Another gift! Just got this from Thomson Fareast Florist @3.80 , limited choices mostly purple and maroon colour flowers left.
Then before leaving, I pop by to the Goodwood and these are what they have @4.80. But more choices available
Just complained to my collegue and then when I go home this is what I saw :)
Cool..saw this in the nursery in Jurong West. Can't believe it is strawberries growing! Wonder will it really grow under such weather/climate. It is really HOT these days..I can't live without air-conditioning!
See my mulberry plant 1st time bearing fruit for me!
Picture is took quite some time back :P
Gotta a few packs of plants' seeds from hubby as a gift.
They are:
1. Cleome spinosa L.
For more info click here
2. Godetia whitney
For more info click here
3. Hssopus officinalis
For more info click here & here
4. Mirabilis jalapa
For more info click here
5. Dahlia pinnata
For more info click here
So you an see your friend here would be busy with planting again. :P
FRUIT AS MEDICINE
Morus fruit from Morus alba, the mulberry plant, is often called mulberry fruit. Although there are many species of Morus, the one grown in China is the white mulberry (alba = white). One of the primary uses of the plant is for raising silkworms, which utilize the leaves as their main food source. China has been producing silk since ancient times and remains one of the world's primary sources. The Chinese term for the mulberry plant is sang, and the fruits are known in China as sanshenzi or simply sangshen. The fruit is botanically called a sorosis, because it is formed by the consolidation of many flowers. It is juicy and has a sweet taste with some sourness that is more prominent in the less mature fruits.
Mulberry fruit is classified in the modern Chinese Materia Medica as a blood tonic, and is listed along with herbs having similar traditional uses such as ho-shou-wu (Polygonum multiflorum, root), cooked rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa, root), ligustrum (Ligustrum lucidum, fruit) and lycium (Lycium chinensis, fruit). Traditionally, mulberry fruit has been used as a medicinal agent to nourish the yin and blood, benefit the kidneys, and treat weakness, fatigue, anemia, and premature graying of hair. It is also used utilized to treat urinary incontinence, tinnitus, dizziness, and constipation in the elderly and the anemic.
The dominant taste of the ripe fruit is sweet but usually somewhat bland, due to the high water content and low level of other flavoring ingredients, but a richer flavor develops if the fruit is dried; it can then be used as a raisin substitute. In recent years, with considerable work on cultivating the mulberry plants under various conditions, mulberry fruit juice has been commercially produced as a health beverage, and it has become very popular in China, Japan, and Korea. Without adding preservatives, the original juice of mulberry fruit remains fresh under cold storage for 3 months, while the bottled beverage remains fresh at room temperature for 12 months.
As a result of working with the fresh fruits to yield a juice product, the constituents have been analyzed. The main content of fresh, ripe mulberry fruit is:
Water: 85-88%
Carbohydrate (sugars, mainly glucose and fructose, producing the sweet taste): 7.8-9.2%
Protein: 0.4-1.5%
Fat (mainly fatty acids, such as linoleic, stearic, and oleic acids in the seeds): 0.4-0.5%
Free acids (mainly malic acid, producing the sour taste): 1.1-1.9%
Fiber: 0.9-1.4%
Minerals: 0.7-0.9%
All flowers have a meaning. The Victorians used to use flowers as a symbol to express their feelings. Here is a list of different flowers and their meanings.
A
Acacia - Secret love
Acorn - Nordic symbol of life and immortality
Aloe - Grief
Allspice - Compassion
Ambrosia - Love returned
Amaryllis - Pride; Timidity
Anemone - Unfading love
Angelica - Inspiration
Aniseed - Restoration of youth
Arbutis - Only love
Apple - Preference
Aster - Love; daintiness
Azalea - Take care of yourself for me; fragile passion; Chinese symbol of womanhood
B
Bachelor Button - Celibacy
Baby's Breath - Everlasting Love
Basil - Best Wishes, Love
Bay Leaf - Strength
Begonia - Beware
Bells Of Ireland - Good luck
Bird Of Paradise - Magnificence
Bittersweet - Truth
Bluebell - Humility; constancy
Borage - Courage
Bouquet of withered flowers - Rejected love
Burnet - A merry heart
Buttercup - Cheerfulness
C
Cactus - Endurance; warmth
Calendula - Joy
Camellia - Admiration; perfection; good luck gift to a man
Candytuft - indifference
Carnation (in general) Bonds of affection; health and energy; fascination; woman love
Carnation (pink) - I'll never forget you
Carnation (purple) - Capriciousness; whimsical; changeable
Carnation (red) - My heart aches for you; admiration
Carnation (solid color) -Yes
Carnation (striped)- No; refusal; sorry I can't be with you; wish I could be with you
Carnation (white) -Sweet and lovely; innocence; pure love; woman's good luck gift
Carnation (yellow) - Rejection; disdain
Cattail - Peace; prosperity
Chamomile - Patience ; attracts wealth
