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A Kayaking Community At Your Fingertips
Do you have questions about kayaking? Do you want to seek the advice of kayakers that are more experienced and relate to kayakers that are at your level? Wouldn’t it be nice to connect with other kayaking enthusiasts? The Internet can supply you...

Exploring New Trails
You’ve decide to start hiking. You bought a pair of boots and some other gear. You’ve also picked up a hiking guidebook or some maps and you’re ready to go hiking. Now you just have to decide where to go so it's time to pick a trail. You should...

Foot Gear For A Winter Enthusiast
Winter is a spectacular time of the year. From dog sledding to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to snowmobiling, or just camping out in the woods, it’s a time when you can experience the hushed, serene world of white. However before planning any...

How To Select the Ideal Home Weather Station
Have you ever considered buying your very own home weather station? Not that I'm selling them, but I believe I may be able to help you decide what to look for. There are certainly many good reasons for having a modern weather station set up...

Introducing New Horses to Your Herd 
People change horses as often as they buy new cars these days. "New" horses are always coming and going. There are people who have had 5-7 horses in as many years. Many of these "new" horses already now how to behave in the herd. They know how to...

 
Funky, Fun Garden Plants

I have a love for funky, fun and unique
garden plants. Here's one to try.
It's called Sea Holly, and it's actually in the
thistle family.

Sea Holly is a perennial garden plant, which means you plant it once and it comes up year after year, somewhat depending on your climate.

This plant never did fail to bring attention and
comments from people seeing my garden. It grows about 3-4 feet high, very branchy and the branches are a brilliant electric blue color. It's stunning!

The only drawback to this lovely plant, in the fall you must cut it to the ground and burn or compost the plant. Do not let it go longer than that, casting it seeds or you'll soon discover it's family trait of being in the thistle family, if you know what I mean. The following spring, it'll come back again to it's beauty.

It is an easy plant to grow and does best with full sun, or as much sun as is available to you. I live in the Pacific Northwest, U.S.A. so we get a lot of rain and fairly mild summers and yet it seems to be enough for this plant.

You can search for Sea Holly seeds in seed catalogs or sometimes you can find it in some nurserys. An internet search would surely find you a source for this lovely plant.

I thought I'd let you know about one of the coolest, funky plants for outdoors I've ever run across. It's called Evening Scented Stock, it is NOT the common stock, however.

This is an annual plant, that needs to be sown early spring, directly into the soil where it is to bloom and grow. I recommend planting it
nearby windows and doors, porches, etc. This plant really doesn't look like much in and of itself, it's not a pretty plant per se..but when
about 5:00 PM rolls around watch it do its stuff! This plant has a VERY powerful fragrance similar to hyacynths or lilacs. At the gentlest
breeze it sends a waft of fragrance to die for. This is why it's so excellent to plant near a window, door or pathway. When you open up
your screen in the evening, this will scent your entire house.

One place that I have found the seeds for this rare plant is at Fragrant Path, PO Box 328, Fort Calhoun, NE 68023 They were about $1. a packet but the price may have gone up. Please write and ask them. Enjoy!

Here's another one to


try. This one is called Autumn Crocus. In this case you can tell a lot by it's name. You generally purchase it as a bulb, which are usually quite large. It does return year after year without needing to re-plant it.

In the spring it shoots up a lot of foliage, this is preparing the plant for it's autumn blooms, be sure to just leave this alone. Come about mid June or so, this foliage starts looking like it's dying, again just leave it be.

In late August/early September, when most of the flowers are past their prime and the garden is starting to look sparse, out comes the Autumn
Crocus, with their beautiful lilac colored blooms. They bloom for quite a long time when few things are blooming. A fun plant, give it a try!

This one is an annual (only lives 1 growing season) plant called Love Lies Bleeding. It's as strange as it's name. It is very easy to grow. You just simply direct seed it
in the soil (full sun preferably) where it is to grow in the spring. It's height seems to vary greatly. I've seen it be as small as about 2 feet high, and reach up to 6 or 7 feet high. It's "flowers" are long, burgandy colored
ropes that hang. It is simply stunning. Always gets attention! It will usually re-seed itself so you'll get new plants the following year without doing anything.

