Gardening-An Expression #RainbowGardenParadise

John Pawlett. Garden Thyme runs an informative Gardening site that looks into all aspects of Gardens from Plants to Figures. Go Articles




Gardening-An Expression

Give the same plants to several people, you will see several arrangements. Each one distinct and different, yet, using the same plants.

This is the ultimate reward of gardening- a means to express, to create with the help and inspiration from the gifts of Nature. Gardening is not just physically and aesthetically rewarding.It enriches the spirit. It awakens ones creativity that lies dormant from neglect, or lack of motivation, or a popular excuse, not enough time.

Gardening is fast becoming a popular hobby of the times. From the tropics, to the frigid climes, gardening centers are offering more choices to tantalize even the most conservative taste.

Each year, gardeners look forward with excitement to their gardening; a hobby they take passionately. What new plants are being introduced? What variety of surprises awaits them? The ornamental gardener will be glorious with the new plants or hybrids for the present growing season. The vegetable/herb gardener looks forward with anticipation at harvest time.

With so much variety to choose from, what factors determine which plants to buy? After considering the soil, weather, sun/shade location factors, the choice is all about self- expression.

No two gardens are alike, given the same set of plants. Colors are as revealing as the plants. A conservative gardener will opt for traditional plants. At times, you see the same plants, the same arrangements year after year. Aha!! Perhaps the gardener does not adapt to change too quickly. It may be lack of time, or change of physical health.

Vibrant colors in the garden reflect a vibrant gardener. A garden bursting with colors is very attractive and pleasing to look at. It is inviting.

What about passion? They say red is a color of passion, of energy and courage. Add white to the reds, and the garden beckons the passer-by to take a look. Someone said this combination looks like a candy cane.

My garden is overcome by burst of yellows and orange, not really by choice. Somehow, it gives out a golden glow as the blooms bask in the sun. It reflects my enthusiasm for life. Many of my plants are gifts from friends, treasures for my garden. Yellow flowers remind me of my mother.

Purples and blues in the garden are colors of reflection, of peace and calm. Add white flowers to this and it invites a meditative mood.

After colors, the arrangements of the plants reveal something of the person. I have a friend whose flowerbeds are symmetrical, weedless, picture- perfect, right out of a magazine. Indeed, this expresses her organized way of thinking and living.

A gardener who loves to re-arrange the plants and loves to add new plants and ornaments shows an enthusiastic and energetic spirit, ready to welcome change, eager to experiment.

What about an overgrown garden? Perhaps it reflects someone with scattered energies, at times, a full plate, or one who does not have the time or energy to tend the garden. It may well show one who starts with a burst of enthusiasm that wanes quickly after the planting is done.

No matter how you plan your garden, it is a creative tool that allows you to express yourself. Gardening is therapeutic,physically, mentally and spiritually.

Happy gardening. Don't forget to talk to your plants.

Want to Know and You Can Do About Snakebites #RainbowGardenParadise

A bite from any of the pit vipers produces immediate and severe pain and darkening of the skin, followed by weakness, blurred vision, quickened pulse, nausea and vomiting.

Of the many varieties of snakes found in the whole world, the United States have only four kinds are poisonous: copperheads, rattlesnakes, moccasins, and coral snakes. The first three belong to the category of pit vipers and are known as hemotoxic because their poison enters the bloodstream. The coral snake, which is comparatively rare, is related to the cobra and is the most dangerous of all because its venom is neurotoxic. This means that the poison transmitted by its bite goes directly to the nervous system and the brain.

Snakes of the pit viper family have a fang on each side of the head. These fangs leave characteristic puncture wounds on the skin in addition to two rows of tiny bites or scratches left by the teeth. A bite from a nonpoisonous snake leaves six rows – four upper and two lower – of very small bite marks or scratches and no puncture wounds.

The marks left by the bite of coral snake do not leave any puncture wounds either, but this snake bites with a chewing motion, hanging on to the victim rather than attacking quickly. The coral snake is very easy to recognize because of its distinctive markings: wide horizontal bands of red and black separated by narrow bands of yellow.
A bite from any of the pit vipers produces immediate and severe pain and darkening of the skin, followed by weakness, blurred vision, quickened pulse, nausea and vomiting. The bite of the coral snake produces somewhat the same symptoms, although there is less local pain and considerable drowsiness leading to unconsciousness.

If a physician or a hospital is short distance away, the patient should receive professional help immediately. He should be transported lying down, either on an improvised stretcher or carried by his companions – with the wounded part lower than his heart. He should be advised to move as little as possible.

If several hours must elapse before a physician or a hospital can be reached, the following procedures should be applied promptly: (1) Keep the victim lying down and as still as possible. (2) Tie a constricting band above the wound between it and the heart and tight enough to slow but not stop blood circulation. A handkerchief, necktie, sock, or piece of torn shirt will serve. (3) If a snakebite kit is available, use the knife it contains; otherwise, sterilize a knife or razor blade in a flame. Carefully make small cuts in the skin where the swelling has developed. Make the cuts along the length of the limb, not across or at right angles to it. The incisions should be shallow because of the danger of severing nerves, blood vessels, or muscles. (4) Use the suction cups in the snakebite kit, if available, to draw out as much of the venom as possible. If suction cups are not available, the venom can be removed by sucking it out with the mouth. Although snake venom is not a stomach poison, it should not be swallowed but should be rinsed from the mouth. (5) This procedure should be continued for from 30 to 60 minutes or until the swelling subsides and the other symptoms decrease. (6) You may apply cold compresses to the bite area while waiting for professional assistance. (7) Treat the victim for shock. (8) Give artificial respiration if necessary.

So, next time, when you are planning to have your vacation or sightseeing in the forest, mountain, desert, river, sea or even in your garden, always be aware of snakebite. Know the possible symptoms and emergency treatment beforehand. Besides, have your snakebite kit ready all the time.