Chrysanthemum (in general) - Cheerfulness; You're a wonderful friend
Chrysanthemum (red) - I love
Chrysanthemum (white) - Truth
Chrysanthemum (yellow) -Slighted love
Coreopsis - Always cheerful
Coriander - Lust
Cowslip - Pensiveness; winning grace
Crocus - Cheerfulness; abuse not
Cyclamen - Resignation and goodbye
Clover Good luck
D
Daffodil Respect
Daisy Innocence
Dandelion Wishes come true
E
Eucalyptus - Protection
F
Fennel - Worthy of all praise
Fern - Sincerity
Forget-Me-Not - True love
Fern (Magic) - Fascination; confidence and shelter
Fern (Maidenhair) - Secret bond of love
Feverfew - Protection
Fir - Time
Flax - Domestic symbol; fate
Forget-me-not - True love; memories
Forsythia - Anticipation
G
Gardenia - You're lovely; secret love
Garland of roses - Reward of virtue
Garlic - Courage; strength
Geranium (Scented) - Preference
Gladiolus - Love at first sight
Grass - Submission; utility
H
Heather (lavender) - Admiration; solitude
Heather (white) - Protection; wishes will come true
Hibiscus - Delicate beauty
Holly - Good will, Defense;domestic Happiness; foresight
Honeysuckle - Generous and devoted affection
Hyacinth (general) - Games and sports; rashness;flower dedicated to Apollo
Hyacinth (blue) - Constancy
Hyacinth ( purple) - I'm sorry; please forgive me; sorrow
Hyacinth (red or pink) - Play
Hyacinth (white) - Loveliness; I'll pray for you
Hyacinth (yellow) - Jealousy
Hydrangea - Thank you for understanding; frigidity; heartlessness
Hyssop - Wards away evil spirits
I
Iris - Faith; hope; wisdom and valor
Ivy - Fidelity and friendship
Ivy - sprig of white tendrils - Anxious to please; affection
J
Jasmine - Amiability; attracts wealth
Jonquil - Love me; affection returned; desire; sympathy; desire for a return of affection
Juniper Protection
L
Larkspur - pink - Fickleness
Lavender - Devotion
Lemon - Zest
Lemon Balm - Brings love
Lemon verbena - Attracts opposite sex
Lily (general) - Keeps unwanted visitors away
Lily (calia) - Beauty
Lily (day) - Coquetry
Lily (eucharis) - Maiden charms
Lily (orange) - Hatred
Lily (tiger) - Wealth; pride
Lily (white) - Virginity; purity; majesty; it's heavenly to be with you
Lily (yellow) - I'm walking on air; false and gay
Lily of the valley - sweetness; return to happiness; humility
M
Magnolia - Sweetness; beauty; love of nature
Marigold - Comforts the heart
Mint - Protection from illness; warmth of feeling
Marjoram (sweet) - Joy and happiness
Mistletoe - Kiss me; affection; to surmount difficulties; sacred plant of India
Monkshood - Beware, a deadly foe is near; chivalry
Moss - Maternal love; charity
Myrtle - Love; Hebrew emblem of marriage
N
Narcissus - Egotism; formality; stay as sweet as you are
Nasturtium - Conquest; victory in battle; maternal love; charity; patriotism
O
Oleander - Caution; beware
Orange Generosity
Orange Blossom - Brings wisdom
Orange Mock - Deceit
Orchid - Love; beauty; refinement; beautiful lady; Chinese symbol for many children
Orchid (cattleya) - Mature charm
P
Palm leaves - Victory and success
Pansy - Thoughts; love
Peach Longevity
Peony - Aphrodisiac
Petunia - Resentment; anger; your presence soothes me
Pine - Hope; pity
Poppy (general) - Eternal sleep ; oblivion; imagination
Poppy (red) -Pleasure; consolation
Poppy (white) - Consolation; sleep
Poppy( yellow) - Wealth; success
Prickly Pear - Satire
Primrose - I can't live without you; early youth
Primrose(evening) - Inconstancy
R
Rose (general)(Red) - Love ; I love you
Rose( white) - Eternal Love ; innocence; heavenly; secrecy and silence
Rose(pink) - Perfect happiness; please believe me
Rose(Yellow) - Friendship ; jealousy; try to care
Rose(Black) -Death
Rose(red and white) - Together; unity
Rose(thornless) - Love at first sight
Rose( single, full bloom) - I love you; I still love you
Rose bud - Beauty and youth ; a heart innocent of love
Rose bud(red) - Pure and lovely
Rose bud(white) - Girlhood
Rosebud (moss) - Confessions of love
Roses(Bouquet of full bloom) - Gratitude
Roses( Garland or crown of) - Beware of virtue; reward of merit; crown ; symbol of superior merit
Roses ( musk cluster) - Charming
Rose(tea) - I'll always remember
Rose(cabbage) - Ambassador of love
Rose(Christmas) - Tranquilize my anxiety; anxiety
Rose(damask) - Brilliant complexion
Rose(dark crimson) - Mourning
Rose(hibiscus) - Delicate beauty
Rose leaf - You may hope
Rosemary - Remembrance
S
Sage Wisdom - long life
Salvia -(blue) I think of you
Smilax - Loveliness
Snapdragon - Deception; gracious lady; presumption
Spiderflower - Elope with me
Stephanotis - Happiness in marriage; desire to travel
Stock - Lasting beauty
Strawberry - Perfect goodness
Sunflower - Loyalty; wishes
Sweetpea - Goodbye; departure; blissful pleasure; Thank you for a lovely time
T
Thyme - Strength and courage; ensures restful sleep
Tulip(general) - Fame,charity; perfect lover
Tulip(red) - Believe me; declaration of love
Tulip(variegated) - Beautiful eyes
Tulip(yellow) - Hopeless love
V
Violet - Modesty; calms tempers; induces sleep
Violet(blue) - Watchfulness; faithfulness; I'll always be true
Violet(white) - Let's take a chance on happiness
Viscaria - Will you dance with me?
