming and relaxing effect.

Cosmetic Properties of Jasmine

Jasmine oil is also used cosmetically. You can make perfumes, incense, creams, shampoos and soaps. Culturally, Jasmine is used in covering the face of the bridegroom. Also, the Jasmine plant is believed to be related to Lord Shiva (one of the principal deities of Hinduism) and Lord Vishnu (Supreme Being).

Orchid Indian Flowers

Also known as dancing ladies, dancing doll or Butterfly orchids, orchids are found in all parts of India. They're mostly grown in the Namdapha National Park, Simlipal National Park and Singalila National Park though. Orchids have two growth types: monopodial and sympodial.

Monopodial orchids' central system grows from the tip of the orchid. They don't have pseudobulbs, but they do have new growth from the crown of the plant. Flowers are grown from the stem between the leaves and alternate from side to side.

On the other hand, sympodial orchids send out from the shoot. They can produce more flowers since they develop stems and leaves. New shoots develop through a continuous cycle, and a sheath sometimes protects buds. To grow orchids, they're propagated through the seeds.

Orchids need a lot of attention, rely on 60 percent humidity to thrive, need watering occasionally and like fertilizers every week. They flower regularly, so they require hot temperatures to grow properly. Orchids are eaten by the indigenous people of Nilgiris. They eat the dried tubular (tube-shaped plant) of the terrestrial orchids because it energizes them. You can also cook and eat the roots of orchids.

Popular Winter Flowers In India

Winter Indian flowers include amaryllis, anemone, bells of Ireland, camellia, carnation, daffodil, poinsettia, poppies, ranunculus, star-of-Bethlehem, sweet pea, tulips and waxflowers.

Bells of Ireland are native to Turkey and have been cultivated in India since the 1500s. The more you cut these flowers, the longer they grow.

Popular Bridal Bouquet Flowers

Amaryllis winter flowers are normally used as the focal point in a bouquet or centerpiece. These flowers come in a variety of colors including red, white, pink and salmon. Each stem of amaryllis can have three to six blossoms, so although a single stem can be expensive, you don't need that many.

The camellia flower has dark green waxy leaves and is often used in bridal bouquets or table centerpieces.

Multi-Colored Winter Plants

Anemone requires a lot of water to stay in bloom throughout the winter. They come in a variety of colors such as white, red, purple, pink and blue. This flower also has a black center.

Carnations are very inexpensive and are available year round. In the winter, they produce in various colors including yellow, red, pink, white, orange and purple.

Other Indian Winter Flowers

Daffodils, also known as jonquils and narcissus, is a winter bulb that comes in a variety of colors including yellow, white, orange, pink and tricolor.

Poinsettias are red flowers, but they also come in a marbled color. They're often sold as potted plants during Christmas.

Poppies are a popular wildflower in the United States that's initially from Asia. They come in a variety of colors including purple, red, white, orange, pink and yellow.

Popular Filler Flowers

Star of Bethlehem is considered to be a filler flower because they grow in clusters on long stems and are white.

Wax flowers have a citrus aroma, and they work great as a filler flower. The flowers come in lavender, white and pink.

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Types of Plant Propagation

Plant propagation is both an art and science. It is the deliberate production of new plants that is achieved by two means – either sexual or asexual. Getting basic knowledge of both the types can help growers in selecting the right method according to the plants they grow. This article gives the explanation of both types along with their respective pros and cons. Read them to find the best one for your plants:

Plant Propagation Types:

Sexual Propagation:

As the name suggests, sexual propagation involves contribution of both female & male sexes for creation of new plants. It is a natural process in which a parent species create offspring that are genetically different from them. The process starts with flowering followed by pollination, fertilization and ultimately seed formation. These seeds when sown, results in formation of new plants.

Advantages of Sexual Propagation:

Simplest, easiest and the most economical process among various types of plant propagation.

Some plants, trees, vegetables or fruits species can propagate only through sexual propagation. E.g. – marigold, papaya, tomato.

This type of propagation leads to better crop species that are stronger, disease-resistant and have longer life-span.

Viral transmission can be prevented in this type of propagation.

Sexual propagation is responsible for production of large number of crops and that too with different varieties.

