Coneflower Seeds I planted my coneflower seeds too early. There about an inch high and I want them to live to see spring. Help?
I have a few Jiffy trays going. The seeds all said they needed about two weeks to germinate. They took off in about 3 days and they are touching the top of the dome. I tried removing the dome on one tray and they all started to wilt. The soil seemed moist enough not sure why? Even tried spraying water on the leaves. Nope they where not happy at all. I put the dome back on and it seemed to help the few that survived. Also running into mold issues. Are these plants too young to put in a frosted ground with more frost on the way? What are my options?
Sounds like your little plants have fallen to the demise of "damping off" which is a fungus problem. You might try planting what's left and covering them with shredded newspaper. If you have a paper shredder it would be great.
i want a butterfly garden, but the plants are sooo expensive?
could i try to grow them from seeds or is it to late for this year? i live in zone 5. if it is to late and i want to do this for next year, when should i be starting the seeds indoors? i have never grown anything. here is a link to the garden that i am going to try to grow. it is the second one. i also want to include some coneflower and some blazingstars http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/gardens/butterfly/designs.html
anytips are appreciated
Coneflower (ecchinacea) isn't too expensive to purchase a few plants to start with--they spread quite widely after a year or so (ask how I know ) and wood violets can be divided if you know someone who might like to thin theirs out. Spearmint, or any mint for that matter, should not be put in the ground, but kept in pots, it spreads like wildfire and is very difficult to get rid of (I have experience with that little mistake, too ). Digitalis (foxglove) can be seeded directly, as can bee balm (bergamot), which, btw, also is invasive. Columbine can be seeded, but it takes a long time to come up, that's one for the fall. Some of these others are also best seeded in the fall for next year. Yarrow, btw, is also good direct seeded and a lovely butterfly plant for zone 5.
Echinacea Cone Are (Echinacea purpurea) purple cone flowers good for a cut flower for an arrangement?
Do they hold up good?
Yes, they last a long time. They are used in flower arrangements for their neat cone heads and they have great stems that will hold up to anything just about. Make sure you keep them clipped just like any other flower in a vase.
These small ulcers, that can occur on the tongue, gums or the lining of the mouth, are sometimes due to local trauma, for instance biting your cheek or wearing ill-fitting dentures, but often they reflect a state of generally being run-down. Recurrent "crops" of mouth ulcers may therefore need more overall treatment; as well as anything directed locally.
Aromatherapy
The essential oil of choice for treating mouth ulcers is undoubtedly Myrrh. This is not only astringent and healing but also has an anti-fungal property; one of the reasons for mouth ulcers can be fungal infection, for example Candida albicans(the cause of thrush). Myrrh is best used in tincture form; you can make your own in small amounts by dissolving the essential oil in alcohol- use 5 drops in 5 ml(1 tsp) of a spirit such as vodka or brandy. This can be applied neat right on to the ulcers, or use 2.5 ml(1/2 tsp) in a little water as a mouthwash. You can add 1 drop of oil of Fennel to make it taste better, dissolving it thoroughly.
Herbalism
Local treatment is by means of herbal tinctures, to stimulate healing and reduce the inflammation. The strongest, although worst tasting, is Myrrh(Commiphora molmol); others to choose from are Marigold(Calendula officinalis), Sage(Salvia officinalis) and Thyme(Thymus vulgare). Pay attention to general health, and seek professional treatment if the ulcers are persistent or recurring. Cone Flower(Echinacea angustilolia or E. purpurea) may be a useful herb to take; it boosts the immune system and is widely obtainable in tablet form, or a tincture of the fresh plant is also available- take 10 drops in water 3 times a day.
Homeopathy
Remedies are more likely to be of benefit if they are chosen for the background causes, but some examples of those remedies that are of value for the ulcers are:
Borax: For painful small ulcers that feel hot in the mouth and may even bleed, when eating for instance.
Merc sol: When there is an unpleasant, metallic taste in the mouth, with larger, almost greyish ulcers and perhaps bleeding gums; good for oral thrush.
Nat Sulph: For very painfully sensitive ulcers which may look like blisters, the discomfort is relieved by something cold such as an ice cube.