W
Woodruff - sweet humility
Y
Yarrow - Health,healing
Z
Zinnia - Thoughts of friends
Zinnia(magenta) - Lasting affection
Zinnia(mixed) - Thinking of an absent friend
Zinnia(scarlet) - Constancy
Zinnia(white) - Goodness
Zinnia(yellow) - Daily remembrance
Chinese New Year is round the corner, I have yet to tidy my wadrobe and also deco the place! Help Help...
However, I am now looking forward to grow the Narcissus.
Shall post a photo of it next time :P
Growing Narcissus
Bulbs are the main source of propagation for growing all the species of Narcisuus.
Narcissus bulbs are very easy to grow. Narcissus require little maintenance. Still, if you could take some minimum care, Narcissus can be more vigorous and floriferous, and they'll multiply much more quickly, improving the show they provide each year.
Soil & Site Selection - Narcissus grow almost anywhere, although it does prefer well-drained soils with a sunny or light shade environment. The Narcissus species types are more specific in their requirements.
Planting Bulbs - Narcissus should be planted from August to November, the earlier the better, at a depth three times the height of the bulb in beds, borders and large containers. In lawns, Narcissus is best planted slightly deeper, at a depth of 15cm.
Planting Associations - Narcissus looks good planted in borders or in naturalised drifts at the base of deciduous trees. Narcissus looks its best when planted in drifts of eight or more bulbs, which appears more natural.
Deadheading - When Narcissus flower-heads have faded, it is best to remove them. Otherwise the plant will divert energy from building up the bulb, which is necessary for next year's display, and put it into seed production.
Post-Flowering Care - After the Narcissus blooms have faded, the remaining leaves can look unsightly as they yellow. It is important to resist the temptation of removing this foliage early. It contains valuable nutrients that will be used for next year's crop of flowers. Leave the leaves for at least six weeks after flowering - longer if possible - before removing them.
Propagation - Divide overcrowded Narcissus clumps in late summer, and plant offsets elsewhere in the garden.The Narcissus species types can be propagated with fresh seed collected during summer and sown in late summer or autumn in pots outdoors.
Narcissus Plant Care
Like most perennials, Narcissus does well with about 1 inch of water per week while they're actively growing and blooming - from March to May
Mulch can be tremendously helpful in conserving moisture in Narcissus plants.
The best thing you can do for your Narcissus bulbs is provide them rich, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter in it.
Most organic bulb fertilizers can be placed right into the planting hole because they're very gentle and nonburning.
Since Narcissus is a perennial, every 5 to 10 years, divide the clumps of bulbs in early summer.
Once flowers are produced, it is best to keep plants away from direct sunlight and in a cool area. This will prolong the flowering period in Narcissus.
Went there on the 8 Dec 2008 with my family.
Not too bad, got free pots, a small packet of media and some basal seeds.
Here is the photo:
Now I know what my plant name exactly liao..the BIG one is known as N. ventricosa... think I shall name it Ventri
Also learnt last night that it needs strong light, but no no to strong sun, good drainage and no fertilizer required.
Now need to search for a good place to groom it :)
Hey, this is what I asked my hubby to get for me for this season.
Medium size pitcher flower about 8cm long.
This one have mini pitcher. Wonder when it will bloom.
Cute right? Hoping these pitcher plants will helps me to eat those insects. :P So that no more insects will attack my plants.
More Info about Pitcher Plants:
The Nepenthes plant, commonly known as the tropical pitcher plant also captures its prey by means of the pitfall method. Nepenthes are strikingly different in appearance than the other passive varieties of Carnivorous Plants. Pitchers are located growing from the ends of some leaves by what could appear to be an umbilical cord, called a tendril. Nepenthes pitchers also contain water and digestive enzymes like the Sarracenia and Darlingtonia. The prey is attracted to the pitcher in much the same manner, by color and odor. Downward pointing hairs inside the pitcher also make it very difficult for the visitor to escape. Some species of Nepenthes can grow pitchers large enough to capture small animals such as frogs, etc. For instance, the pitcher of the N. rajah can grow to be as large as a rugby football!
