Often I have heard this statement.  Everyone wants native only plants, now, there is nothing wrong with native plants, in fact I own many, however this puts us in the passive mode that we are restricted to what we can grow.  I don’t know about you, but I love exotics.

I love when people ask for a plant that the general person does not know it even exists.



I love the salacious taste of the fruit in my mouth.



I love the different leaves and shapes and sizes of these different plants.

I guess I am kind of a plant rebel.  If you tell me I can’t grow it I will find a way.  We have plants from all over the world and my collection keeps growing.  I love plants that are exotic in nature.

Case and point.  Salvia Divinorum, this is a plant from Mexico and South America.  Teens now are growing these plants and smoking the dried leaves to get high, the US Gov is trying to outlaw the plant.  Do you realize that this is a very beautiful plant?  It grows well indoors and has a great look and smell, now I do not agree with the people abusing the plant, but the plant itself is very exotic.  I will continue to grow this plant, even if they ban it, I do not smoke it, I do not sell it to teens to smoke, I grow it because it’s a beautiful exotic plant.

This spring, we will be planting for our yard and for landscaping purposes, but how about for you?

Let’s look at some of the benefits of exotics.

1. Rare in nature, these plants are not found in many places in the world.



2. They are kept in pots and brought in during the cold weather and in the spring and summer can go outdoors.



3. You become the envy of the neighborhood



4. You become an expert in the eyes of everyone (No one else knows about these plants but you).



5. You get extremely healthy fruit that is free from pesticides, herbicides and chemicals.



6. You get the joy of harvesting a crop that YOU have grown yourself.

Many plants grow in pots and do very well.  Here in Tampa we don’t suffer from cold or snow, but I have lived up north many years with the same snow and ice that many of you face. 

Put yourself in a daydream right now; picture a nice cozy fire, the wind howling outside.  The thermometer outside the window showing negative 5 below zero, you see the driveway needs shoveled, as you glance out the window, but you know the cold and wind is something you don’t want to fight.  What to do, a real conundrum right?

Wrong, you sit down next to that roaring fire, you reach over to your Brazilian Grumichama Cherry tree and pick off a succulent ripe fruit that beckons you every day, you munch out on healthy edible fruit that you have grown yourself and realize that no one else within hundreds of miles has this plant or even knows what it is.  That is what makes it well worth the time and effort.

Now I am not trying to sell you my plants, I am just trying to get you to think “outside” the box, obviously you love plants or you would not be on our mailing list, you are one of the “elite”, the type of person that is not tied down to the whole “Native Only” routine that is being spouted now.  Let me first say for many people “Native Only” is a good idea, only because they lack the ability to care for non native plants or lack the knowledge.  If you put an invasive species into an area that it will thrive that is not a good thing, but I am talking about responsible exotics, someone that not only cares about the environment but wants that something special that no one else owns.

So when you are buying your spring plants, think exotic and be different, be special and be loved.

Peter

Side Note:



Our business will be in a major garden magazine in April “In The Field”, they have done a featured article on us.

What are plants?

Sun injury is caused by the bark heating up on cold winter days, then chilling rapidly when the sun goes down or is blocked such as from trees and clouds. It seems the tissue in the bark near the surface starts to warm up and become active.

When the temperature drops it kills this tissue. The result is sun injury, or sunken, elongated, darkened areas of the bark. Usually this occurs on the south sides of trees where the sun has warmed the bark.

This is most common on young trees with thin bark. Older trees, with thicker bark, are less sensitive to such temperature extremes. Other plants that have been pruned to expose previously shaded bark also can be injured this way. There are certain species with thin bark are more prone to sun injury, including cherry, crabapple, honey locust, linden, maple, and mountain ash.

To prevent sun injury, wrap the bark of vulnerable trees in late fall with either some tree wrap tape, plastic tree guards, or similar light colored material. These can be found in most garden stores.

Remove the wrap in the spring after the last frost, to avoid insects living under the material during the summer.

Wrap newly planted trees or young trees for at a minimum two winters. Wrap thin-bark trees for a minimum five winters.

Cold also can injure evergreens through discoloration, predominantly in late winter. It appears as browned leaf tips, large areas, or browning of needles of conifers. Such browning is often referred to as “desiccation”, also known as drying out of leaves.

Sunny days in winter, or wind, can cause evergreen leaves to lose water or “transpire”. Since the ground is frozen, roots can not get water, so the result is the leaves drying out and browning.

Similar to sun injury on bark, warm days can motivate cells to be active in leaves, only to be killed by sudden temperature drops when the sun disappears.

This mainly occurs in fall before plants are fully hardened, or in spring as new growth is occurring, with a sudden low temperature resulting in injury to  non-hardened tissues.

One obvious solution is to make sure these plants go into the winter well-watered. If there is less than an inch or two of rain a week in mid fall, make sure you water such plants. Another solution is to wrap these plants in burlap (not plastic that can heat up and cook the plants). 

Snow is one of the best protectors, so low lying plants can be protected by making sure they are covered with snow. You can lightly shovel snow on them, or place holiday boughs and trees next to them to trap the snow.

If you have plants that usually get damage, consider moving them if possible next season, or planting new ones in sites more protected from winter sun and wind.

Sprays to protect the foliage from drying out, called “anti desiccants” have been recommended in the past. Most studies seem to show they are not very effective.

Dieback is simply plant parts, such as twigs and buds, being killed by cold weather. This is often seen on deciduous shrubs, or those that lose their leaves.

Not much can be done to protect such plants, except to select more hardy varieties. Make sure next season in late summer you don’t over water, prune, or fertilize. All of these may stimulate dynamic growth which will not have time to harden properly.

If a tree or shrub is injured from dieback, don’t be too eager to prune off the apparent dead branches. Often these only may be dead on the surface, with living tissue underneath which will produce buds. 

You can carefully scratch the surface of the bark to expose the cambium layer underneath, it this is still green the branch is not dead. So wait until mid-spring to prune such branches, especially on less hardy roses which often show at least some dieback.

Roots can be injured by cold soil temperatures, generally at about 10 degrees (F) or lower. The good news is that due to the underlying heat in the soil, snow, and other factors, root and soil temperatures seldom get this low. Dry soils tend to get colder than moist soil, so fall watering will help to prevent this issue.

Making sure any cracks in the soil around newly planted trees or shrubs are filled before the first freeze. Covering the root zone with up to six inches of mulch, such as bark or pine needles, will keep roots warm much longer in the fall, as well as help retain the moisture for the soil.

Mulched soils also fluctuate less in temperatures during winter, which is better for root hardiness. Make sure to keep the mulch away from trunk and stems, or else mice may live in this material and feed on the bark.

A final way cold may damage trees and shrubs is through repeated freezing and thawing of soil in spring, called “frost heaving.” Such expanding and contraction of soil around roots can damage them, and raise new plantings or “heave” them from the soil.

Mulching, as well as planting early in the season so plants can be well-rooted by fall, minimizes frost heaving.

