Today is my Birthday. I am 18 again. My new life starts today. This is what will happen. I know. I am going to re-create myself to get ready for my great life.
On the photo there is myself on the left and a friend of mine on the right. We had a styling session at Dior - it was make-up refreshment, transforming and free!
This season is great time to clean-up the closets, throw away old and new pieces don't favour your beauty - exactly what I am doing now.
What about YOU? What is your plan for the rest of your life? What is youe choice?
Happy Winter Solstice! Its still on for the next 3 days, don't miss its power.
December 23, 2013
Planting Tulips December Call
Normally it’s winter here at this season. Usually it’s snowing and freezing as well. Not this year. Temperature is in plus. Grass is green. And I will use this time to move some plants around the garden and plant bulbs longing for soil since weeks. Life kept me too busy to find time. I have it now.
Any unusual garden chore you are doing now?
Happy
Winter Solstice everyone!
Xoxo,
Ewa
December 21, 2013
DIY Candle Powered Heater just 10 Cents per Day
Human creativity doesn't stop to surprise me. This super easy to make candle powered heater could be a great solution while in troubles. Just have a look: It's only 4 minutes.
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If you look for more information, jump over here.
Recommended further reading The Prepper's Blueprint: The Step-By-Step Guide To Help You Through Any Disaster
December 13, 2013
13 Best Window Box Ideas
Photo by nizoz
Further recommended reading The Window Decorating Book
Photo by conlawprof
Photo by msprague
Photo by caitlinburke
Photo by melolou
Photo by jim-sf
Photo by meg_nicol
Photo by Chiot's Run
Photo by Chiot's Run
Photo by piers nye
Photo by ateliertee
Photo by smilla4
December 6, 2013
DIY Garden Bottle Lanterns - Pretty and on Penny Budget
When autumn days are getting shorter, every little beam of light in the garden is welcome.
A good choice to beautify
the veranda, garden paths or a romantic table are handmade
bottle-lanterns. This decoration is safe, its preparation will make us a
lot of joy and warm, flickering flames of candles will improve our mood
immediately.
To prepare
lanterns you will need
-
empty
milk or kefir bottles
-
knife
for cutting glass
-
sandpaper
-
clear
multi-purpose glue
-
colorful
autumn leaves
-
tealights
How to
Cut off the bottom of the
bottle using knife for cutting glass. Put the bottle in the sink and carefully
pour a small amount of boiling water into the bottle - the glass will break and
the bottom will fall off. Grind the edges of the bottle with sandpaper. Be sure
to wear safety gloves while doing this.
Prepare fresh, colorful
autumn leaves. Stick them to the outer side of the bottle. You can mix red and
yellow leaves so the final effect will be even more beautiful. Carefully glue
the edges of each leaf. Leave for 24 hours to let it dry. Dried glue should
create air bubbles!
Space of the tealights, cover
them with lanterns and wait for the evening to come. Ta-dah!
It's also a great idea for
upcoming Halloween!
Author of this post: Łukasz Skop that is blogging at Bez Ogrodek or see at FB
November 22, 2013
Mysterious Callisia fragrans
Today is a sharing day and I will share what I
have learned about the plant I asked the other day to help in identification. It’s
worth it.
Thank you so much for helping me to identify the
plant on the picture and enlightment that follows. My special thanks go to Rosekraft, Vi and Claude.
I would like to introduce to you her majesty CALLISIA
FRAGRANS. A plant rarely to buy in the flower shop or nursery. If you live in
9+ zone it may grow outside, below 9 it can grow only indoors.
As I first saw Callisia fragrans, whithout
knowing the name, I was told about it strong remedy to different health
problems and the comparison to ginseng in that aspect. My research shows that
there really is something special about it.
1. The first source I’d like to share:
“I have a
very healing plant I wanted send to you but I decided ask first if you need it,
just as thank you gift to you wonderful souls. First the story. More then a
week ago I finally bought cooper pipes. I did put together my CB. It was on
back porch, was raining and i not know where to place it yet. On Sunday I made
a hole in the flower bed and decided move whole CB ... long story... almost
killed myself it was so heavy. It was about 10 am in the morning, I could not
turn my body, bend, I could not do any healing work on myself, my whole back
was off, in pain.
Now I am sitting in pain and thinking that I am not going pay those doctors, how I can go to work and work and what can I do. First thing came to my mind my plant. I used it many times before and it would take 3-4 days to take care of any inside pain.
Now the plant name is CALLISIA FRAGRANCE. We have many books in Russia about that plant and its healing abilities. “
If youwant to read more click here.