It's best to try to find this seed in an unusual type seed catalog. It is in the amaranth family.

Here's the last one. Ever tried the hellebore family? There are many varieties. They are perennial which means they come back year after year. These are best planted in shady areas, but where they will get sun in the winter, like under leafed trees or something of that nature.

What is so unusual about hellebores is that they bloom somewhere between Dec. and March. There are very few plants that do that! One variety is called a Christmas Rose. It's quite striking to see flowers in the midst sometimes of snow.

These plants usually must be puchased at a nursery. Check out your local nursery for this wonderful family of plants.


About the Author

By Valerie Garner-Mother, grandmother and candlemaker / owner of Joyful Designs in Soy. She loves to write on a variety of topics with a warm, and engaging style.
http://www.joyfuldesignsinsoy.com

 

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Content Menu
  • 10 benefits you get from using trekking poles for hiking

  • 10 reasons to buy silk flowers and plants over real ones

  • 10 things to consider before getting a dog

  • 10 tips for great flower photography

  • 10 tips for shooting great digital photos

  • 11 hints to pick your next camping tent

  • 3 easy steps to becoming a backcountry hero

  • 4 steps to an enjoyable hike

  • 5 easy steps to giving the perfect backcountry gift

  • 5 tips for successful bird watching

  • 5 tips to get out there and smell the roses

  • 5 ways to get the most out of your backcountry gear

  • 6 things you must do if you want to havethe secret to catching more trout

  • 6 things you must do if you want to have the secret to catching more trout

  • 7 magic trick tips using invisible thread

  • 7 things you must do if you want to make that perfect camera shot

  • 7 tips for shooting great digital photos

  • 9 tips for taking great digital photos

  • alabaster antique lamps

  • all about golf

  • art career success with local businesses

  • attract birds to your yard with bird feeders

  • avoiding snowmobile crashes safety tips and avoiding injuries

  • awesome ways to get outdoors

  • a beginners guide to marketing images with mats

  • a great day of cat skiing

  • a kayaking community at your fingertips

  • a look at the intriguing history of snowboarding

  • a look at wet suits for kids

  • a new outdoor craft idea artificial rock boulders

  • a sport the world loves

  • backcountry skiing for intermediate skiers

  • bean bag chairs guide

  • best tips for enjoying the backcountry in the rain

  • black bear chasing kid style

  • blind skiers see the light

  • boarding your dog

  • bungee trampolines discover new heights

  • camping equipment essentials

  • camping in lead king basin

  • camping makes the weekend perfect

  • camping tents what the tent ratings mean

  • camping tent making sure you get the right size tent

  • camping with mans best friend

  • caribbean national parks explore the outdoors

  • carnival and madi gras masks

  • caught in the camera eye

  • check out the teva mountain games

  • choose the perfect fishing trip destination

  • choosing a wrought iron sword

  • choosing project wood

  • climbing and fear

  • cloudy day photography taking advantage of natures diffused lighting

  • code of conduct for outdoor enthusiasts

  • container gardening indoors and outdoors

  • creative scrapbooking albums for your pet

  • cymbidiums orchid plants what you need to grow successfully

  • did you ever try selling your images

  • dirt hole set ticket to canine success

  • dog training tips

  • do it yourself landscape design where to begin

  • do you have a healthy brain the secret to mental agility

  • dreaming winter photography

  • dried flowers for decorating

  • dutch oven cooking basics

  • easy navigation in the woods or on the water with the garmin etrex gps handheld

  • enjoy the view use a binocular

  • experience the adventure of a lifetime with river rafting trips

  • explore a whole new world on the water

  • exploring new trails

  • favorite hobbies camping

  • favorite hobbies yard games

  • feeding cattle

  • finding and catching fish has never been easier with the garmin 250 fish finder