Fall is finally here and the weather for most of you will be turning cold, here are some fall tips for you:

    * Start planning your spring bulb garden now. Spring-blooming bulbs are planted in the fall to provide the chilling time required for spring blooms. Note the areas where you want to add bulbs for next year. Have your shopping list ready when the selection hits the garden centers. Remember to prepare your soil before planting bulbs. Work compost or other rich organic material into your soil to a depth of 12".

    * Dig up tender bulbs like elephant's ear, caladium, gladiolus, canna and dahlia before the first frost. When the foliage has turned yellow or brown on your bulbs, dig them up and store them for the winter. Replant bulbs in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. If you're storing summer bulbs such as dahlias and gladiolus, give them a quick check to see if any are rotting. If so, remove and discard.       Also check for excessive dryness. Squeeze a bulb to test for health. A good bulb will feel firm, not hollow or mushy. Don't squeeze too hard or you'll bruise the outer skin. In milder climates, leave tender bulbs in the ground. Protect them with a blanket of mulch several inches thick through the winter.

    * Water Conservation Tips. Remember that roses require special care in the fall. In early fall, suspend fertilization. Continuing to fertilize causes new growth that could be killed by winter's cold. After foliage drops, spray with fungicide, then cover plants with a minimum of 8" of loose, well-drained soil, mulch or compost. Prune canes back to 36" to prevent damage from winter winds.

    * Start planning your fall garden now. Annuals like chrysanthemums, impatiens, ornamental cabbage, and pansies are old favorites. Try adding a late vegetable crop of spinach or turnips to enjoy before winter sets in. Start them by seed in trays if your garden space is still occupied with fruit-producing plants.

    * Late summer's heat can stress your plants, especially those in containers. Check flower pots, window boxes and especially hanging baskets regularly for dryness. Also check the mulch in the flowerbed to see if it's enough for the remainder of the growing season.

    * Divide perennials. To keep plants from drying out, do the work on cool, cloudy day. Make sure each section you divide has at least one bud and some roots. Plant the divided perennials immediately. Not all perennials appreciate fall division, some prefer spring. Make sure your variety is suitable for fall division before digging.

    * Stop deadheading at the end of the season if you want your flowers to create seeds. Once the flowers are dead, cut them and allow them to dry. Remove the seeds by crumbling the dried flower head into a container. Separate the seeds from the debris and put them in a labeled envelope for next spring. Another option — let them fall to the ground and re-seed naturally.

Avid gardeners do not like this time of the year, it brings death to our plants and dormancy to those that do survive the cold.  How can we strive to keep this part of our lives intact without suffering the plants?

How can we sit down by our fireplace, toasting our feet with the heat radiating from the hearth, sipping a hot cup of tea, dreaming of Tahiti, and not feel the longing for tropical plants.  Well, I have a solution for you.

Your own Tropical Paradise.  We often see commercials of Tropical Vacations and dream of better days sitting under the sun with a drink in our hands.  What is it about the tropics we so enduring?  What lures us to these places?  In colder climates during the winter months plants have acclimated to the climate.  They can take freezing temperatures and months of snow and ice.  However tropical plants are not capable of surviving these climates.  But we still long for that Tropical fruit we buy in the store for outrageous prices.  What if we could go over to a tropical tree, select a ripe fruit and eat it right then and there, while outside a blizzard is taking place?  Our own tropical paradise, right inside out own home.  Many tropical plants will grow with the right care and conditions in areas that normally would not permit them.  These same plants that grow in abundance in Asia, South America, Africa, can grow right in your own living room, ready to pluck the ripe, sweet fruit grown specifically by you.

Potting

There are many different types of pots available and each has its benefits and drawbacks.  There is plastic with can heat up or freeze quickly, Metal, same as plastic,

Clay and wood dry quicker, ceramic that can be heavy and many others that you can buy at local garden centers.  For the most part all can be used quite successfully with tropical plants.  Choose one based on your own preferences.

These pots should have holes in the bottom for adequate drainage.  When you buy your pot, and before you put in soil, cover these holes with a mesh of some sort to help retain the soil, it is also good to put down an inch or two of gravel to insure good drainage.  With tropical plants drainage is essential to healthy plants. 

Potting soil from the local garden center will suffice; however a much better solution would be 1 part Perlite or Vermiculite, 1 part course sand, and 1 part Peat.  This gives good drainage as well as sufficient nutrients.  Make sure your soil is not packed down heavy to allow good drainage but not excessive drainage.

Remove your plant from its original container; look carefully at the root system.  It they are heavily packed in and there is more root then dirt, we want to prune these roots before we plant.  Take some of these roots and loosen them up and then carefully clip the ends to stimulate the plant to root more in its new container.  If pruning is not needed, then just loosen the root ball before planting.

Place the plant in the new container making sure you have filled it halve way with the new planting material.  You want to make sure that when you fill the rest of the container with soil, the soil line is the same as the original plant when you pulled it out.  The soil like should be about 1-4 inches below the rim of the pot when you are all finished.

Important key:  Make sure your fully grown plant will be proportional to your pot.  Don’t put an 8 foot tall tree in a 10 inch pot.  Allow the roots to be able to grow, the larger the pot the more fruit it will bear.

Light

Tropical plants usually require lots of sunlight, anywhere you can place them to receive full sunlight is beneficial to them.  Search on the internet for your species to find out their light requirements.  Some tropicals do well in partial shade however most need to receive the maximum sunlight available.

Tropical plants, when you receive them are most likely used to full sunlight, when you are going to bring them indoors, or for winter times, when bringing them indoors, you must acclimate them to your indoor area.  Make sure to put them near a good light source and if possible add additional light

Water

Tropical plants are used to lots of water, however they are also used to well drained soil, so their water requirements are different for potted plants.  These dependencies are based on size of the pot, size of the plant, type of plant, temperature where you keep the plant, the humidity and the type of soil you have.  You are usually safe to water, when the upper surface of the soil is dry before you water your plant.  Slowly fill the container watching for runoff at the bottom holes.  Remember that wood or clay pots dry faster, making watering more frequent and cooler weather slows down the growth of the plant, thus reducing the need to water as much.

Temperature

This is probably the key ingredient to successful tropical plant keeping.  NO FREEZING WEATHER.  Tropical plants cannot take cold temperatures, so you will need to find a way to bring these indoors.  Cold temperatures will lead to root damage, and leave damage.  Again it depends on the species of tropical plant you have to the extent it can take cold weather.  Some plants you can just cover overnight and then remove each morning, others will need to be brought indoors.  If you bring them indoors make sure you keep them away from drafts from doors or windows to freeze, and out of the heating vent areas so not to dry out too fast.

Fertilizer

Too much fertilizer is very bad for tropical plants.  The best type of fertilizer to use are water soluble types, any local garden center can help you pick out a good fertilizer that will meet the plants requirements.  Read the directions completely.  After spending good money on a beautiful tropical plant, you would hate to kill it by over fertilizing it.  Usually with a tropical plant the mature foliage will show deep green indicating that you are fertilizing on the correct scale.  Make sure your fertilizer has a complete balanced diet of Nitrogen,      Phosphorus, Potassium, and Lesser amounts of Magnesium, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, again Read the label.

