#subtropical bulb

[comfortspringstation]

June Garden Floral Surprises In Central Florida

I live in Central Florida, growing zone 9B which is semi-tropical. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in warm areas like Florida. Amaryllis sold at Christmas are FORCED bulbs.

[dailybotany]

Do you know what this plant is?

It’s about four and a half feet tall and the flowers look like lilies when they open up.

Here is a photo with their flowers blooming. (Sorry for the quality)

We live in Texas in a sub tropical climate and it thrives so if it’s not originally from here it’s pretty close to it’s ideal zone.

I will never get over how showy tropical and subtropical plants get!! Thanks for sending this in :)

It appears that you have a specimen of Crinum × amabile, also known as the Queen Emma Lily.

The '×' symbol means that this is a hybrid species — it's parent species are Crinum asiaticum × Crinum zeylanicum. The "Lily" part of its common name is a bit of a misnomer, taxonomically speaking — but you (and whoever named it) are not far off! The genus Crinum is in the family Amaryllidaceae (named after the Amaryllis!), which is part of order Asparagales, Liliales sister order.

Crinum asiaticum (Poison Bulb) native habitat is the wet tropics. This species, as well as its cultivars and hybrids, are popular ornamental perennials in the tropics and subtropics across the world. I've included a map of its native range below:

Crinum zeylanicum, on the other hand, has a more restricted native range — it is native to the seasonally dry tropics in SW India, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka. Crossing C. asiaticum with C. zeylanicum (Milk & Wine Lily) adds purple coloration to the flowers and full-sun leaves and increases tolerance for dry conditions.

P.S. Poison Bulb isn't kidding. All parts of this plant are poisonous to ingest. If you have pets, they also shouldn't eat this friend!

[kingdrawcse]

Chemistry behind fireflies

Fireflies, members of the Lampyridae family in the order Coleoptera, are insects capable of bioluminescence. There are approximately 2,000 species worldwide, primarily found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. Fireflies possess specialized light-emitting cells containing firefly luciferin and luciferase. Luciferase efficiently catalyzes a reaction involving luciferin, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), oxygen, and magnesium ions, converting biological energy into yellow-green fluorescence. This reaction is highly efficient, with 95% of the energy released in the form of light—far surpassing current human-made light sources like incandescent bulbs, which convert only about 10% of energy into light.

[xipiti]

The aerosol fallout from wildfires that burned across more than 70,000 square miles of Australia in 2019 and 2020 was so persistent and widespread that it brightened a vast area of clouds above the subtropical Pacific Ocean.

Beneath those clouds, the ocean surface and the atmosphere cooled, shifting a key tropical rainfall belt northward and nudging the Equatorial Pacific toward an unexpected and long-lasting cool phase of the La Niña-El Niño cycle, according to research published today in Science Advances.

Aerosols from wildfires are basically fire dust—microscopic bits of charred mineral or organic matter that can ride super-heated wildfire clouds up to the stratosphere and spread across hemispheres with varied climatic effects, depending on where they’re produced and where they end up.

In the new modeling study, the scientists quantified how aerosols from the Australian wildfires made clouds over the tropical Pacific reflect more sunlight back toward space. The cooling effect was equivalent to switching off a 3-watt light bulb over every square meter of the ocean region. And that cooling, their data showed, shifted the cloud and rain belt called the Intertropical Convergence Zone northward.

Combined, the effects may have helped trigger the rare three-year La Niña, from late 2019 through 2022. The impacts of the La Niña rippled around the world, intensifying drought and famine in Eastern Africa, and priming the Atlantic Ocean region for hurricanes, as 2020 became the most active tropical storm season on record with 31 tropical and subtropical systems, including 11 storms that made landfall in the US, including four alone in Louisiana.

More at link

[plantspecialist]

The Ultimate Guide to Garden Care and Interior Plants in New York

New York is a vibrant city known for its bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, but it also has a rich gardening culture that thrives amidst the urban landscape. Whether you’re tending to an outdoor garden or nurturing indoor plants, effective garden care in New York is essential for success. At Plant Specialists, we’re here to help you navigate the unique challenges of gardening in the Big Apple.