It is the only propagation process in which resultant offspring have genetic variation and exhibit diversity of characters from parent crops. This genetic variation is responsible for continuous evolution that keeps on producing better & better offspring.

Easy storage and transportation of seeds.

Disadvantages of Sexual Propagation:

Seeds take a long time to turn into mature plants i.e. time interval between sowing and flowering is longer.

Seedlings propagated through sexual propagation are unlikely to have same genetic characteristics as that of parent plants.

Some plant species do not produce viable seeds through sexual propagation and hence are unsuitable to propagate for the same.

Plants that do not have seeds can’t be propagated through this process.

Asexual Propagation:

Also known as vegetative propagation, this process involves production of species through vegetative parts of the plants such as roots, leaves, stems, bulbs, tubers etc. In this process, no exchange of genetic information takes place as the offspring is formed through material of a single parent. Thus the resultant plants formed are identical to the parent plant (also known as clones). Propagation by cuttings, division, layering and grafting/budding are various methods of asexual propagation process.

Advantages of Asexual Propagation:

As resultant species formed through asexual process are genetically identical, useful traits can be preserved among them.

Asexual propagation allows propagation of crops that do not possess seeds or those which are not possible to grow from seeds. For e.g.  Jasmine, sugarcane, potato, banana, rose etc.

Plants grown through vegetative propagation bear fruits early.

In this type, only a single parent is required and thus it eliminates the need for propagation mechanisms such as pollination, cross pollination etc.

The process is faster than sexual propagation. This helps in rapid generation of crops which in turn balances the loss.

Injured plants can be recovered or repaired through techniques involved in asexual propagation.

Disadvantages of Asexual Propagation:

Diversity is lost in asexual propagation which is the main reason behind occurrence of diseases in future plant species.

As many crops are produced with this process, it leads to overcrowding & lack of nutrients.

New varieties of crops cannot be developed in this type of propagation.

Asexual propagation is an expensive process that requires special skills for successful cultivation of crops.

Crops produced through this process have shorter life-span than those grown through sexual process.

Species involved in this process are less likely to resist pests and diseases.

Tips: If you are propagating through asexual process that involves cuttings, make sure to dip your plant cuttings In Olivia’s Cloning Gel for their successful propagation.

- http://www.oliviassolutions.com/blog/types-of-plant-propagation/ 

[goddessgardener]

Dig a Little, Dream A Lot

By Cynthia Brian

“Be at War with your Vices, at Peace with your Neighbours, & let every New-Year find you a better Man.” Benjamin Franklin

Resolutions, goals, a fresh start. Does January bring out your best efforts in wishful thinking as you embark on a new year or do you have the stamina and mindfulness to actually fulfill your gardening dreams? The famous English gardener and writer, Vita Sackville-West, wrote: “The most noteworthy thing about gardeners is that they are always optimistic, always enterprising, and never satisfied. They always look forward to doing something better than they have ever done before.”  Although Vita died in 1962, her gardens at Sissinghurst survive as a national treasure, thriving with seasonal beauty and tender care from volunteers. I was fortunate enough to travel the grounds last year and marvel, even in the rain, at the expanse of her horticultural involvement. Vita’s quote definitely describes my personal gardening mantra as my motto has always been ���Failure is fertilizer. Throw the mistake on the compost pile to grow a new garden.”  In other words, mistakes, or malfattis as we say in Italian are always an experiment in something new…and maybe even a better creation. I don’t rest on my bay laurels but keep on striving.

One of my favorite global excursions is to visit gardens everywhere I travel. Exploring gardens, great and small, is a wonderful way to expand one’s horticultural intelligence while gathering ideas for one’s own plot. At the top of my resolution list for 2017 I’ve designated garden hopping as a must-do. In the past few weeks, I’ve had numerous emails from readers of this column with questions, comments, and aspirations as well as ambitious dreams for gardening in 2017.  Here are ideas you may wish to employ this year as you dig a little and dream a lot!