Pruning

With most container tropical plants little or no pruning is needed.  However if the plant becomes “leggy” due to poor light conditions then cut it back greatly to force it to bush out.  If the top becomes too large for the root structure, again a large pruning spree is needed.  Also when you start to get leaf shed and twig die back this is an indication that the root structure is not large enough for the top foliage and pruning is needed.

    

Fruitfulness

Will I get fruit?  This is the question we all ask.  Is it worth the time and effort?  Ask anyone that has a fruit tree planted in a pot, as they pick tropical fruit on a blizzard day of 10 below zero, and they will always tell you “Yes!”  For the most part container tropic plants are dependant on the light source and size of the pot to how much fruit they will have.  Most fruit trees will fruit in pots as long as we keep all of the requirements alive in our head.  The larger the tree, the larger the pot that is needed.  Fruit will bear proportional to the size of the pot and plant.  Please keep in mind that some fruit will need a presence of another cultivator to be able to fruit.  Again check the specifics of your plant before you decide to buy it.

The Mexican petunia is a tender evergreen perennial that forms colonies of stemmy stalks standing 3 ft in height and of indeterminate width. The strong semi-woody stalks are distinctly vertical in aspect and hold attractive dark green, leaves oppositely at the nodes. The lance-shaped leaves are to 6-12 in in length and 1/2-3/4 in wide. When grown under hot sunny conditions the foliage assumes a metallic bluish cast that creates the perfect backdrop for the the scores of vibrant blue flowers that appear with the onslaught of hot summer weather. The blossoms are trumpet shaped and about 1.5-2 in diameter and are borne at the tips of the stems. Varieties with white, pink, and many shades of blue are available, as are dwarf versions that form clumps that are about 8-12 in. in height. Mexican petunia is very showy when in full bloom due to the clouds of admiring butterflies that swarm about the plants.

Mexican petunia is native to Mexico, but it has escaped cultivation and established in disturbed areas in the SE U.S., and can be found in habitats across Florida and in Northern States as annuals.

Prefers fertile soil with moisture, but is very adaptable to almost any climate. After flowering, cut back stems about halfway for a new crop! Mexican petunia can be grown indoors as a houseplant in bright light. It is typically free of pests and disease.

It prefers Sun to part shade. The quantity of blossoms is related to the amount of light the plant receives. The more direct sunlight the more flowers with fewer flowers appearing in overcast conditions or when grown in shadier conditions.

Average to moist moisture should be used. Mexican petunia is a water plant that becomes very aggressive with access to abundant moisture. Survives dry spells once established. When growing Mexican petunia indoors water freely when in active growth but water only when dry in winter.

Propagates by Cuttings, division, seed. Stems are very easy to root in moist soil. Over time the plant multiplies and the original stem becomes a colony.

Use Mexican petunia towards the back of a flowering border, or as the centerpiece in a container. Plant next to pentas (Pentas lanceolata) for an effective contrast in both foliage and flower color and texture, with a purple verbena (Glandularia puchella)as ground cover below to mirror the larger, purple flowers of R. britonniana (the butterflies like this combination too!). The dwarf varieties also do well (and look great) in containers - especially those situated in hot sunny situations. The dwarf Mexican petunias also make a handy perennial edging plant for flowers beds and as colorful groundcovers.

Mexican petunia is an easy to grow plant with strikingly colored flowers that is seldom bothered by disease or pests. It blooms enthusiastically throughout the hottest time of the year.

Home gardening is tricky business. Do you ever wonder how you can get your garden to look like those in popular home-and-garden magazines? Extensive gardening information can help you to plan for your own garden.

Getting a plant to respond well is something anyone can do - don't believe the myth of the green thumb. The only difference between you and those who seem to have them is that they know how to care for different types of plants. Several general steps are involved with getting the results you want, some of which you may have already been doing.

Getting your garden planted is not an easy job, and keeping your garden maintained can be another tricky subject altogether. If you are planning to create your own garden space, proper planning is essential. First, draw a diagram of the area in which you plan to plant your garden. This map of the landscape will be backbone of your plan. Be particularly conscious of sun and shade, dry and wet areas as these will be critical to your plant selection.

Now, begin your gardening by selecting the large shrubs and trees that will be permanent fixtures in your yard. Note their height, distinctive shade, and sunny areas. You decide how much sun or shade you want the areas of your yard to have by your choice of which plants to place.

Then, begin selecting the individual plants you want in your garden. Always remember that you are the one who will be looking at these plants and taking care of them. So choose the plants that make you happy and that you want to give attention to and care for. And of course, be mindful of the climate in your area - plants which thrive in hot sunny climes may not do as well when the winter chills set in up north.

Each kind of plant will have its own water needs, such as frequency of watering and amount of water. For easier care, put plants with similar water requirements near each other. Fertilizing plants will help plants to grow faster and protect against damage. Landscape plants respond very well to fertilizers with a high percent of slow-release organic nitrogen, which ensures that plants reach their full potential for deep, green color. Be sure to consider the condition of the root system.

When attempts at gardening fail, it is often not because people took poor care of their plants, but rather that they chose their plants without taking into consideration the specifics of soil type, temperature zone, and climate that will dictate how well plants will plants do in the area. It's a good idea to visit your local garden center and peruse the catalogs to look for those plants that fill your needs and can thrive in your local environment and climate.

And while you're there, ask a lot of questions. Garden centers tend to attract plant-lovers and experts who really want to help.

Article Source: http://www.gardenepic.com

We invest thousands of dollars on plants and landscaping for out yard. For some reason, we deem it necessary to compete with those around us for the best yard, or just for a nice yard.



Those of us that are plant lovers search high and low for something exotic or a bargain. EBay can be both; however there are some precautions you need to take before you buy.

1. Make sure that you are dealing with a real nursery, not just someone selling out of their back yard. This can easily be done by asking the seller if they have a license to sell plants. Most states require more then one license. Here in Florida I need 3. One for the city, one for the county, and my plant license from the Agriculture department. I get inspected regularly to make sure my plants are high quality and free from disease. If a seller can not produce a valid license DO NOT BUY. You could be in trouble for importing in diseased plants or plants that are not allowed.



2. Insured. Any real business will be insured. This if for multiple purposes. There are liability concerns that should be addressed by any business person. The insurance protects the seller not the buyer.



3. Invasive Plants. The buyer is the person responsible for making sure the plant is allowed in the state. Every state has specific laws requiring what plants are allowed in the state. Even though very few packages are checked by the state, if caught the plants could be confiscated or worse, you, the buyer, could be heavily fined. Most states will not come after the seller but will come after the buyer, since they live in that state.



4. Zone. Not all plants can survive in the zone you live. We sell tropical plants. These plants will not grow in zone 5. I also have an eBook and an eBay guide that will show you how to grow these plants in any zone. Most tropical plants have the ability to grow anywhere if you take the right steps. Just think, if you could walk into your living room and pick a rare lychee fruit and eat it while watching a blizzard out your window.



