What are the Common Causes of Rot in a Cactus?

Cactus do not require too much care and do well both indoors and outdoors

Many people grow cacti because they are easy to care for. If you forget to water them, you do not have to fret because your cactus does not need a lot of watering and feeding needs. However, fungus growth can happen with over watering and stem rot could result. Once you encounter stem rot, you might have to cut away at the brown parts of the stem and include some greenish areas as part of the cleaning process just to ensure the infection is not spreading further.

When your cactus is suffering from over watering, you will notice brown spots gathering on its stem. You should then un-pot your cactus and ensure that the roots are white and do not show any brown or black color. If there are brown and black roots, cut them away and leave the cactus to dry completely out of its pot. When using a knife, ensure that it is clean and sterilized as cacti are sensitive and rot can happen with unclean cuts. When handling stem rot or even grafting rot, you must cut away the rot as well as part of the green which may contain the infection. If you only cut the brown section of the body part that shows the rot and not the greenish section above the brown stem which could show some signs of infection, you could still be dealing with rot and all this can spread to the cactus’ cortex very quickly.

When you have treated your cactus and allowed it to dry out, repot the plant and watch the watering. Only water the cactus sparingly about 1-2 inches on the top soil and avoid leaving it in a saucer of water. Your cactus will thrive in the driest condition and needs only some water every 10-14 days.

So, what are the common causes of rot in a cactus? Some of these may include the following:

Fungus and Rot:

Exposure of the weakened plant stem can sometimes lead to infection and rot. Most often, fungi can attack an exposed and weakened part of the cactus and they spread rapidly through spore generation.

Insects and Invertebrates:

The cactus plant attracts many insects and rodents including birds which enjoy eating these plants. This problem is inherent usually with cacti planted outdoors. These critters do not feast on the whole plant but could leave open wounds and waste products about exposing your plant to plant pathogens. In some cases, the rodents are known to contently munch at your cactus until it is finished. Insects which feast on cacti include mealybugs, worms, caterpillars, red spider mite, aphids and nematodes.

Do not transport multiple cacti together as they could scar each other

Excessive moisture:

Cacti are succulents and generally store water in their tissue. In long dry conditions, they would use the water to help them survive. When we keep them over-watered, they have difficulty getting rid of the excess water in their stems. These cacti then swell up a lot with constant watering and there will come a time when the cactus will split open in one or more places. While a cactus may recover from this, it exposes the plant to rot and the roots begin to show signs of the rot. Sometimes, the whole plant will turn to mush.

Rapid Growth caused by Fertilizer:

Although indoor cacti may require some fertilization to encourage healthy growth and flowering, too much fertilizer can result in bloated plants and quick growth causing the stem to elongate and get distorted. Generally, cacti which are growing outdoors do not require any fertilizer as they are content with the outdoor sun and rain. Rain water for instance will provide enough nutrients for the soil. Instead of fertilizing, it is sometimes better to replace worn out soil with fresh soil to promote better root growth and replenish the much needed nutrients.

Physical Damage:

Cactus growers need to be careful when moving their plants about as sometimes they could damage the plant causing a scrape wound, a poke or in severe situations, a smash that could happen leading to a tear in the stem. Avoid carrying multiple potted cacti about as sometimes the spines from one cactus could puncture or scratch the other cactus next to it causing a brown scar to develop after a few days. This scar will remain with the plant for life and is sometimes mistaken as a sign of a disease or that a pest is near.

Sun Burn:

If you move your cactus plant from a shady location to direct sunlight, you could cause the plant to suffer from sun burn. Too much sun will cause the outer cells to die providing an impetus for fungi attack. A light burn will show up as a whitish discoloring on the exposed areas while more severe burns will take the color of a hard brown scar along the plant. If your cactus plant suffers at the whitish discoloring stage, you can undo the damage by getting it shade but if the plant bears a hard brown scar, the damage is permanent. Generally, a cactus which has been sitting under shade for a long time does not do too well under the sun and so, exposure to the sun should be a gradual affair.