2. Second is scientific source – results of the
research made by one of the universities:
“Callisia Fragrans
Family Doctor PlantThe phenomenal healing effect is explained by the bioactive
substances contained by the plant. Callisia Fragrance fights various kinds of
infection, stimulates metabolism, improves circulation and immune system,
purifies the body. Also, it relieves pain, heals wounds and even tumours. In
addition, it tackles indigestion and breathing problems. This resource is a
guide on using the plant for medical purposes.It is not only a decoration
plant, it has wide medicinal use in Europe and Russia. Active biological
substances that are in Callisia fragrans can struggle with any types of
infections, stimulate metabolic processes, strengthen immunity and circulatory
system, has positive influence on growths. Substances from steroid group
contained in Callissia fragrans give it these wonderful possibilities. Because
of the presence of biologically active substances Callisia Fragrans (Golden
tendril) can help fight various diseases. The whole plant posses curative
compounds, juice is the same throughout the plant, although it's higher
concentration in the stem.'Золотой ус' Zolotoy us’.”
3. On one of the
blogs the author is writing:
“Before
leaving Aunt Luba initiated us into the methods of making Basket Plant extract
which, as she said, “cures everything, and boosts the immune system.”Basket Plant – (Callisia fragrans). Also known as золотой ус, or “golden whisker” in Russian.
How tomake an extract you can learn by clicking here. After clicking look n thebottom of the page.
Recommended further reading Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America, Third Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
November 1, 2013
Could you help to ID this plant?
I was told it's a kind of ginseng or rather ginseng like herb. From the description I've heard it made me really curious what it really is. Have you seen it maybe?
Recommended further reading Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs with all their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments
Recommended further reading Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs with all their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments
October 29, 2013
Propagating basil from cuttings - experiment results
Remember when I started those basil cuttings? It was 5 weeks ago. You may see it here.
After 4 weeks first tiny root appeared and frankly I was not sure whether it's a root or not. Today, 5 weeks after I am sure my basil cullings are rooting!
In the meantime I was noly adding water, not exchanging with fresh one.
My recommendation is clear. Propagating basil from cuttings works. If you can do it, still this autumn, save your overmatured basil plants by taking cuttings. This way it's possible to enjoy your own basil entire winter.
After 4 weeks first tiny root appeared and frankly I was not sure whether it's a root or not. Today, 5 weeks after I am sure my basil cullings are rooting!
In the meantime I was noly adding water, not exchanging with fresh one.
My recommendation is clear. Propagating basil from cuttings works. If you can do it, still this autumn, save your overmatured basil plants by taking cuttings. This way it's possible to enjoy your own basil entire winter.
October 18, 2013
10 vintage botanical prints - new arrivals
New arrivals of beautiful prints at Natural Atelier. All originate from XV - XVIII century. Each one in the size of A4 – 210 x 297 mm or 8.27 x 11.69 inches.
Do YOU like it ?
Xoxo
Ewa
October 13, 2013
Nature comes to city in delivery truck by Banksy
Banksy brings nature to the streets of New York. Witty idea in delivery truck. According to the author's website, delivery truck appeared last weekend and tours New York City - everyday different place.
Artist turned the truck into a garden oasis, inspired by John Steinbeck's classic novel The Grapes of Wrath.
The audio guide on the artist's website says: "The artist claims to have been inspired to create this piece after listening to a poem by Keats. Sorry, I misread that… the artist was p***** when he made this and it's incomplete."
Photo courtesy of BanksyNY.com
Artist turned the truck into a garden oasis, inspired by John Steinbeck's classic novel The Grapes of Wrath.
The audio guide on the artist's website says: "The artist claims to have been inspired to create this piece after listening to a poem by Keats. Sorry, I misread that… the artist was p***** when he made this and it's incomplete."
Photo courtesy of BanksyNY.com
October 10, 2013
Ageing landscaping grass
This beautiful grass was grown long enough. Was it really? This is probably some kind of pennisetum, but who knows how old?
Have you seen it before?
Have you seen it before?
October 4, 2013
4 Photos of Racing Topiary
She saw these bikers and she didn't know what to think... like it or not? It's interesting way of decoration, but why??
What do you think?
Further recommended reading The Art of Creative Pruning: Inventive Ideas for Training and Shaping Trees and Shrubs
Further recommended reading The Art of Creative Pruning: Inventive Ideas for Training and Shaping Trees and Shrubs
What do you think?