5. Shipping and packing. This is a subject that most people do not want to hear. When shipping a plant its not as simple as throwing in a box and taking to the post office. If not packed correctly the stem will break and die. Precautions need to be taken to make sure they will not break. We spend lots of money to pack our plants, we put bamboo stakes to keep the stem in one piece. We wrap the pot so the soil does not come out, we water and place a moisture material around the plant so the plant will survive. These are all additional steps to make sure you receive a plant arrives alive. A seller who charges bare minimum for shipping on a plant that is already very cheap is usually someone that does not have a license to sell and you are taking your chances with them. A good nursery charges a decent amount for shipping and handling, just to make sure you get your plant. All these costs the seller incurs are usually part of the handling fee. If the seller is not charging the buyer for this, he is eating this price somewhere else, usually in quality, license fees and insurance. Yes, you might get that plant for 3 dollars cheaper with another seller, but is it worth it to get something that might have a problem and kill everything in your yard? Or a fine from the state you live because the plant was not from a licensed nursery? Only you can decide that.



6. Guarantee. Almost every seller has some sort of guarantee. Postal mail is not treated delicately. They throw them around and something can possibly happen. How the seller handles this is the difference between having a successful sale or a sale that leaves a bad taste in the buyer. Most problems are not the fault of the seller. Unless you purchase additional insurance when you pay for your plant the seller must eat those costs or loose a customer.



7. Follow-up. Find a seller that has a website and a newsletter. Subscribe fsto that newsletter, you can always remove yourself from that list. Take a few weeks and read the newsletters the seller sends out. Are they only sales? Are they content? The purpose of these newsletter from the sellers point of view is to get sales, but a newsletter to the buyer must be more then a sales pitch. Find a seller that has lots of information in their newsletter and website. Information is critical, the more educated you are the better your buying experience will be. Our newsletter is always full of information and very little sales pitch. I believe that if you get a good value out of our newsletter you will be more inclined to buy when you are ready. I value my customers, I don’t want them for a one time sale, I want them for life, not just to buy but for any need they might have such as questions, opinions, etc. A seller must always remember the buyer is a person not just a paypal account.

Peter Dixon Owner of Nipa Hut Gardens and Gifts offers a wide array of Free Gardend Ebooks and Garden Articles as well asproducts for the whole family, which are usually not found in the large retail stores and include, rare fruit trees, plants, vines, flowers, Free Garden Ebooks, Free Business Ebooks, Digital books, Digital programs and more. Visit his website at www.nipahutgardens.com

When it comes to natural pet food, pet owners don't seem to hesitate to spend more for "green" peace of mind, but does it really add up to a cleaner environment?

According to Dr. Andrew Weil, world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, it's all the steps from farm to bowl that determine the credibility and impact your pet food may have on the environment.

"I think it's especially critical for pet owners to examine the type of protein that goes into their pet's food," said Weil who has two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Jambo and Daisy. "My dogs are a big part of my family, so knowing the protein source of their food is really important to me."

Weil's personal concern over the health and well-being of his dogs, combined with his personal passion for the environment, led him to get involved with launching one of the first pet foods with U.S. source-verified meat and poultry.

"What impressed me was their attention to detail when it came to knowing the source of their protein and their unique ability to process the pet food in their own manufacturing facilities under strict guidelines," said Weil.

Pet Promise was developed with a two-part mission: First, with a promise to pet owners to produce a pet food made without the use of animal by-products, rendered meat or chicken meals, added growth hormones or antibiotics. And second, with a commitment to environmental practices, which involve sourcing their protein exclusively from natural family farms and ranches.

The positive impact family farms have on the environment may be more critical than most people realize, but, unfortunately, many family farmers go out of business every week. Family farms that support the use of sustainable agricultural practices are often replaced by factory farms. Environmental proponents believe that factory farms unnecessarily produce tons of waste that compound pollution problems.

"Factory farms are major offenders of the environment today. The amount of residues from antibiotics and hormones that goes into the water tables is significant," said Weil. "By choosing pet foods made with meat and poultry protein sourced from family farms, you are sending a message about these practices, and helping to do something positive for the environment."

Are you thinking of building a koi fish pond? Keeping these magnificent fish in your garden can be great fun and it is not as difficult as you might think. With the right care koi can live for decades and some can become almost a meter long. Follow these tips to plan your pond properly so your koi will live long and happy life.

1 Depth is important

Depth of your pond is crucial. The minimum recommended depth is 4 feet, however it is much better to give your fish six or even 8 feet deep pond. This will ensure that your koi are protected from raccoons, cats and other animals who love a fish dinner. Deeper fish pond also helps to keep water cool in hot summer days

2 Make your pond as large as you can

Small ponds are not suitable for koi. Remember, with time koi can grow quite large and they will need a lot of room. Also there are so many color variations of koi, that with time you will probably want to add more fish to your pond. So it is better to create a large pond from the start than rebuild it later. About ten thousand gallons is a good size for a koi pond, bigger would be even better.

3 Use fish pond heater in colder months

Unlike tropical fish, koi don't suffer much from cold; however you should never let your pond freeze completely. Installing a proper pond heater will always keep an opening in the ice. Also keep in mind, that koi only grow when the water is warm, so with a heater your fish will grow faster

4 Plan some shade for your koi

When selecting a spot for your pond, make sure it is out of direct sunlight. Also keeping water plants like water lilies in your pond are a good idea - not only they add beauty to the overall design, but they also provide shade for the fish. However, you should avoid building your koi pond under trees. Cleaning a fish pond of fallen leaves is no fun.

5 Plan to install a bird net

There are many birds of prey that would love to steal your koi. Don't give them the opportunity; plan your pond location so it is possible to cover it with a net.

6 Keep insecticides away from your pond

When landscaping your pond keep in mind that you should not use any insecticides or herbicides near the water. Even a small amount of common garden poison can kill your beautiful fish.

7 Get proper equipment for your pond

Several accessories are absolutely essential for a healthy koi pond. Ideally you will have to invest into a water pump, filtration system, water aerator and an ultraviolet sterilizer. If the water in your pond is still, your fish might get sick and eventually die. Koi pond filtration systems are expensive, so as an alternative you can make your own homemade filters.

There is much more to   building a koi fish pond . Visit Koi Fish Ponds    for more information about installing and maintaining koi ponds.

Article Source: http://www.gardenepic.com

American visitors to the Old World are invariably impressed by the exuberant displays of container plants around homes, in gardens and parks, and in front of public buildings and places of business.

In Lisbon, with its narrow, winding streets, where there is hardly a trickle of sunlight, windowsills and tiny balconies are filled with potted plants. Often, they must compete with clothes hung out to dry. I recall one small balcony that contained numerous pot plants, several pieces of laundry, six song birds in cages, and three shouting green parrots attached to their perches by chains.

Throughout Portugal, containers range from tin cans, clay and decorated glazed pots at entranceways and in small patios, to large calstone urns and pots in elegant, formal gardens, like that of the Queluz Palace outside Lisbon. In the moister north, pot plants are seen less frequently than in the hot and dry south, which has a more typically Mediterranean climate.