Garden Paths Tell a Story About You

Garden paths tell a story about you - set focal points to create interest

Walk to any front door and you wished that you had a garden path to take you there. The fact is garden paths are an essential feature of any landscape. They not only take you to the doorstep of the house but they add an experience for the traveler making way to your house. Think of the type of path you are walking on and you will appreciate the experience that comes from walking on it. Walk on a gravel path and you will enjoy the pleasant crunching sound. Some paths which are wooden present a different texture than a stone or brick path. A brick path can be made formal or informal depending on the surroundings. A loose brick path that is flat and smooth, and providing crevices for the plants to grow into, allows an easier walking experience.

Garden paths can be used to tell a story about your garden. As your guests walk through the garden using either straight or curved paths to your front door, you can include a number of landscaping focal points to enhance their experience and especially so if the walk is going to be a long one. Why not include unique focal points like a water feature on the left followed by greeneries and florals on the rights? As they look forward, their attention may be taken by the huge stone planter that sits in the center of your lawn surrounded by a neat array of shrubs all round. Then again, your guests may be intrigued by the arbor that is nestled comfortably on the left where the passageway seems to promise something of the most extraordinary kind. The idea behind all these focal points is to leave the guests with something to talk about and a feeling of goodness about your home.

You can use any kinds of stone or bricks to create the walking experience to your front door

Paths therefore add a mystery about the garden and in a sense, sets about an order in the landscape. Without them, you almost wonder about the inconvenience of having to venture to the front door blindly. You can decide on any type of garden path that works for you. You can create a cobbled stone garden path or a mortared brick path or even a woodland path depending on the stretch it takes to get to your front door. You can even decide to make the path functional and only serves the purpose of getting your guests from point A to point B. However, it is a nice idea to add character and color to your garden paths because the experience of taking your guests to the front door can leave lasting memories which they will take elsewhere.

Installation and Set up of Your Garden Pond

Once you have decided to set up a water feature in your garden, your next move would be to seek a location for your garden pond or pool. If you plan to grow water lilies or water lotuses, choose a spot that gets at least four hours of sunlight a day since these plants prefer warm climates. You might also want to find a spot that is away from trees since the leaves may rot in the water causing toxins to be released to the fishes. All this can affect the state of your pond so stay away from trees and shrubs which lose their leaves often. Some of these trees and shrubs include holly, laurel, rhododendron, poplar, horse chestnut and willow. Their salts and gases will affect the health of your fishes in the pond or pool, so be warned. Some tree roots could also damage your pond linings so it is wise to set up your pond away from such interference.

Water Lilies prefer warm temperatures

As you plan the location of your pond, you will want to ensure that it is close to electrical sources that would run your water feature. You also have to decide the size, shape and style of the pond or pool. Some like it geometric, others may prefer free form while some may also prefer the formal approach as others lean towards the informal styles.

Availability of Flexible and Rigid Pond Liners

Kois symbolize good luck and prosperity

These days, with a little investment coupled with some careful reading and preparation, homeowners can install their garden ponds without paying for a landscaper. Setting up a garden pond or pool no longer requires you to mix concrete. Now, you can build a pond using either a lightweight synthetic liner or a rigid fiberglass shell. Of course, you still need to work to dig the hole and get the liner and shell fitted in well, but at least you do not need to mix concrete and set the foundation.

Sometimes you might have to opt for a flexible liner when the pond you want may be too large for a prefabricated liner. You also use these liners when you plan on a shape that is freeform. There are a number of flexible liners available today. They include:

Polyethylene is used but is not permanent and can be a consideration for temporary pools. The problem is it tears easily and can crack with exposure to sunlight. Most last only about 2-3 years.

Polyvinyl chloride or PVC has a lifespan about 10-15 years and is more durable than polyethylene.