Garden Care in New York: Key Considerations

When it comes to garden care in New York, understanding the local climate and soil conditions is crucial. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cold winters. This variability requires a strategic approach to gardening.

Soil Quality

New York’s soil can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another. Conduct a soil test to determine pH levels and nutrient content, which will guide your choice of plants and amendments. Adding organic matter, such as compost, can greatly improve soil structure and fertility.

Seasonal Planting

Timing is everything in New York gardening. The growing season typically runs from late April to early October, depending on the specific location within the city. Here are some tips for seasonal planting:

Spring: Plant cool-season crops like lettuce, peas, and radishes early in the spring. As temperatures rise, transition to warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers.

Summer: This is the prime time for maintaining your garden. Regular watering, weeding, and pest control are essential during the heat of summer.

Fall: Consider planting perennials and bulbs in the fall for a beautiful spring bloom. It’s also a good time to clean up your garden and prepare it for winter.

Pest and Disease Management

Urban gardens can be susceptible to pests and diseases due to the close proximity of buildings and other structures. Regular monitoring is key. Use integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, combining cultural, mechanical, and biological controls to keep your garden healthy.

Interior Plants in New York: Bringing Nature Indoors

Indoor plants can transform your living space into a lush oasis, providing not only aesthetic beauty but also health benefits. In New York, where space can be limited, choosing the right interior plants is essential.

Best Interior Plants for New York Homes

Snake Plant (Sansevieria): This hardy plant thrives in low light and requires minimal watering, making it perfect for busy New Yorkers.

Pothos: Known for its trailing vines, pothos is an excellent air purifier. It can tolerate various light conditions and is easy to propagate.

ZZ Plant: Another low-maintenance option, the ZZ plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in low-light conditions, making it ideal for apartments.

Spider Plant: This resilient plant is great for beginners and produces baby spider plants that can be easily propagated.

Tips for Interior Plant Care

Light Requirements: Assess the light conditions in your home. Many interior plants thrive in indirect sunlight, so avoid placing them in direct sun unless they specifically require it.

Watering Schedule: Overwatering is a common mistake. Always check the soil moisture before watering, and remember that it’s better to underwater than overwater.

Humidity Levels: New York’s indoor environments can be dry, especially during winter. Consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near your plants to maintain humidity.

Combining Outdoor and Indoor Gardening

For New Yorkers passionate about gardening, combining outdoor and indoor spaces can create a seamless transition between nature and urban life. You can grow herbs and vegetables in pots on your balcony while also nurturing interior plants that enhance your living space.

Creating a Cohesive Garden Design

Choose Complementary Plants: Select indoor plants that echo the colors and textures of your outdoor garden. This creates a harmonious look throughout your home.

Utilize Vertical Space: In small apartments, consider vertical gardening. Wall-mounted planters can hold a variety of herbs and flowers while saving floor space.

Seasonal Decor: Change your indoor plant arrangements seasonally to reflect the changing outdoor garden. This keeps your space dynamic and fresh.

Conclusion

Garden care in New York, along with the cultivation of interior plants can enrich your life in the city. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the urban environment, you can create thriving green spaces both indoors and outdoors. At Plant Specialists, we’re dedicated to providing the knowledge and resources you need to succeed in your gardening endeavors. Embrace the beauty of nature in New York, and let your plants flourish!

[qocsuing]

Is evaporative cooling as good as air conditioning?

Is evaporative cooling as good as air conditioning?

There are misconceptions about the efficiency of evaporative cooling over air conditioning even though it has proven to be an effective and sustainable cooling solution in comparison to air conditioning. This blog will give you a deeper understanding of these misconceptions, the pros and cons of evaporative cooling versus air conditioning, and vice versa. Get more news about Evaporative Cooling System,you can vist our website!

Misconceptions and facts: 1. Evaporative cooling creates a subtropical indoor climate compared to air conditioning.

Air conditioning cools and dehumidifies the air. Deep cooling causes the moisture in the air to condense on the cold evaporator. The cooled air then contains less moisture. Comfortable in terms of temperature and humidity (30% - 60% as per OSHA), but not always healthy. To reduce energy costs, ventilation is minimized.