The countless pot plants around fountains and pools in the Moorish gardens at the Alhambra and Generaliffe Palaces in Granada are unforgettable. At Generaliffe, they are arranged so precisely and symmetrically along the long, narrow canals that they are almost as diverting as the numberless fountains that leap and splash in these gardens where water in its myriad forms plays so important a part. Along the narrow streets of Seville and other Spanish cities, geraniums and climbing roses grow through the intricate lacework of little balconies. Patios, surrounded by high walls, are crammed with potted geraniums, stocks, lemons, oranges, boxwood, sweet bay, jasmines, and Swedish myrtle. Even more, steps are lined with pots of all sizes and descriptions and the tops of walls, also favorite places, resemble miniature gardens.

Italian and Greek Uses

The Italian garden would be incomplete without pot plants. In the terraced gardens of La Mortola in Ventimiglia and Borremeo Castle on Iseo Bello in Lake Maggiore, in the extensive Boboli Gardens in Florence, and in other villa gardens throughout Italy, handsomely designed hand-wrought clay pots are important aspects of the designs. Lemons and oranges, oleanders, gardenias, and geraniums are grown in them.

Greece, with its hot, dry summers, is equally a country of gardens and open courtyards of pot plants. In tin cans, whitewashed or painted yellow, pink, or blue to match the house, the Greeks grow their beloved carnations, stocks, gardenias, geraniums, jasmines, and particularly basil, the pungent Indian herb used for flavoring. When immigrants came to America earlier in the century, they brought with them the practice of growing basil and fragrant flowering plants in tins and other makeshift containers.

Through France and Scandinavia

The south of France, with its warm climate, follows the pattern of Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece. In the north, including Paris, pots, often of house plants, rest on windowsills and adorn courtyards. In formal chateaux and palace gardens, tubbed sweet bay, oleander, and orange and lemon trees are common, along with ornamental urns, introduced for architectural effect.

 

In Scandinavia, there are large plant containers in public squares and on broad sidewalks, in fact, wherever they do not interfere with pedestrian traffic. In front of City Hall in the heart of Copenhagen, great concrete containers with geraniums and other summer flowers are grouped among the benches where people sit in the sun.

 

In Britain

London, Dublin, and Edinburgh have window boxes and urns that decorate banks, department stores, public buildings, and offices. Azaleas and other spring flowers are followed by hydrangeas and geraniums in the summer and chrysanthemums in the autumn. Plant boxes are often placed on top of department store marquees. These are also a familiar sight in Paris.

In all these countries, with their centuries of experience, we can find ideas to adapt to our own climate, styles of architecture, and manner of gardening. The multitude of containers and plants offer many possibilities for adding architectural accent and introducing a distinctive kind of garden beauty.

"Energy savings is on everyone's mind," says Beau Parker, vice president of marketing at Hunter Fan Co. "With the inflation of gasoline and electricity prices, consumers are seeking energy-efficient measures to help control the rising energy costs." The Department of Energy estimates that as much as 45 percent of home energy usage is dedicated to heating and cooling.

Here are some ways to save on energy bills now:

* Use ceiling fans to supplement air conditioning and heating. Ceiling fans help lower winter heating costs when run in a clockwise, or updraft, direction. The hot air trapped at ceiling level is recirculated, allowing more even, comfortable heating while reducing winter bills by up to 10 percent.

* Clean or replace dirty furnace filters monthly. Dirty filters block airflow through heating and cooling systems, increasing costs and shortening the equipment's life span.

* Lower the thermostat on your water heater to a warm setting of 120 F. Almost 15 percent of average energy bills go toward heating water. Also, use an insulation blanket, which will hold heat inside the tank longer.

* Unplug or switch devices off when not in use, including cell phone chargers and computers. Nationally, the Alliance to Save Energy estimates that 5 percent of energy is used by such devices, costing consumers more than $8 billion annually.

To benefit from long-term efficiency, try these tips:

* Install a programmable thermostat to automatically control heating and air conditioning, allowing energy savings while sleeping or away from home. A thermostat adjusted 10 degrees for eight hours will save approximately 10 percent on utility bills. Hunter offers digital programmable thermostats that are Energy Star-compliant and pre-programmed to Energy Star standards.

* Get a professional home energy audit to thoroughly assess how much energy your home consumes and highlight problems that, when corrected, may save significant amounts of money and energy over time. Contact state or local energy offices for recommendations on qualified auditors.

Worry has a lot of power over your health. Unfortunately, it's a lot easier to say, "don't worry" than it is to actually follow the advice. That's because a lot of people try to avoid worry without putting anything in its place. We discussed last week how dependence on the Lord is the first place to start. And doing so gives us two ways to refocus our attention -- and radically change our health in the process.



The Scriptures give us two ways to keep our focus off of worry and onto far more Godly ways of thinking. Both of these concepts bind up much of what God calls us to do. And it just so happens that they can keep us far healthier until the day the Lord calls us home.



The two ways to stay healthy are simply discipline and purpose. You've undoubtedly heard the verse, "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Prov. 29:18). That verse is obviously talking about purpose. It's referring to a plan for the future. And it also encompasses hope -- hope that there's something better coming down the road.



But there's more to this verse than just purpose or vision. The rest of the verse reads: "but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." This part of the verse speaks to discipline. Its focus is on our living life according to God's Word. If you read Paul's description (in Galatians and elsewhere) of how he lived as a Pharisee, you see the description of a very disciplined man.



Even after Paul realized that his rigorous works had no power to save him, and came to Christ through faith, he remained a very disciplined man. Moreover, he called us to be disciplined, as well. In 1 Thessalonians 4:4, Paul says, "each one of you (should) know how to control his own body in holiness and honor."



So how does all of this help your health?



If worry and stress break your health down, purpose and discipline help to build it up.



If you read a lot of the studies done on what brings good health, you'll see that many of them have to do with these principles. You'll see that exercise, eating right, not smoking, and living in moderation with regard to how much you eat and drink all are part of discipline. Even the disciplines of prayer, meditation, and fasting are great for your health.



There are also studies that show how people with hope, purpose, and vision will stay healthier. People who have these characteristics have fewer sick days away from work. They also have less depression and fewer chemical dependencies. And, frankly, they have a reason to live.



How many times have you seen people die shortly after they retire? They simply weren't able to find any purpose beyond their work. But some people thrive after they retire because they find a new sense of purpose that gives them a reason to live.



So if you're looking for great health, the place to start is not in a pill bottle. Start with your mind. Is your mind solely dedicated to Christ? Is your mind disciplined? Have you thought of your purpose? If you can find someone with a need, it's easy to find purpose.



And a great gift you can give your children is to teach them discipline and purpose while they're young. It's a great way to help them live a healthy, long life.

Article Directory http://www.gardenepic.com owned and operated by Nipa Hut Gardens and Gifts

Steve Kroening writes for Success magazine and also publishes Wisdom's Edge. You can get Biblical tips on health, finance, relationships, parenting, and success, delivered to your email inbox every week. Simply visit http://www.wisdomsedge.com and sign up for this free e-zine.

By: Jimmy Cox

American visitors to the Old World are invariably impressed by the exuberant displays of container plants around homes, in gardens and parks, and in front of public buildings and places of business.