You can use fountainheads to create unique water sprays for your garden pond

Synthetic rubber sheeting might be a suitable consideration for long term use and is durable using materials which are safe for all aquatic life. It is also known to be impervious to sunlight, frost and air pollution. Its stretchable quality is better considered for lining pools and ponds than traditional concrete which might crack under stress. There are two types of synthetic rubber sheeting in the marketplace – EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) and butyl rubber. Both types last longer than any other liner after 20 years of field tests. Although it can be expensive, it is an investment if you are planning a pool or pond that will last for years.

Fiberglass and reinforced plastic are certainly suitable for use as lasting rigid liners. Fiberglass as an instance, is impervious to freezing, heaving and degradation from the sun’s UV rays. Look for a guarantee of at least 20 years when shopping for rigid liners which are also suitable for lining small raised pools. 

What to Do When Your Puppy Comes Home for the First Time

Getting a puppy is a huge responsibility and you should understand well what you are committing to when you bring a puppy home because it involves a lot of giving on your part. At the same time, that puppy will grow to be a part of your family and the feeling becomes intense over time since everything you do at home and with the family will now include another member – your precious pup! Remember that the puppy is not a play tool – it is also a part of the family and needs to be treated well.

It will take a few days for the puppy to settle in so be sure to give yourself a few days to give the puppy undivided attention. The puppy will be new to the surroundings so it’s best to get your puppy home in the mornings so that will give it a whole day to understand its new home, new family and the kind of surroundings it would have to get used to. Make sure you already have a spot planned up for the new puppy before you bring it home so it will have time to settle in and understand its new surroundings before the night hits and when it needs to rest.

Give your puppy the attention it needs the first few days it discovers life with you and your family

The first few days would be the most confusing for the puppy because it is not aware of the surroundings and so, all this should be handled with care. You must understand the puppy has feelings as well. Suddenly, it is exposed to a new environment and you can expect a lot of confusion to arise because of it. There are new sights and smells the puppy will need getting used to and it might take a few days for it to adjust to its new surroundings especially when you might have purchased a puppy that was spending time all the while with its mother and siblings. Hence, puppies will take a while to adjust to its new environment. Initially, you might be dealing with a puppy that is restless. Some might even whimper because of insecurities. It takes a bit on your part to understand the way they feel.

Dogs ar4e one of the earliest domesticated animals known to mankind

Give your puppy a chance to learn by helping it to relate to you. Teach the pup that it has a new name to respond to and be tolerant of the puppy because it needs to adjust to its new environment. You will find that your puppy needs to sleep often. Just as much as it may play vigorously, your puppy may need to retire to bed to recoup its energy. And if you are bringing your new pup home to one that already has other pets, be sure to feed them separately until they get used to each other and become friends. Give all your pets their attention or rivalry may begin due to jealousy resulting from the new addition.

When you take the step to introduce a new puppy to the home, you just decided that you were going to give up a little at your end to accommodate the new addition. So, that means being kind and gentle with your puppy as it begins to learn its new home and the new way of life expected of it. Treat your puppy well and use your voice so it understands your commands. Don’t scold or speak harshly to your puppy and more so, when it makes a mess during the initial days as they will remember you well in a way you would not like. The least you need is a puppy that is always frightened of you! The initial period of getting your puppy into the house should be a learning period for both you and the pup to know each other. There should be a bonding that should form in the relationship so the puppy realizes it can trust you and that you are there to attend to it for a long, long time.

A Check List To Consider When You are Taking a Puppy Home

So, you have just decided to purchase your puppy and you are ecstatic! There’s no reason not to be. Owning a puppy can be so fun. Suddenly, you have this gorgeous little dog to share your home but really, owning a puppy involves a huge responsibility and it goes with any breed regardless of whether you chose to buy a bulldog, a fierce breed like the Doberman or a German Shepherd. Remember that while you find it an exciting event for you and your family, the puppy may feel a little confused and may experience some insecurity and it is important to do everything to keep the pup safe and sound.