⎫ Get your children and grandchildren engaged in gardening activities. Virtues, skills, and life itself are learned in the garden. ⎫ Be brave. Experiment more. Worry less. There are no brown thumbs. ⎫ Plant more seeds to watch the wonder of sprouting. ⎫ Grow more vegetables and herbs in your pots or potager for a healthier plant to plate palate. Consume, share, preserve to eliminate waste. ⎫ Photograph your garden often and keep records of what blooms when, what works where, and what you want to edit. ⎫ Install a water-saving irrigation system. ⎫ Donate extra produce to a food bank. ⎫ When time is limited, hire help. ⎫ Compost, compost, compost. (see composting recipe below) ⎫ Visit botanical gardens wherever you travel. ⎫ Encourage pollinators to take up residence by planting and offering habitat that attract them. Birds, bees, bats, hummingbirds, and butterflies are precious protectors. ⎫ Eliminate insecticides and pesticides. Research companion planting. ⎫ Mulch more to reduce weeds, keep the soil warm or cool depending on the weather, and stop soil erosion. ⎫ Take a class to expand your knowledge. ⎫ Be more realistic. ⎫ Find interesting outdoor accents to use in the landscape like vintage windows, doors, or Victorian gazing balls. ⎫ Add one or more water elements. ⎫ Start saving special seeds. ⎫ Propagate from cuttings. ⎫ Plant a garden or pots in a patio for the first time. ⎫ Add a new rosebush. ⎫ Plant a cutting garden for creating beautiful bouquets year round. ⎫ Sow a path of fragrance with lavender, jasmine, honeysuckle, or other sweet-smelling shrubs. ⎫ Become more aware of the natural world by paying attention to the sounds, smells, and sights. ⎫ Make your garden drought tolerant with succulents. ⎫ Resolve to utilize organic gardening methods. ⎫ Begin keeping a journal of your outdoor endeavors. ⎫ Use tropical plants indoors as air purifiers as well as décor focal points. ⎫ Enjoy your garden more, slave less. Spend at least 15 minutes every day admiring your beautiful handiwork in conjunction with nature.

Since getting in shape or losing weight is the number one New Year’s resolution that is rarely kept, remember that gardening provides an excellent workout with the digging, tilling, weeding, raking, mowing, moving, planting, and climbing. Plus gardening is great fun.  My hope for you is that you will adopt one or more of these tips as your gardening promise for the year. Be enterprising. Do things better than you ever did before. Be optimistic. Be the STAR you are.

As we take a moment to reflect on the past and look forward to the future, share your gardening dreams for 2017. Email me, Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com.

Cynthia Brian’s Garden Guidelines for January ⎫ Compost Recipe: Keep a bucket with a lid on it in the garage or other storage area to fill with your kitchen scraps, shredded newspaper, coffee grinds, tea bags, fish bones (no meat products), and egg shells. Dump daily in an outdoor bin or pile. Add leaves and other brown materials, grass and plant clippings, and garden waste. Keep moist. Turn often with a spade or pitchfork. When the material looks and feels like a damp chocolate cake mix with an aroma of the earth, spread in your beds. ⎫ With the flu and colds that seem to be ubiquitous, make sure to keep lots of citrus on hand, especially oranges and lemons which have a high concentration of vitamin C, citric acid, calcium, iron, fiber, and B complex vitamins. Squeeze lemon juice on salads, vegetables, meat, and, of course, in your water to keep you hydrated. Even cut flowers benefit from drops of lemon juice in the vase, helping the water to travel from the stems to the flowers. Scatter the peels on any acid loving plants in your garden including roses, azaleas, rhododendrons, and fuchsias as a natural fertilizer. ⎫ It’s time to do your heavy pruning on your roses. Cut out any dead wood. Prune roses to about knee height. Although many people assume that roses are fussy, they really are quite tolerant providing months of luscious blooms. ⎫ Buy and plant bare-root roses, berries, vines, and fruit trees now following the instructions on the packaging. ⎫ Spray an application of dormant spray on peaches and other fruit trees to kill overwintering insects. ⎫ Peruse catalogues for ideas for spring and summer flowers. ⎫ Make fragrant potpourri from cut flowers.

Happy Gardening and Happy Growing! Happy, Healthy, Auspicious New Year!

Dig a little, dream a lot!

Read ore: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1023/Digging-Deep-Dig-a-Little-Dream-A-Lot-in-2017.html

©2017 Cynthia Brian The Goddess Gardener StarStyle® Productions, llc Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com www.GoddessGardener.com 925-377-STAR Tune into Cynthia’s Radio show at www.StarStyleRadio.net I am available as a speaker, designer, and consultant.