In Lisbon, with its narrow, winding streets, where there is hardly a trickle of sunlight, windowsills and tiny balconies are filled with potted plants. Often, they must compete with clothes hung out to dry. I recall one small balcony that contained numerous pot plants, several pieces of laundry, six song birds in cages, and three shouting green parrots attached to their perches by chains.

Throughout Portugal, containers range from tin cans, clay and decorated glazed pots at entranceways and in small patios, to large calstone urns and pots in elegant, formal gardens, like that of the Queluz Palace outside Lisbon. In the moister north, pot plants are seen less frequently than in the hot and dry south, which has a more typically Mediterranean climate.

The countless pot plants around fountains and pools in the Moorish gardens at the Alhambra and Generaliffe Palaces in Granada are unforgettable. At Generaliffe, they are arranged so precisely and symmetrically along the long, narrow canals that they are almost as diverting as the numberless fountains that leap and splash in these gardens where water in its myriad forms plays so important a part. Along the narrow streets of Seville and other Spanish cities, geraniums and climbing roses grow through the intricate lacework of little balconies. Patios, surrounded by high walls, are crammed with potted geraniums, stocks, lemons, oranges, boxwood, sweet bay, jasmines, and Swedish myrtle. Even more, steps are lined with pots of all sizes and descriptions and the tops of walls, also favorite places, resemble miniature gardens.

Italian and Greek Uses

The Italian garden would be incomplete without pot plants. In the terraced gardens of La Mortola in Ventimiglia and Borremeo Castle on Iseo Bello in Lake Maggiore, in the extensive Boboli Gardens in Florence, and in other villa gardens throughout Italy, handsomely designed hand-wrought clay pots are important aspects of the designs. Lemons and oranges, oleanders, gardenias, and geraniums are grown in them.

Greece, with its hot, dry summers, is equally a country of gardens and open courtyards of pot plants. In tin cans, whitewashed or painted yellow, pink, or blue to match the house, the Greeks grow their beloved carnations, stocks, gardenias, geraniums, jasmines, and particularly basil, the pungent Indian herb used for flavoring. When immigrants came to America earlier in the century, they brought with them the practice of growing basil and fragrant flowering plants in tins and other makeshift containers.

Through France and Scandinavia

The south of France, with its warm climate, follows the pattern of Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece. In the north, including Paris, pots, often of house plants, rest on windowsills and adorn courtyards. In formal chateaux and palace gardens, tubbed sweet bay, oleander, and orange and lemon trees are common, along with ornamental urns, introduced for architectural effect.

In Scandinavia, there are large plant containers in public squares and on broad sidewalks, in fact, wherever they do not interfere with pedestrian traffic. In front of City Hall in the heart of Copenhagen, great concrete containers with geraniums and other summer flowers are grouped among the benches where people sit in the sun.

In Britain

London, Dublin, and Edinburgh have window boxes and urns that decorate banks, department stores, public buildings, and offices. Azaleas and other spring flowers are followed by hydrangeas and geraniums in the summer and chrysanthemums in the autumn. Plant boxes are often placed on top of department store marquees. These are also a familiar sight in Paris.

In all these countries, with their centuries of experience, we can find ideas to adapt to our own climate, styles of architecture, and manner of gardening. The multitude of containers and plants offer many possibilities for adding architectural accent and introducing a distinctive kind of garden beauty.

Article Directory: http://www.gardenepic.com/

Here's How To Jazz Up Your With Everyday Garden Products! Click here for FREE online ebook! www.gardenproduct.org/

By: Roger Munns

The UN has launched a campaign to plant a billion new trees, which is being welcomed by environmentalists, but with a warning by some that in certain regions it could do more harm than good.



While the campaign claims that each tree uses up 26 pounds of co2 emissions and in return produces enough oxygen for a family of four, planting the right trees is important to help the world improve her ecological and environment balance.



In areas that historically have suffered from a lack of rain, and in areas where global warming could potentially produce deserts, new trees that use a lot of water could have a serious affect on their biodiversity.



Eucalyptus trees can consume two thousand litres of water a day, and planting new ones in Africa would be a catalyst to disaster, and local campaigners for planting trees are urged to consider their area needs and decide carefully before deciding on which type of tree to plant.



As well as individuals planting a tree, it is hoped that businesses will do the same and encourage employees to do the same, with government and civil servants also being asked to take active participation to reach the target of a billion trees by the end of this year.



The patron of the campaign is Prince Albert of Monaco. Prince Albert has been campaigning for the environment since becoming Monaco's Sovereign two years ago, and one of his first acts was to sign the Kyoto Protocol. Previously, along with Australia and the USA, Monaco was one of a handful of countries not to ratify the treaty.



Prince Albert's father, Prince Rainier, was Europe's longest reigning Monarch until his death in April 2005. Known affectionately as the 'builder prince' he transformed Monaco into the world's favourite tax haven and ensured the Monaco Grand Prix became one of the best known annual sporting events. The Principality Albert succeeded to was a country known throughout the world for money and glamour, and the Monte Carlo casino only added to its legendary status.



Albert has continued in his father's footsteps with a plan to develop an island off Monte Carlo, and like his father with the reclaimed land in Fontvieille the map of Monaco will change again.



In keeping with his stance on the environment, it is thought that a successful bid to build the island will need to be seen to be environmentally friendly, with the possibility of lower rise buildings than some parts of Monaco have endured to create more living space.



Monte Carlo has long been associated with glamour, heightened throughout the world in 1956 when Prince Albert's father married his mother, US actress Grace Kelly.



Speculation was rife earlier this year that Prince Albert would be announcing his own engagement to South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock.



'Things have gone quiet recently on the Charlene front', comment a Monaco travel guide, 'Monaco is all about glitz and glamour and perhaps a surprise announcement will be made soon. But it's possible that Albert is more interested in environmental affairs than affairs of the heart'.



Monaco has been making the news recently as Monte Carlo real estate prices have escalated, and are on a level with London and New York.



Even the cheapest studios are edging towards the million Euro level according to Monaco property specialists.



'Increasing taxes elsewhere in Europe, especially in the UK, have seen inquiries increase significantly over the last twelve months,' they say, 'and it's not the weather in Monte Carlo that's drawing buyers, but the income tax free status of being a resident, and the security that goes with living in Monaco. There's one policeman for every one hundred residents and has to be the safest country to live in Europe'.

Article Directory: http://www.gardenepic.com/

For more information about Monaco including the Columbus Hotel Monaco and Prince Albert of Monaco visit YourMonaco.com

Roses have been appreciated for generations for their beauty but that isn't their primary attraction. Most are drawn to roses for their incredibly strong aroma which is the reason women love them so much. Nothing says I love you like a dozen roses and they will definitely give you huge brownie points. All women want to be treated as if they are very special and the gift of roses is something that all women love.



So now I have you thinking about giving your lady a rose or even a dozen roses, now you will probably want to know what the best smelling roses are. There is an association known as the All American Rose Selection that is responsible for choosing the best roses annually in the United States. The AARS has been judging roses for decades in a number of different categories as well as on diverse criteria. The Most Fabulous Smell is one of the most exciting and well liked categories and they always pick a winner.