  • finding snowmobile rentals in idaho fun and adventure awaits

  • find and catch those pesky fish with a garmin 240 fish finder

  • find the sunglasses that are right for you

  • fishing as family activity

  • fishing by moon phase increase your catch

  • fishing through the cracks

  • fishing vacation 101

  • five key factors that affect your pot plants in winter

  • five life skills for backcountry enjoyment

  • flower pictures a mild obsession 2

  • foot gear for a winter enthusiast

  • for fast paced fun nothing beats a pocketbike

  • funky fun garden plants

  • gearing up for an outdoor winter activity

  • geocaching a great way to get outdoors

  • getting ready for your backcountry adventure

  • get another hobby

  • get a hobby

  • get the most out of your hike

  • guitar performance make the most of it

  • hiking from your own home

  • history of kokeshi japanese wooden dolls

  • history of the adirondack chair

  • hobby ideas

  • hobby psychology

  • how much draw weight do i need for crossbow hunting

  • how to build a campfire

  • how to build a simple potting bench

  • how to buy the right binoculars for you

  • how to choose a right backpack

  • how to choose the right motor scooter for you

  • how to choose your dome tent

  • how to get the most out of your trekking poles

  • how to get your kids along on your next hike

  • how to pick your next camping tent

  • how to select the ideal home weather station

  • hunting by moon phase your best season ever

  • index

  • indoor trampolines and mini trampolines

  • introducing new horses to your herd

  • introducing the fascinating hobby of birdwatching

  • is backcountry snowmobiling for you

  • is first aid different in the backcountry

  • it was a christmas miracle

  • i hope it rains in heaven

  • keys to responsible recreation in the backcountry

  • kids croquet

  • landscape painting tips for beginners

  • landscape painting tips for oil painters

  • let there be light part 1 the camping lantern

  • log work bench plan

  • make it tonight glowing glass jar party lights

  • mike kelsey steward of the trail

  • mini bike madness

  • mission impossible construction of a backcountry ski lodge

  • mississippi outdoor adventures

  • my perfect campsite

  • natural stress relief without a doctor

  • navigating on the mountain in water or in woods there is an etrex unit for you

  • new years resolutions for the backcountry

  • night vision devices the ultimate in backcountry toys

  • north face tents

  • oil painting supplies guide for beginners

  • oil painting tips for beginners

  • outdoor design with old ladders

  • outdoor getting out of ones shell

  • outdoor navigation tips

  • paintball explained

  • photography poses the missing ingredient

  • popular play tents

  • quick guide to taking better photos

  • rainbow trout and trout flies

  • raising the bar for anglers who want quality equipment at a reasonable price the garmin 160 fish finder

  • real beauty comes from within

  • responsible recreation in the backcountry

  • rock climbing preserve your experiences

  • rock speakers and planters

  • rotator

  • sailing with wind orientation in mind

  • scrapbooking think about your theme

  • scrapbooking your christmas memories

  • setting up portraiture

  • set out a feast for your feathered friends

  • sewing with polar fleece

  • shih tzu history and legends cross breeding with pekingese and lhasa terrier shih tzu management

  • ski vacations how to end up in the right place at the right time

  • so you want to climb a colorado fourteener

  • stitching memories

  • summer fun with baby great scrapbooking ideas

  • teddy bears arent all cute cuddly toys

  • teddy bears aren t all cute cuddly toys

  • the best parts of camping gear

  • the great wide wonderland of snow and skiing

  • the journal of a gardener in tuscany june 2004

  • the many uses of the functional wetland

  • things you must do if you want to make that perfect camera shot

  • things you should know about tents

  • thinking about buying redwing boots

  • thoughts about digital snap shot

  • tips on buying your first gps unit

  • tip better outdoor portraits

  • top 10 ultracompact digital cameras

  • top tips for successful backcountry navigation

  • understanding white balance

  • unique tin can candle holders

  • using film speed effectively

  • utilizing the tools we are given

  • weather vanes brief history and different types

  • wedding craft ideas that save you money

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  • whats in your hiking pack

  • what to know when buying a gps

  • what to know when buying binoculars

  • where to find 10 fly fishing tips in a single paragraph

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  • why go gold panning

  • why orienteering is hot

  • why rangefinders are perfect for the backcountry

  • why range finders are perfect for the backcountry

  • winter safety in the mountains

  • winter snowmobiling vacations getting the best deal

  • women and fishing not just a mans sport

  • your craft show booth how it can make you more money

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  • you to can ski down mount everest