Two-stage evaporative cooling is superior to direct evaporative cooling, it cools considerably deeper and ensures up to 70% lower humidity in the supply air. Resulting in comfortable temperature and humidity levels. Other than air conditioning, two-stage evaporative cooling is depending on ventilating fresh cooled air into the building and extracting the used air to the outdoors, resulting in a comfortable, healthy, and fresh indoor environment with a typical humidity level between 40% and 60%. This slightly higher humidity level helps us fend off viruses and provides comfort against dry eyes and an itchy throat. 2. Evaporative cooling is less effective than air conditioning in providing comfort to people in hot and humid climates.

It is true that evaporative cooling units become less effective in humid climates. However, two-stage (indirect/direct) evaporative cooling can provide deeper cooling (4 to 7 ºC) than (direct) evaporative cooling. The combination of massive ventilation and cooling results in a pleasant working environment even in a humid climate. Should this not be sufficient, a hybrid solution can be chosen, more on this in listing 3.

A key advantage of two-stage evaporative cooling is that the technology becomes more efficient and performs better as the temperature rises, unlike air conditioning. In the case of two-stage evaporative cooling, the COP will go from 10 to 40 as the temperature rises. A typical COP of 4 with an air conditioner, goes down to 2.5/3 as the temperature rises. 3. Evaporative cooling works by cooling the air by allowing it to absorb water vapor. This can only occur if the relative humidity is low and the outside temperature is below the wet bulb temperature.

In cases of high relative humidity, efficient cooling can be achieved by combining the two-stage evaporative cooling with a small mechanical cooling system. This semi-hybrid evaporative cooling system stands out to be the optimal solution in case of high relative humidity. With this semi-hybrid system, a production hall or building can be cooled adequately throughout the year, even in humid months, without losing the extensive energy-saving benefits of two-stage evaporative cooling.

[powerriteelectric]

How Does Low Voltage Light Save Energy?

In the pursuit of sustainable living, energy efficiency has become a paramount concern. Low-voltage lights have emerged as a smart solution to reduce energy consumption and contribute to a greener environment. This article delves into the mechanisms behind how low-voltage lights in Gramercy Park, FL save energy, with a focus on their relevance to residents.

Understanding Low Voltage Lights

Low-voltage lights are designed to operate at a lower electrical potential compared to traditional incandescent or high-voltage lighting systems. They typically operate at 12 volts (V) or 24 volts (V) instead of the standard 120 volts (V) in most homes. This reduction in voltage directly translates into decreased energy usage and, consequently, lower electricity bills.

Energy Efficiency Mechanisms

Reduced Heat Generation: One of the primary advantages of low-voltage lights is their minimal heat production. Traditional incandescent bulbs emit a significant amount of heat as a byproduct of their operation, resulting in wasted energy. In contrast, low-voltage lights generate very little heat, making them more efficient in converting electrical energy into visible light.

Higher Luminous Efficacy: Luminous efficacy refers to the amount of visible light produced per unit of electrical power consumed. Low-voltage lights, especially LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs, have a higher luminous efficacy compared to incandescent bulbs. This means they produce more light while using less energy, making them an ideal choice for various lighting applications.

Advanced Technology: LED technology, commonly used in low-voltage lighting, has revolutionized the lighting industry. LEDs are inherently energy-efficient, requiring less electricity to produce the same amount of light as traditional bulbs. Moreover, LEDs have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and further saving resources.

Dimmability: Many low-voltage lighting systems offer dimming capabilities, allowing users to adjust the brightness according to their needs. This not only provides flexibility in lighting design but also contributes to energy savings by reducing power consumption when full illumination is unnecessary.

Benefits of low voltage lights 

For the residents of Gramercy Park, FL, incorporating low-voltage lights into their homes and outdoor spaces can yield several benefits:

Lower Energy Bills: Given the subtropical climate of Florida, residents often rely on lighting for longer periods due to extended daylight hours. By switching to low-voltage lights, households in Gramercy Park can significantly reduce their energy consumption and subsequently lower their monthly electricity bills.