We have a copy of the latest list from the AARS but let's also look at some of the varieties of roses. One of the more popular types of rose is the Climbing Rose. These roses are the ones that you see growing up fences and trellises and are also found growing wild in many places in the United States. Hybrid Tea Roses are roses that cover many different varieties of roses which are created through genetic mutations and blending of different types of roses. These are among the most sought after of all roses. The Floribunda Rose features blooms with usually more than five that grow in clusters on the stem of the plant.



Going back to the 1970s, the rose known as the Double Delight won the award for smell and is suited for growing in the climates zones of 5-7. This rose is from the Hybrid Tea category and has white petals with a pale pink center and features a spicy sweet smell. The Elle Rose which one the best aroma award in 2005 has a fruity smell with light pink petals and large blooms of four inches or more. This rose is best suited in the 7-10 climate zones.



If you are into very strong scents you may want to consider the Memorial Day Rose which is a Hybrid Tea rose and is good in hot climates in the 7-10 zones. This rose one the award in 2004 and has a very strong damask rose fragrance that can produce an aroma that fills the room with only a handful of petals. The first climbing rose to win since 1977 is the 4th of July rose which won the best aroma award in 1999 and is best grown in the 5-9 climate zones. This beautiful rose spans over 14 feet in width in many cases. This rose comes in red and white petals.

Article Directory: http://www.gardenepic.com/ Owned and Operated by Nipa Hut Gardens and Gifts http://www.nipahutgardens.com

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about aromatic roses as well as personal rose gifts at www.personalroses.com

 The Sampalok (Tamarind), a slow-growing, long-lived, massive tree reaches, under favorable conditions, a height of 80 or even 100 ft (24-30 m), and may attain a spread of 40 ft (12 m) and a trunk circumference of 25 ft (7.5 m).

This massive tree is highly wind-resistant, with strong, supple branches, gracefully drooping at the ends, and has dark-gray, rough, fissured bark.

The mass of bright-green, fine, feathery foliage is composed of pinnate leaves, 3 to 6 in (7.5-15 cm) in length, each having 10 to 20 pairs of oblong leaflets 1/2 to 1 in (1.25-2.5 cm) long and 1/5 to 1/4 in (5-6 mm) wide, which fold at night.

The leaves are normally evergreen but may be shed briefly in very dry areas during the hot season. Inconspicuous, inch-wide flowers, borne in small racemes, are 5-petalled (2 reduced to bristles), yellow with orange or red streaks.

The flower buds are distinctly pink due to the outer color of the 4 sepals which are shed when the flower opens.

The fruits, flattish, beanlike, irregularly curved and bulged pods, are borne in great abundance along the new branches and usually vary from 2 to 7 in long and from 3/4 to 1 1/4 in (2-3.2 cm) in diameter.

Exceptionally large Sampaloks have been found on individual trees. The pods may be cinnamon-brown or grayish-brown externally and, at first, are tender-skinned with green, highly acid flesh and soft, whitish, under-developed seeds. As they mature, the pods fill out somewhat and the juicy, acidulous pulp turns brown or reddish-brown. Thereafter, the skin becomes a brittle, easily-cracked shell and the pulp dehydrates naturally to a sticky paste enclosed by a few coarse strands of fiber extending lengthwise from the stalk.

The 1 to 12 fully formed seeds are hard, glossy-brown, squarish in form, 1/8 to 1/2 in (1.1-1.25 cm) in diameter, and each is enclosed in a parchment like membrane.

Some Middle Eastern countries the juice is prepared as a drink by infusing the Sampalok pulp.  It is also prepared as a paste, sauce and candy.  In India it is an Ayuvedic herb medicine.

Sampalok is actually native of Africa but it has migrated to most tropical countries. It is infamas in India especially in the south and all over the Asian countries such as the Philippines.  This fruit was a supplement for the diet of sailors for its acid and sugar content.  The pulp contains tartaric and other acids as well as sugard that break up into starches and pectrin. 

Here are some medical uses by other countries. *Use at your own risk, I am not a medical doctor.

1. Curative properties: - The whole tree has medicinal virtues. Its leaves are cooling, while the bark is  caustic, a tonic and reduces fever. The fruit pulp is digestive, anti flatulent, cooling, laxative and antiseptic. Its seeds are also have an effect upon tissue which is severe rigidly.

2. Fever: - The pulp of Sampalok fruit is useful in treating fevers. Boil the pulp with the addition of a few dates, cloves, sugar, cardamom and a little camphor is effective in fevers.

3. Common cold: - Sampalok soup It is prepared by boiling a very dilute Sampalok water after seasoning a teaspoon of crushed black pepper in a pan. As one takes it, the nose and eyes, begin to water and the nasal blockage will be cleared.

4. Digestive disorders: - pulp of ripe Sampalok fruit is beneficial is the treatment of vomiting, flatulence and indigestion. It is also useful in constipation. Part of the pulp is  prepared by softening it in water is particularly useful for loss of appetite and lack of inclination for food intake.

5. Dysentery: - powdered seeds of Sampalok taken in doses with an equal quantity of cumin and sugar twice or thrice a day, are also useful.

6. Burns: - the tender leaves of Sampalok tree are very useful in treating burns. The leaves are put into a pot, covered and slowly heated over the fire. The burnt leaves are finely powdered and sieved to remove any gritty particles. This is mixed in sesame oil and applied over the burnt part. The burn gets healed with in days. And it also helps to grow healthy, normal skin. The oil keeps the affected part well protected against moisture and entry of harmful germs.

7. Sore throat: - gargling the mouth with Sampalok water is beneficial in curing sore throat. The potion for gargling be prepared by boiling Sampalok in water. Sampalok pulp is widely used in culinary preparations particularly, in the Philippines.

Superstitions

There are many superstitions related to this tree because of its age in other countries.  In the Philippines you don’t eat sour Sampalok during the even or you will be plagued with nightmares.

There is also a superstition that it is bad to sleep or to tie animals beneath a Sampalok tree, but this is probably due to the harmful affect the leaves have on fabrics in damp weather. 

In Africa some tribes believe this tree to be sacred.

Sampalok Candy

Ingredients



2 cup water

1 1/2 cup sugar

1 pinch salt

1 cup Pealed Brown (Mature) Sampalok



Instructions



Heat 2 cups of water in a small saucepan to simmering, and add one and half

cups of sugar slowly dissolving it, then simmering to thicken it to a

smooth syrup. Add pinch of salt.   Set aside to cool.



Shell and clean the Sampalok, and then leave them to soak in the sugar

syrup for several hours before putting on a rack to dry. (Be careful some of the Sampalok has a hard ‘Stone’ in them…)

Sit back and enjoy your exotic Tropical Candy that you have grown yourself.

Passiflora edulis is the scientific name.

Common names include, Passion Fruit, Granadilla, Purple Granadilla, Yellow Passion Fruit

Some of the Related Species: Fragrant Granadilla (Passiflora alata), Red Granadilla (P. coccinea), Maypop (P. incarnata), Yellow Granadilla (P. Laurifolia), Sweet Granadilla (P. ligularis), Sweet Calabash (P. maliformis), Banana Passion Fruit (P. mollissima), Giant Granadilla (P. quadrangularis).