Further recommended reading The Art of Creative Pruning: Inventive Ideas for Training and Shaping Trees and Shrubs
Further recommended reading The Art of Creative Pruning: Inventive Ideas for Training and Shaping Trees and Shrubs
September 28, 2013
Giant pyramid garden and freemasonry...
Long, long time ago, in the eighteen century she discovered a mysterious link between the pyramids in English landscape gardens and the secret Freemasonry society...
Pyramids or similar to pyramid-like forms in the early English landscape design in gardens like Cirencester, Castle Howard, Stowe, Rousham, Studley Royal, Castle Hill, appeared at very early stage, long before the later eighteenth century archaeological explorations of ancient civilizations, thus is sometimes understood as an expression of freemasonry ideals of the garden's owners.
Pyramids or similar to pyramid-like forms in the early English landscape design in gardens like Cirencester, Castle Howard, Stowe, Rousham, Studley Royal, Castle Hill, appeared at very early stage, long before the later eighteenth century archaeological explorations of ancient civilizations, thus is sometimes understood as an expression of freemasonry ideals of the garden's owners.
She found out
there is an interesting link between the landscape garden in
England 1710 and 1730 and the period of the European Enlightenment and diffusion
of Freemasonry in England and Europe.
In this
period many landowners and intellectuals were freemasons. Also many famous
figures like Alexander Pope, Arbuthnot, Edward Harley, the Earl of
Chesterfield, James Addison, Richard Steele, Jonathan Swift, James Thomson,
Lord Burlington, Lord Cobham, William Stuckley, Lord Montague, Voltaire and Montesquieu.
She also discovered that as Freemasonry
develops in this period of time a focus for intellectuals, politicians, the
gentry, artists and architects, as natural result there was an exchange of beliefs, aesthetic
values and ideas between English and European intellectuals. Those
intellectuals who had links with freemasonry secret society or were part of it, were
also strongly linked with the development of the arts, including landscape
architecture.
Don't you think it would be interesting to research the connections between Freemasonry and the early English landscape garden?
Don't you think it would be interesting to research the connections between Freemasonry and the early English landscape garden?
Below
photos were taken during Floriade garden show 2012. This interesting and pretty
construction that adds interest to the flat surface of the garden, clearly revokes pyramids. Does it have any other meaning?
What do you
think?
September 19, 2013
Vegetable sloping garden idea
This vegetable sloping garden idea is taking strawberries on the lowest bed. I like it. And asparagus on the highest one.
Do you like it?
Do you like it?
September 15, 2013
Handy, handsome portable outdoor fireplace...
More rusted steel design ideas you may find while clicking here.
September 12, 2013
How to grow basil from cuttings
Constant supply of basil in the winter time – that’s my goal this year. I have checked internet and found out that some of the garden magicians grow basil from cuttings. I have never done it before. Usually I buy ready seedings or grow basil from seeds.
The idea of growing basil from cuttings and starting this before winter seemed to be puzzling to me, far more easy and faster than growing from seedlings. Trying if this works will be exciting, especially now when it’s time to cut off the basil from garden before the first frost will kill it.
Another way to keep basil through the winter is trimming it heavily and taking home - I've done it one year with great success.
Current basil was fading away already, so I made fresh pesto from leaves, but also from part of the stems I took basil cuttings. Removed majority of leaves and placed them in a fancy liqueur glass by sunny windowsill – that is suppose to guarantee 100% success rate. Fancy glass including of course…
This is done exactly same as I’ve done with brugmansia cuttings taken in the autumn as well.
Will keep you posted if it rooted or what else happened.
Would you give it a try, as well?
The idea of growing basil from cuttings and starting this before winter seemed to be puzzling to me, far more easy and faster than growing from seedlings. Trying if this works will be exciting, especially now when it’s time to cut off the basil from garden before the first frost will kill it.
Another way to keep basil through the winter is trimming it heavily and taking home - I've done it one year with great success.
Current basil was fading away already, so I made fresh pesto from leaves, but also from part of the stems I took basil cuttings. Removed majority of leaves and placed them in a fancy liqueur glass by sunny windowsill – that is suppose to guarantee 100% success rate. Fancy glass including of course…
This is done exactly same as I’ve done with brugmansia cuttings taken in the autumn as well.
Will keep you posted if it rooted or what else happened.
Would you give it a try, as well?
September 10, 2013
One... two... three... barbed wire laughs with glee...
Barbed wire garden deco would be the last thing I would think of.
This one looks surprisingly nice.
But....
Do YOU think it's safe?
This one looks surprisingly nice.
But....
Do YOU think it's safe?
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