Sunflowers are big, bold, and beautiful, with bright yellow petals and a dark center that seems to stare straight at the sun. In this article, we will explore the Giant Sunflower Varieties out there!
24.07.2023 - 12:27 / hgic.clemson.edu
Did you know that the tradition of making and hanging a kissing ball dates back to the early Middle Ages? During that time, people used apples or potatoes as a base to create a ball-shaped decoration we now know as kissing balls. The decorations were hung in doorways to bestow goodwill and blessings to all who visited the home. During the 17th through the early 19th centuries, Puritans and other religious groups frowned upon the use of any holiday decoration. Fortunately, Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria of England, revived the tradition of decorating with live greenery and Christmas trees for the holidays in 1840. Kissing balls were hung from doorways and ceilings to encourage romance, and many young women would stand underneath them and hope for a kiss.
In the era of using artificial decorations for the holidays, why not revive an old tradition and make a boxwood kissing ball to hang in your home? Involve your family in this time-honored tradition and create an annual holiday activity of your own. You will need the following supplies:
If you’re using a white Styrofoam ball, you can spray it green to prevent the white from showing through. You may omit this step if you completely cover the ball with the cuttings.
First, wrap decorative ribbon around the Styrofoam ball, twist it at the bottom, and come back up to the original point. This is similar to how you wrap a ribbon around a present. Pin in place with fern pins at both the top and bottom to secure the ribbon and keep it from slipping.
After securing the ribbon, insert the boxwood sprigs into the Styrofoam ball. The sprigs should be even in length, about 3-5 inches, to create a consistently round shape when finished. The sprigs should be placed as close
Sunflowers are big, bold, and beautiful, with bright yellow petals and a dark center that seems to stare straight at the sun. In this article, we will explore the Giant Sunflower Varieties out there!
For many, nothing’s worse than a summer gathering interrupted by a few wandering wasps. On their quest for sugar (their primary food source), they tend to cause mass panic, making us wonder ‘What do wasps actually do?’.
As Digital Content Editor Christine Alexander explains, pollinators play a vital role in our ecosystem and we should all be doing our part to support their populations:
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The all-year round wait is over – Fantastic Gardeners brings you the jolly hugs of evergreen trees! From this month forward, real Christmas tree delivery is available at every door in London. Forget the hassle and concentrate on gift selection or yummy recipe browsing, while we take care of the centrepiece in your holiday decoration.
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Awaken the fantasy lover in you and try out these exciting Forest Theme Bedroom Ideas for a wacky indoor makeover!
Looking for a new recipe to help use up your leftover Easter ham? Move over egg salad sandwiches and ham casseroles, and let me introduce you to ham balls! If you have never heard of ham balls you are in for a treat! Ham balls are a Pennsylvania Dutch delicacy. As a native Pennsylvanian, I grew up eating these ham/pork based “meatballs” and remember requesting them (along with scalloped potatoes and baked pineapple) for many birthday dinners. They are easy to make, a great way to use leftover ham, and they freeze well (before or after baking) for a quick-to-serve meal.
Growing plants in the classroom can provide a wealth of benefits for students and educators. Indoor plants have been linked to improved concentration and memory as well as a reduction in stress. Research has also linked indoor plants with increased productivity and reduced mental fatigue, all of which can be beneficial in the classroom environment.
With the New Year comes the New Year’s Resolutions and goals. If you are making a resolution or goal, aim for the goal to be SMART. What does a SMART goal mean?
Nothing says Christmas more than a poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). Did you know that December 12th is known as National Poinsettia Day? Plant breeders have developed a wide range of colors in hues of white, purple, orange, and pink, but red poinsettias continue to be the most traditional color of the holiday season.
January is a special month as it is the start of a new year filled with the hope of great things to come. After holiday decorations come down, with the lights, sparkles, and glitter of the holiday season put away for another year; it is the perfect time to add an orchid for their unique appeal and charm.