South America seems to be the starting place of the purple/yellow passion fruit.  Yellow it seems is from unknown origin or from early documentation the Amazon region of Brazil.  It is also said that it is a hybrid of two other passion fruits. In either case the passion fruit is a favorite of many gardeners and what most people do not realize is the health benefits from this beautiful vine and fruit.

The passion fruit, in general, prefer subtropical and frost free environments.  In saying this, the vines seem to take upper 20’s (F) with no serious damage.  The leaves will fall off, but as soon as the temps get back to normal they start up, it seems, more vigorous then before.  Heavy mulching of the roots is the requirement for this to occur.  With hot summer heat the plant also does not thrive, it will survive but the growth seems to go dormant.  Yellow passion seems to be more tolerant of both the cold and the heat.  It is usually a good idea to protect these fruits from wind and if local conditions are not good for rainfall, to water at least weekly.  These plants also seem to perform well indoors.

They are a vigorous climber.  They cling to anything they can grab.  They grow quickly and 15 – 20 feet per year once established.  They should have strong support.  Their life cycle seems to be short in 5-7 years, but new plants can be planted and fruit can happen the same year.

The leaves are evergreen and alternate, 3 lobed leaves when mature.  They start of as a single lobed leaf when young and when they reach a height of 2-3 feet the 3 lobed leaves start to appear.  They are large leaves of 3 to 8 inches in length and have a deep green appearance with a glossy look.  Dull and pale underneath.  They have many tendrils to hold onto anything they touch.

They have a single fragrant flower between 2-3 inches wide.   Purple passion fruits are self pollinating and do not require insects, however the yellow is dependant on bees and ants for fruit.  This should be kept in mind when growing indoors.  Yellow passion fruit would need to be pollinated by hand, but many do this with outdoor plants as well to guarantee fruit.

The fruit is 1-3 inches wide and has a touch outer coating that is smooth and waxy.  The name of the plant is the color of the fruit not the flower.  Inside the fruit are hundreds of seeds that are edible along with ample juice.  The flavor is unique and can be added to other drinks if desired.  Usually the fruit will begin in 1-2 years, sometimes 3.  Ripening occurs 70-80 days after pollination.

The plant prefers full sun except for very hot areas.  With hot areas partial sun is preferred.  The vine can grow rampant, so plant next to a fence or strong trellis.  You can also train the plant on an attractive arbor.

The plant will take many soils with the exception of clay soils, the plant prefers well drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, and care should be taken to provide soil that is not too acidy.  Lime should be used for these areas.  They have shallow roots so mulching is a benefit.

To keep the plant in check and esthetically appeasing you should prune to keep them in control.  Prune early spring or after the harvest.  Remove weak growth and cut back vigorous grown by 1 third.

Wait until the fruit drops to the ground before using them, to pick it prematurely will result in better juice.  The fruit is sweetest when slightly shriveled.  The juice freezes well.

Here are some of the cultivators

Purple form

Black Knight

Developed in Massachusetts for pot culture by Patrick Worley. Fragrant, dark purple-black fruit, the size and shape of large egg. Flavor excellent. Vigorous, compact vine, self-fertile, very fruitful. Handsome glossy foliage. Excellent for containers.

Edgehill

Originated in Vista, Calif. Similar to Black Knight, but more vigorous, larger growing and with larger purple fruit. One of the best outdoor cultivars for Southern California.

Frederick

Originated in Lincoln Acres, Calif. by Patrick Worley. Kahuna X Brazilian Golden. Large, nearly oval fruit, greenish-purple with reddish cast. Slightly tart flavor. Good for eating out of hand, excellent for juicing. Extremely vigorous, self-fruitful vine. Very productive, more compact than P. edulis flavicarpa.

Kahuna

Very large, medium purple fruit. Sweet, subacid flavor. Good for juicing. Vigorous, productive self-fertile vine. Produces over a long season. Large, attractive foliage.

Paul Ecke

Originated in Encinitas, Calif. Medium-sized purple fruit of very good quality. Suitable for juicing and eating out of hand. Compact, very productive vine.

Purple Giant

Very large fruit, dark purple when mature.

Red Rover

Originated in Lincoln Acres, Calif. by Patrick Worley. Kahuna X Brazilian Golden. Medium to large, roundish fruit. Rind an attractive clear red color. Sweet, notably rich flavor with tart overtones,. Good for eating out of hand or juicing. Vine very vigorous, compact and self-fertile.

Yellow form

Brazilian Golden

Large, golden-yellow fruits, larger than standard forms. Flavor somewhat tart. Extremely vigorous vine, requiring cross-pollination. Extra large, fragrant flowers, white with a dark center, blooming during mid-summer. Produces one large crop beginning in late August or early September.

Golden Giant

A large yellow-fruited cultivar that originated in Australia.

The health benefits from these fruits are outstanding.  They are rich in vitamin C and a good source of vitamin A, iron and potassium.  If eaten with the seeds it is an excellent source of dietary fibber.

The fruit has somniferous properties and if taken before going to bed they will help to relax you and give you a nice sleep.  They also have a febrifugal and soporific properties.

An official press release in 2002 from Ecuador states**

1. Passion fruit juice inhibits cancer cell growth in two types of cancer cells in culture.* While work continues in this area, the phytochemicals in passion fruit juice are thought to decrease cancer cell growth while at the same time, increase cancer cell death.
   
   


2. The phenolic profile of passion fruit consists of phenolic acids and flavonoids. Passion fruit juice is also rich in carotenoids. This analytical information was not known prior to this research. This information is useful to predict health benefits and understand effects of processing on those health benefits. The potential for health benefits related to protecting the heart and preventing cancer from phenolics and other phytochemicals is great.
   
   


3. The phenolic profile of passion fruit is promising for its anti-microbial activity thus perhaps leading to a way to preserve foods by using passion fruit. Perhaps future research will show it will inhibit the bacteria responsible for ulcers (helicobacter pylori).* Preliminary data shows that passion fruit juice inhibits the growth of e.coli.*
   
   


4. Passion fruit juice is a good source of antioxidants, both that are water soluble (vitamin c) and those that are fat soluble (carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids).*
   
   


5. Pasteurization of passion fruit juice has no effect on stability of color or the antioxidant capacity. This is ideal for products that are required to be pasteurized.
   
   


6. Passion fruit is high in carbohydrates, simple sugars that are rapidly available during athletic performance.
   
   


7. Passion fruit contains plant sterols. Plant sterols are compounds that have been suggested to help lower cholesterol.
   
   


8. One glass of passion fruit juice equals 50% of the day's vitamin C requirement. This is equal to grapefruit and higher than mango, pineapple, lemon and orange.
   
   


9. One glass of passion fruit juice provides about 60% of the daily value for vitamin A, mostly because of the carotene content.
   
   


10. Passion fruit is a significant source of potassium. It contains more potassium than an orange. One glass of passion fruit juice meets 40% of the suggested daily intake.
    
    

*more work continues in these findings.

**EPPA, The Ecuadorian Passion Fruit Processor's Association