Naturopathy
Recurrent mouth ulcers can often indicate a poor diet, or nutritional deficiencies. Nutrients most likely to be lacking, and consequently of most benefit in treating the problem, are Vitamin B2, Vitamin C and zinc, and supplements of these may be needed in the short term until the diet can be improved to give sufficient amount- increase green leafy vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grain bread(including the wheatgerm) and for non-vegetarians some meat and fish.
Mouth ulcers most often occur at times of stress or when the immune system is lowered in some way, so it is generally advisable to look at ways of reducing the impact of stress if ulcers are recurring frequently.
For direct local treatment, try applying pure wheatgerm oil, for example by piercing a natural, oil-based Vitamin E capsule, and dabbing a little on to the ulcer. If there are foods, for instance vinegar, that do aggravate the ulcers, obviously leave them out of the diet for a while.
Purple Coneflower Echinacea I have many allergies to plants. Should I avoid herbal remedies just to be safe?
I have allergies to various plants that come and go with no warning. I know that, since I am allergic to daisies, I shouldn't use echinacea (not sure if I spelled that right -- extract of purple coneflower, anyway) and ought to be careful with chamomile. When I was a child, my mother tried to 'cure' my hayfever by having me eat honey, and I almost died, so I'm more than a little worried about having another allergic reaction to herbal suppliments or natural treatments for illness, etc. However, I have some health problems that 'traditional' medicine doesn't offer an effective treatment for, and I'd like to at least explore some other options. Should I stay away from herbal remedies and look for something else?
(I'd really appreciate it if replies are NOT someone just trying to sell me something. I'm looking for answers, not advertisments.)
if you're allergic to so many things, then before you decide to take ANYTHING other than what a doctor prescribes you, go talk to your doctor about it to make sure there's nothing in it to cause you a reaction.
Landscaping Ideas for a Beautiful Yard : How to Deadhead Echinacea Flowers
Liver Detox - 7 Effective Herbs
Any harmful substances in the body are removed by the liver thus preventing their entry into the blood streams and interfering with other body organs. In other words the liver is involved in the manufacturing, filtering and detoxification process to enhance the normal functioning of the body. Liver functioning is disheveled with the functions of the digestive system, endocrine, circulatory system, nervous system and the immune system.
There are many ailments that are associated with unhealthy liver. Lethargy or chronic tiredness are not only brought about by lack of sleep but are also associated with the build up harmful substances in the liver. Liver detoxification has become very common among people who are aware of its existence. Before you start liver detoxification, it is very vital that you are diagnosed first to determine its existence.
Among the signs of unhealthy liver include sluggishness, irritability, anxiety, pains, irregular stomach movements, depression, and bloating, bad breath, bad odor, protruding stomach and skin problems.
When harmful substances have accumulated in the liver thus leading to its failure, liver detox is very vital. There are several ways that can be used in liver detox one of them being the use of herbs.
There are varieties of herbs that can be used in liver detox namely;
Avena sativa- this herb is commonly referred to as the oat. It prevents nervous tiredness reduces persistent anxiety and acts as a toxin for the nervous.
Calendula- this herb is commonly known as the Mexican Marigold. The marigold has the potential of detoxifying the liver.
Echinacea- many people know Echinacea as the purple coneflower. Echinacea can be used in liver detox for balancing the immune system such that it works to the best level.
Eleutherococcus- it is also referred to as the Siberian ginseng. This herb is used the body cope with the changes of metabolism.
Helianthus- this herb is also known as the Jerusalem artichoke and helps in the reducing the rate at which sugar is broken down in the body. This way, energy in the body can be preserved for a longer period of time.
Kelp- macrocystic pyrifera is the other name for the kelp herb. Apart from liver detox, kelp is also known to enhance metabolism rates in the body.
Milk thistle- this herb is also known as silybum marianum. Milk thistle helps in curing liver complications, detoxification of the body and increases the metabolism of the fat.
Milk thistle is high in silymarin which aids in the prevention of liver cells damage. This is achieved by motivating the redevelopment of the liver cells.
Milk thistle is quite helpful in liver detox which restores the normal functioning of the liver.
Check with the doctor on your medical history before you start using these herbs.