Reduced Environmental Impact: Gramercy Park's commitment to environmental sustainability aligns well with the energy-saving attributes of low-voltage lights. By using less electricity, residents can contribute to reducing the overall carbon footprint of the community and promote a more eco-friendly way of life. Enhanced Aesthetics and Safety: Low-voltage lights offer a wide range of design options that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces, walkways, and gardens. These lights not only beautify the surroundings but also improve visibility and safety during nighttime hours.

[ert54]

Gardening: Spectacular Amaryllis - Crossroads Pb | South Denton County | pile of flowers

Written by Louie Tonery Amaryllis is one of my favorite plants. They have beautiful blooms that grow from 4 to 8 inches across. Many cultivars exist that produce flowers in red, white, pink, and many others. Knowing how to grow and care for these plants will ensure continued enjoyment year after year. Amaryllis grows from bulbs, and can be grown indoors or outdoors. They are native to subtropical…

[stingchronicity]

god i miss autumn so badddd. it’s not even may and the humidity and heat is unbearable i hate it here!!! i’m dreading the summer so fucking bad

[dededos]

[rocwylde]

I woke up today, did my things as usual, let my cats mingle in the catio and just felt the water in the air. Humidity, you’d say. The sky was empty of airborne vehicles, there were no cars in the distance driving, it was so quiet.

I pruned the trees and plants, cleared the dirt, all of it barefooted and in my pajama pants that gently flowed past my ankles. I came inside to finish my chores and felt it. The seeds wrapped in a sticky bulb that latch onto all manner of creature to spread out further in my subtropical home.

I stepped back outside and felt the squishy soil thriving off the humidity beneath my feet. More seeds latched onto me. I rolled one between my thumb and index finger and smiled. I missed that feeling, it’d been an entire spring since I saw these last. Clovers sprouted from the new, revitalized soil and then I saw them.

The marsh flowers were blooming. and I came face to face with probably my favorite flower of them all. So deep blue it reminds me of a sea, small in my hands, filled with memories from when I would pick them years ago. I didn’t even know I missed them until i came back from my trip. Goodness it felt so nice. And the sun did not burn.

My favorite flowers are in bloom again, sending me signs of spring.

[comfortspringstation]

Spring Florida Garden White Amaryllis

Spring in central Florida (which is semi-tropical) doesn’t mean spring daffodils in the yard. We don’t have the cold weather for northern bulbs to grow here. Right now the flower section at Publix is filled with tulips , daffodils, and other spring flowers but none of those grow here. Spring flowers for me mean amaryllis. I know you think it’s a Christmas flower, but it’s not. It’s a subtropical bulb that flowers in the spring in tropical environments.

[bufomancer]

How Can We Do Better By Pacman Frogs?

Pacman frogs (genus Ceratophrys) are one of the most common pet frogs, and for good reason! They’re large, personable frogs that come in a wide variety of morphs and can live up to 10 years. There are eight species in the genus, though only three are common in captivity (C. cranwelli, C. ornata, C. cornuta), as well as a hybrid of C. cranwelli and C. cornuta usually labelled as a “fantasy pacman frog.” Occasionally you may see some of the other species for sale, but not nearly as often. This article focuses on the three most common species of pacman frog, excluding the hybrids.

This article is not intended to be used as a care sheet. Please do further research of your own to figure out the best way to care for your pet pacman frog. 

Visual differences between the three common pet pacman frogs, plus the ‘fantasy’ hybrid (source)

Unfortunately, in my experience, out of all the common pet frogs, pacman frogs seem to suffer the most from minimalistic husbandry practices. Perhaps this is due to their reputation as ‘pet rocks’- they are nocturnal sit-and-wait predators, so keepers are unlikely to see them out and about during the day. A common sight in pacman frog groups and forums is a bin or tank of no more than 10 gallons, with just some dirt, a heat mat, and a large water dish. But is that really the best we can do for them?

An example of a fairly typical 10 gallon setup for a pacman frog. (source)

In order to answer that question, we’ll first need to delve into their lives in the wild.

In the wild, the ranges of cranwelli, cornuta, and ornata are for the most part separate. Cranwelli is found in the dry chaco region, which includes parts of Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil. Ornata is found in Argentina and Uruguay, ranging to the coast. Cornuta is found much further north and has the largest range, including Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. There’s some possible overlap between cranwelli and ornata in Argentina.

