Bonsai Styles -1
It is important for you to remember, as a beginner, that no single bonsai style is the “right” style. Bonsai is meant to be a representation of a tree in nature. Crafting a bonsai masterpiece is tantamount to how YOU view that tree. You are not learning from a bonsai master, you are simply being given instruction on how to create your own bonsai. What you make of it lies simply in your own mind.
You should strive to make your bonsai trees look as natural as possible. Let the tree suggest its own possibilities. If the trunk bends to the right, let it bend that way. Work with it to make it a main feature of your bonsai. You must listen to the tree and hear what it is telling you. Then you will come up with a beautiful creation!
Bonsais should simulate age. You should try and project the appearance of maturity in your tree – just in a miniature form. Even if your tree is relatively young, you can groom it so it looks like it has been growing for years and years. Two features that give the appearance of age to trees are the caliper of the trunk and the degree of taper of the trunk. The trunks of bonsai (in most styles) will be very wide at the base and taper very smoothly to the top of the tree
There are two general styles of bonsai: the classic (koten) and the informal or ‘comic’ (bunjin). In the former, the trunk of the tree is wider at the base and tapers off towards the top; it is just the opposite in the ‘bunjin’, a style more difficult to master.
When you start a bonsai, always remember that you are working with a living plant. Look carefully at its natural characteristics and you may discern within them a suitable style, or styles. Often you can train a plant into several styles, even if it is basically upright like a beech or elegantly slender like a maple. Even if one style only really suits a particular plant, you still can interpret this in many different ways.
More than anything else you should not try to train a bonsai to grow in a style it is not accustomed to. Study the natural growth patterns of the tree you are going to grow and enhance on the pattern nature gave it.
What Are the Different Types of Grass For Lawns?
The quality of your lawn highly depends on the type of grass lawn. Since there are innumerable grass types available therefore it is very essential to learn about each type, its features, and then opt for any of them. Apart from this, factors like climatic conditions of an area play a major role in determining the right decision. By collecting information about the different types of grass for lawns helps in growing a green, lively lawn.
The Grass Brands
In order to choose the best grass type, the weather conditions of your area plays a major role. In broader sense, the grass brands are divided into three grass types on the basis of the seasons. This include-
Cool Season Grasses- There is a wide range of cool season grasses that are normally grown in areas with warm summers and cold winters. The places with such climatic conditions also have regular rains that are good for cool season grass growth. This grass type include grasses like-
1. Kentucky Bluegrass- This most common cool season grass is relatively poor for shady areas and is not suitable for high temperature sites. Requires regular irrigation in such conditions.
2. Annual Ryegrass- This grass type quickly germinates. Mainly available in two species including perennial ryegrass and Italian ryegrass.
3. Red Fescue- It is usually preferred in temperate and northern areas. This cool season grass works best in shaded and cool sites. Moreover, it requires very less maintenance.
4. Bent grass- This grass is good for golf course sites. Not recommended for home lawns.
Warm Season Grasses- This type of grass for lawns is preferred for southern part of US. This season grass type turns into brown color on the onset of cool temperature. This type of grass type includes grass varieties like-
1. Zoysia- This is a drought tolerant grass and has the ability to react to rainfall. This grass type is commonly found in southern California.
2. Bahia- This grass consists of high resistant power against insects, disease, and drought conditions.
3. Buffalo- This grass is not recommended for shady area. The sites recommended for this grass includes parks, open lawn areas, roadsides, cemeteries, etc.
4. Carpet- This coarse-leaved and creeping grass grows best in wet soils. It has less shade tolerance and can be planted by sprigs or seed.
Typical Transition Zone Grasses- This type of grasses are usually found in transition zone that lies between the northern and southern turf grass regions. Some of the grasses that are suitable for this region includes-
1. Thermal Blue- This grass type combines the qualities of Kentucky bluegrass and turf type tall fescue. It is very suitable for hot as well as shady environment. It has high resistance to diseases like brown patch.
2. Tall Fescue- This perennial bunch-type grass well-grows during the fall and spring seasons. It is good for shady sites and high-traffic lawns in homes.
3. Perennial Ryegrass- The perennial ryegrass germinates quickly and also requires constant watering especially during early summers and spring. It is best suited for cool and moist climatic conditions.
By David S is a Lawn, http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Spelling
Mulch – 8 Reasons Your Garden Needs It
Many gardeners put a lot of effort into planting, weeding and watering their gardens. Something that many gardeners overlook is the benefits that a mulch brings to your garden, whether you are growing flowers, herbs or vegetables. Apply mulch in late spring, after the soil has had a chance to warm up and dry out after winter.
The most obvious reason to mulch your garden is that it looks good. And it gives your garden a neat, manicured appearance. Here’s a few more reasons:
- Keeps light away from weed seeds. Most garden weeds need light for germination, so it keeps weeds from growing. Any weeds that do manage to sprout are easy to pull.
- Holds moisture in the soil, slowing evaporation. This means that you don’t have to water as much. Mulch provides your plants with even, consistent moisture.
- Moderates soil temperatures. Mulch keeps the temperature of the soil from fluctuating too much, which is best for plant growth and the production of fruit and flowers.
- Improves the soil as it breaks down, adding humus and organic matter.
- Keeps soil from splashing onto the plants when they are watered. This cuts down on soil-borne fungal plant diseases. Many fungal organisms live in the soil and make their way to the plants that way. Mulch also keeps plants looking neat and clean with no splashed soil on them.
- Prevents the soil from being washed away by rain, thereby preventing soil erosion.
- Keeps the surface of the soil from becoming hard and impenetrable. Soil with a hard surface makes the soil resist absorbing moisture and the water slides right off of it.
- Winter mulch keeps soil temperatures from fluctuating during winter’s many freeze-thaw cycles.