How To Find The Right Bonsai Tree

Bonsai is the act of miniaturizing a tree by growing them in containers. In order to grow a bonsai tree you need to learn how to properly water, shape, and repot the trees in the variety of styled containers. The art of growing a bonsai began in China during the Han Dynasty.

Finding the right bonsai tree is fairly simple. The first place you want to look is in your local area. You may find that some places will have the right type of bonsai tree that they know can be grown in your area and is already climate-ready. Because it is a tree you first need to ask permission before planting it if you do not own your own home.

The best places to start looking for a tree is at the nearest nurseries and garden centers. You will be surprised at some places that carry the amongst other exotic plants. If they don’t have any then you should try landscaping companies next.

Try to contact more then one of these places in your area. Sometimes they will remove shrubs and trees from a job site to replace them with others. When this happens you may find exactly what you need and be able to pick up the removed trees for only a small fee or maybe even for free.

If that resource doesn’t help then it is time to turn to the Internet. It has anything you will ever need so it should be no problem to find someone who can sell you a bonsai tree. All you need to do is pick the one you want and pay for it. It should only take a few days for it to arrive on your doorstep.

Learning To Recognize Poison Ivy

We all know just how annoying poison ivy can be thanks to the rashes that they cause on our skin when it is exposed to the urushiol liquid. The urusiol only comes out when the plant is punctured. The best way to protect ourselves from it is to learn how to recognize the plant before we touch it.

The most common thing to remember is the saying that “leaves of three let them be”. This is true - but it is also important to remember that some plants in the poison ivy plant will look slightly different. Some plants like the Virginia creeper are harmless and will not leave a rash. So you must be able to determine the good from the bad.

A great way to help you is the “black spot” sign. The urushiol oxidizes rapidly when it is excreted from the plant and is touched by the air around it. The oxidation causes a darkening so that the initial clear fluid will turn a creamy color until it changes to dark black.

You do have the ability to examine the plant carefully this way only if it has already been damaged and the oxidation process has already been done. You may also look at it if you wear protective gloves to protect your skin.

*Note: Those of you with children should teach them the “leaves us three” rule. It is easier for them to remember.