Comparisons from Berkeley Mapper of pacman frog distribution. Orange is range as listed by the IUCN, and the blue dots are amphibiaweb records of collection sites.

Most care sheets and keepers treat these species as interchangeable as far as care requirements, but I’m a little more skeptical. Let’s go species by species through habitat information! 

Ceratophrys cranwelli

The most common species of pacman frog lives in the hot, semiarid Gran Chaco region, which contains mainly dry thorn forests, savannas, and low hardwood forests. Much of the water is seasonal, but there are two permanent rivers. When it’s hot and dry, cranwelli will burrow into the soil and grow a protective layer of skin, then aestivate until the climate becomes more suitable for them again. Soil is primarily sand and clay-based. Average temperatures across the region range from 60-85 F, with average humidity ranging from 50-75%. 

One of the types of habitat in the Gran Chaco in Paraguay (source)

Ceratophrys ornata

These guys live in the Pampas region of Argentina, in subtropical grasslands and seasonal wetlands. Vegetation is primarily grasses and shrubs with few trees. Humidity seems to stay around 70-80% on average. The yearly average temperature is just around 65F, with average lows around 55 and average highs around 75. Soil is described as fertile. The frogs are primarily found around the bodies of water where they breed.

Temperature information for three locations in the Pampas region

A view of the Pampas (source)

Ceratophrys cornuta

The third of the common pet pacman frog species is found in the Amazon rainforest and the Amazon basin. The yearly average temperature is around 77 F but can reach up to the 90s during the day and down to the upper 60s/lower 70s at night. Humidity in the amazon rainforest averages 77% in the dry season and 88% in the wet season, according to the WWF. One study on the biology of cornuta cites the forests where they live as either terra firma or inundated forest and the soil asloam mixed with silt and/or clay. Individuals were usually found partially burrowed under leaf litter, with their backs near roots or logs. They mostly moved around during nights when there had been rainfall in the previous 24 hours. 

In my opinion, the differences in habitat between the three species indicates that captive Ceratophrys frogs should be kept in somewhat different conditions in captivity as well. Cornuta would likely do well with plenty of leaf litter to burrow into, and seems to like the highest humidity of the three. Cranwelli seems to need the least humidity, and would likely appreciate some plant or wood cover, such as scrub vegetation. Ornata seems to need higher humidity than cranwelli, but perhaps not as high as cornuta. Their primary vegetation in the wild are grasses, so it would be recommended to mimic that in terraria. The different species may do better at different temperatures as well. I would recommend doing further research on your own on temperatures in their native habitats before deciding what temperature to keep your own pacman frog at.

In general, the small terrariums pacman frogs are typically kept in are inadequate. While a 10 gallon may be fine for growing out a young baby, many of whom are irregular eaters until adulthood, These frogs can grow anywhere from 2-6 inches, possibly more, depending on species and gender. I recommend a minimum of a 20 long (footprint of 360sq in) for male pacman frogs and a 40 breeder (footprint of 640sq in) for female pacman frogs. Of course, you can always go larger- I keep my male ornata in a 40 breeder and I have never felt the space was wasted.

All pacman frogs share some basic needs: enough substrate to burrow all the way into, a large water dish that they can soak their entire body in, cover of some sort be it hides or plants, a heat gradient, and access to UVB.

Most keepers recommend a heat mat taped to the side of the tank for providing supplemental heat. You should never use a heat mat on the bottom of the tank as pacman frogs will burrow to cool themselves down when it gets too hot. Overhead heat would be ideal, and there are many ways to go about that, each with its own pros and cons. Unless your house is particularly cold, your frog should be fine with a nighttime temperature drop down to the mid 60s/lower 70s.

