Long before multimedia and the internet, to the print press August was the 'Silly Season.' And as the planet revolves so does such return at least thanks to Frederik Busch. The German photographer uses his art to explore the identity and personalities of office plants, according to The New York Times. Indeed, says Herr Busch, "I have a sensitivity for plants," and he has published an illustrated book to prove it, at least to his own satisfaction. Udo will soon be going to primary school, but Anna can already read. Doreen likes to party, and Irmfried is disoriented. Of course, Udo is a rubber plant, Anna a heart-leafed philodendron; Doreen a ponytail palm and Irmfried a succulent. These plants have no less personality than their human counterparts. Sabine, a spider plant, adores dancing. There are more. Frankly, none look particularly healthy. In fact, by the time your read this they have in all likelihood gone to the great green compost heap in the sky.
Diversion No. 1
Tianqi Sun, CEO of robotics firm Vincross, has created a delightful mod of his robot Hexa which cares for a houseplant on its back, writes Isobel Asher-Hamilton for Business Insider. Moving its cargo into and out of the sun or shade, Hexa stamps its feet when the plant needs watering and even dances when it is "happy." The small crab-looking robot available at US$949 for people to experiment with robotics--and perhaps not too many houseplants
Drat, it's drought! As heatwaves from North America on to Britain and through to Australia threaten dried-up gardens. The venerable Royal Horticultural Society has hired a 'water specialist' to teach British gardeners to 'drought-proof' their gardens during scorching summers. Life doesn't have to get that complicated. When permitted, water for an hour every three days. This will force plant roots to grow deeper into the ground so better able withstand drought. Best time to water is two or three in the morning, using a timer. The alternate is shortly after dawn. If and when forbidden to use municipal water directly, consider saving shower, bath or dish water for containers and the most valued specimens.
Diversion No. 2
Rock and roll is noise pollution for ladybirds, explains ABC News. In the 1980s Australian rock band AC/DC released the song 'Rock and Roll Ain't Nosie Pollution,' but it turns out it is, at least for ladybirds. Researchers from Mississippi State University tested how various sounds affect ecosystems and discovered ladybirds--also known as lady bugs or lady beetles--drastically change their behaviour when subject to noise pollution.
What happens when the lawn dries up, turning to a hayfield when drought hits? No need to panic. Surprisingly, a well-maintained lawn can go for three, four or even more weeks without water only to green up when rains return once more. Just as in winter when the ground is frozen, avoid walking on it while it is drought-stricken. Of course, when green again, the dead grass will have to be raked out, doubtlessly to the neighbour's mirth and enquiries about the hay business. If the lawn had been treated with selective herbicide do not compost these leavings.
Diversion No. 3
Biodegradable plastic made from 'tree glue' could be on shelves in five years, suggests The Daily Telegraph. Lignin holds cellulose fibres together, stiffening plant stems, but can be turned into a strong, mouldable plastic, researchers at the University of Warwick have found.
One gardener claims he was so disenchanted with his first zucchini that he killed it with his hoe. True, a single squash plant covers an area 100 square feet or 10x10. Even so-called 'compact' varieties are space consuming in the average veggie plot. Then there is how to solve the prolific harvest. Commence control early--squash flowers are edible, especially the male flowers of zucchini, pattypan, and crookneck squash. For those more inhibited gardeners, male flowers lack the miniature berry at the base. (Yes, botanically squash are true berries.) Stuff them with cream cheese, float them on soup, sprinkle in salads or fry for a quick snack.
Diversion No. 4
A Canada Post employee will not be disciplined for snacking on produce belonging to Montreal homes along his route--but he has tried to make up for the theft. The employee, who was caught on security video, sent a container of tomatoes to Paula Habib after her own tomatoes began to disappear last month. It was accompanied by a note from Canada Post, according CTV News
The Algonquin peoples of the First Nations of northeastern America knew August as the 'Green Corn Month.' Later, much later, an introduction has won it the designation of 'Peach Month.' Surprisingly for such a productive garden and field month there is distinct dearth of such acknowledgment. Celebrate 4th August as Watermelon Day, followed by Mustard Day on 5th. That's it until 29th August with More Herbs Less Salt Day along with during, the last week, Spain's inevitable La Tomatina, Bunol, the celebrated tomato fight, correctly pronounced incidentally to-mah-to Spanish tomate, not to-may-to. Oh yes, 16th August is 'Tell a Joke Day' It wasn't the apple in the tree that caused all the trouble--it was the pear on the ground.
Wes Porter is a horticultural consultant and writer based in Toronto. Wes has over 40 years of experience in both temperate and tropical horticulture from three continents.
Long before multimedia and the internet, to the print press August was the 'Silly Season.' And as the planet revolves so does such return at least thanks to Frederik Busch. The German photographer uses his art to explore the identity and personalities of office plants, according to The New York Times. Indeed, says Herr Busch, "I have a sensitivity for plants," and he has published an illustrated book to prove it, at least to his own satisfaction. Udo will soon be going to primary school, but Anna can already read. Doreen likes to party, and Irmfried is disoriented. Of course, Udo is a rubber plant, Anna a heart-leafed philodendron; Doreen a ponytail palm and Irmfried a succulent. These plants have no less personality than their human counterparts. Sabine, a spider plant, adores dancing. There are more. Frankly, none look particularly healthy. In fact, by the time your read this they have in all likelihood gone to the great green compost heap in the sky.