UVB supplementation is controversial in the herp hobby for many species, and pacman frogs are no exception. They may be nocturnal, but that only means they are primarily active at night and  does not preclude them from being exposed to sunlight. I would consider them to be a part of Ferguson Zone 1 as outlined in Ferguson et al. (2010). Animals in this zone are cryptic baskers, typically crepuscular or nocturnal. They would not need high levels of UVB, but appropriate use of a low output UV bulb is unlikely to be harmful provided the frog is able to avoid the light should they choose. I personally use a reptisun T8 5.0, but any light with a similar output used at the manufacturer recommended distance should be safe. Make sure your pacman frog is able to hide from the light if they want to by providing them with hides, plants, pieces of wood, etc.

Ultimately, we can do better by pacman frogs by simply treating them like more than pet rocks. Give them space to move around, do research into the native habitat of the species you own and do your best to mimic it in your terrarium. Feed them a variety of foods - these guys can and do eat almost anything from ants to other frogs and reptiles. Give them more than just dirt and a water dish. Make sure to only purchase captive-bred individuals. These frogs will never race around their tank or be able to be kept happily with other frogs, and you may almost never see them move during the day, but that doesn’t mean they don’t use their space in their own way. 

The way I see it, you can either provide space and enrichment that they might not use, or you can deprive them of space and enrichment that they may benefit from. I think the former is preferable to the latter. 

Sources, References, and Further Reading

Cranwelli

https://www.britannica.com/place/Gran-Chaco/

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/56338/11464257

http://www.faunaparaguay.com/ceratophryscranwelli.html

Ornata

https://www.britannica.com/place/the-Pampas

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/56340/11464790

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climatic_regions_of_Argentina#Statistics_for_selected_locations_5

Cornuta

https://galapagosinsiders.com/travel-blog/climate-weather-amazon-rainforest-temperatures/

https://www.jstor.org/stable/3892875?seq=1

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/56337/11464093#habitat-ecology

https://wwf.panda.org/knowledge_hub/where_we_work/amazon/about_the_amazon/

General

https://bioone.org/journals/south-american-journal-of-herpetology/volume-9/issue-2/SAJH-D-14-00008.1/On-the-Diet-of-the-Frogs-of-the-Ceratophryidae/10.2994/SAJH-D-14-00008.1.short

https://www.jzar.org/jzar/article/view/150

[littlefloralsoul]

Fresh Flowers - Growing And Caring For Fresh Flowers

Fresh Flowers melbourne come in a wide variety of species. It can be difficult to know which plants will make a good centerpiece for your next event. The most popular flower types in the US are roses, tulips and daffodils. If you want your flower display to be unique and memorable, the type of flower will depend on the occasion. Here is a look at some of the most common varieties and what they are used for:

Most fresh flowers are flower buds or individual flowers cut from a plant. It is generally removed from its original plant and placed in a vase for ornamental purposes.

Flowers that are cut from trees are also known as holly and they are very common in most cities. They are perfect for the front of the house and many homeowners choose these flowers for their patio tables. You can also find holly growing wild in the woods.

Tulips or English tulips are another well-known type of fresh flowers. These bulbs are grown indoors in large pots to create beautiful and elegant displays. The tulip flower is native to Central Europe and the Mediterranean area and it is a member of the daisy family.

Tulips can be purchased in any type of arrangement, from bunches to freestanding shrubs. They are great in bouquets and can be used for centerpieces on the dining room table or along the windowsill. Many people choose tulips for their outside living spaces as they are beautiful in all weather conditions. Tulips are grown primarily for ornamental purposes.

When it comes to fresh flowers, many people do not realize that there are a wide range of other types of flowers available. Tulips are a popular choice and are sometimes considered the "official flower of New York." The tulip flower is native to the Mediterranean region and can grow in almost any climate.

Other exotic plants include the rose, orchids, hydrangea, crocuses and even orchids. These are plants that are only found in tropical and subtropical regions. They can grow in low light conditions and are a wonderful addition to any yard. Many people prefer to grow exotic flowers so that they are available for special occasions or just for their beauty.

Flower showpieces are a great way to add more color to a lawn or garden. If you are not sure about which type of flower to purchase or how to grow them, ask the experts at a local gardening store to give you a tour. They can help you learn about growing and caring for the variety of flowers that you choose.

There are some things to keep in mind when growing fresh flowers. Most flowers require a lot of water in order to bloom. Some flowers will die after they have bloomed. The water should be applied liberally after the last bloom has faded.

The amount of water that you use on your flowers is entirely up to you. Some people like to grow annuals which are very hardy plants and do not need a lot of water while others prefer annuals that can handle dry conditions better. Watering the flowers is also dependent on how often you plan to water them.

Annuals are great choices for the ground such as flowerbeds, paths and patios. These plants thrive in the shade and do well in most climates. They are also easy to maintain and you can grow as many as you like.

Annual flowers can be grown as annuals, perennials or semi-evergreen plants. You can choose from many different colors such as: white, pink, yellow, purple, pinkish, white, lavender, burgundy and blue. A lot of flowers are sold in most flower stores under these categories.

Keep in mind that you should always water your fresh flowers at least once each week during the summer season. Most flowers need to be watered every day in the fall. If you live in an area where it does get cold, then it is important to water your flowers when the weather is warm.

[rjzimmerman]

Color symbols represent the 99.9th percentile of observed daily maximum TW for 1979–2017 for HadISD stations with at least 50% data availability over this period. Marker size is inversely proportional to station density.

Excerpt from this Washington Post story:

Welcome to “Steambath Earth,” featuring sauna-like temperatures and humidity too high for humans to tolerate.

Extremely humid heat that is more intense than most Americans have experienced — approaching a crucial, immovable human survivability limit — has more than doubled in frequency in some coastal subtropical regions of the world since 1979, according to a study published Friday.

The study is the first to find that wet-bulb temperatures of 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 Celsius) — which render ineffective the human heat response of sweating to shed heat through evaporation, leading to hyperthermia — are already occurring for short periods of time at a few weather stations.

These tend to occur in parts of the Persian Gulf shoreline and coastal southwest North America, where sizzling lands border sultry seas, as well as in northern South Asia, where extreme heat and humidity combinations overlap just before the annual monsoon season begins.

With computer-model projections showing the world will continue to warm rapidly in response to increasing amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the study, published Friday in the journal Science Advances, warns that highly populated regions of the world will be rendered uninhabitable sooner than previously thought for parts of each year.

This will come to pass unless people take wide-ranging and costly steps to adapt to the heat during the next few decades, while nations undertake measures to slash emissions of greenhouse gases.

The study depicts a world steadily marching toward a future in which many other locations approach or reach that survivability threshold, a trend that could throw a spotlight on the divide between rich nations that are able to adapt to this new reality and poor countries that suffer productivity losses and deaths.

For the research, scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Loughborough University in the U.K. and Columbia University examined surface temperature data around the world on land and sea. They detected, for the first time, the arrival of what some scientists have called “Steambath Earth,” with heat waves that humans cannot survive after prolonged exposure.

The threshold for survivability occurs when the wet-bulb temperature hits 95 degrees.

Meteorologists measure wet-bulb temperatures by wrapping a wet wick around the bulb of a thermometer. While it may seem to be an esoteric figure, it’s highly significant in heat-wave situations, since the higher the wet-bulb temperature gets, the more difficult it becomes for the human body to shed metabolic heat into the air through the evaporation of sweat.

[seedkeeping]

We lifted the moringa tree roots today, which smell and taste just like horseradish. Moringa farmer Bernard Singleton from @cejsorganicfarms told me that they can be stored like tulip bulbs and replanted, so we are going to give it a shot and keep them ever so slightly moist in peat moss over the winter in hopes that they get a head start next year. Normally, we can only grow them as annuals in our climate unless they are kept in pots and brought indoors. The one I’m holding was about 15’ tall and covered in flowers in its first year. Hopeful for fruits next year! Any tips on this? Moringa is from the tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia, and is now grown throughout the tropical and subtropical world where the leaves, pods, roots, stems, and flowers are used for medicine, and sometimes food. The pods give it the name “Drumstick Tree,” the roots “Horseradish Tree,” and the healing properties “Miracle Tree.” Ours grow 10-15 feet tall in one year from seed, and we dry the leaves for tea or use them fresh as a highly nutritious vegetable. #moringaoleifera #moringa #moringaroot https://www.instagram.com/p/B4TQKPRAU9l/?igshid=2p717nrylahh