As the puppy learns its surroundings and lives with you, you need to do everything possible to keep the puppy safe and sound. That means ensuring that your puppy does not reach for anything that might be dangerous to it. Because puppies are in the chewing stage, they tend to tug or chew at anything they find including electrical cords! So, be vigilant and keep your puppy safe by removing all dangerous items within its reach.

As you take your puppy outdoors, make sure your fence is also secure and does not have any holes to let it out. Puppies are always exploring for new things and might let themselves out. Keep all items away from the puppy including ponds which should be covered.

An Angel Puppy Dog

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what it takes to bring your puppy home and care for it.

1. Provide the puppy with its sleeping arrangements

Your puppy needs a place to sleep. Find a spot that is relatively quiet so the puppy can sleep without being disturbed. An ideal place can be the kitchen or family room. You can use a crate to hold the puppy. Get one that is large enough to hold your puppy as it grows. Place a comfortable blanket in the crate to keep the puppy comfortable so it can snuggle into the blanket as it sleeps.

2. Get the puppy his own food and water bowls

Find food and water bowls that allow the puppy to eat and drink comfortably without dirtying his ears and nose. Keep also a fresh supply of food available for your puppy – consult the breeder for what works for your pup.

3. Get your puppy toys

Your puppy will probably be teething so invest in some puppy toys since it will find ways to chew. When you create his crate, do not use any new blankets because the puppy may chew and bite the new blanket. Instead, it will be a good idea to give your puppy his toys to chew, as it will prevent the pup from exploring other areas in the house to chew off. The least you need is the puppy exploring parts of your home to sink its teeth into! So, buy some toys that are non-toxic and large enough so the puppy will not break it or eat it accidentally.

A Bulldog Watches Attentively in this adorable sculpture for the garden

 

4. Buy a collar and leash

Purchase a collar preferably one with a quick release feature and a leash for your puppy even though you will not be able to take the puppy for walks until it has completed all its vaccinations. The collar should be soft and fit nicely around your puppy’s neck. It should not be too loose because it could catch on something and hurt the puppy as it tries to yank itself free.

5. Groom Your Puppy

Consult your breeder on what brushes may work with your puppy and groom your pup on a regular basis with a brush.

6. Get a Veterinarian

Every dog owner needs a vet to go to. Make sure you keep the name and address of your vet handy. There are also local hospitals and clinics for animals which should be located in your county or living area.

One of our greyhound statues which was featured by Domino Magazine

Angels are Spiritual Beings Associated with the Divine

So you love angels? Well, don’t we all! So many of us purchase angel statues and sculptures as a way of celebrating angels and the love they bring to us. We place angel statues in our home and garden hoping to usher in celestial protection to our home. Look around you and you will notice that the marketplace is filled with so many angel themed merchandise from angel bookends, angel figurines to even large scale angel sculptures made of bronze and marble for those looking to set up such pieces as a memorial or for the garden landscape. There are even angel bird baths and angel fountains you could use to place in your garden.

Angels Vibrate at High Frequencies and the Reason Why We Cannot Hear Them

So, what are angels and why do they preoccupy us so much? Angels are spiritual beings which originate from Heaven and are spiritual beings of love and light. However, there isn’t a true picture that can prove how angels really look like. Some say they are shapeless and appear as light forms while others have claimed that angels can exist in human form. Take the case of theFBI agent who claimed to have seen a legion of angels guarding the crash site where Flight 93 crashed during the terror attacks in September 11, 2001. She had stated that the angels took the form of warrior angels. However, in the case of the incident where an angel was spotted on the

We celebrate angels by adorning our home and garden with statues of angels

hospital camera monitor, the angel appeared as a light form. The angel was said to have touched 14-year old Chelsea Banton who was stricken by pneumonia and was on life support. Chelsea regained strength and was saved that day with the angel’s touch. The news of the angel’s visitation received major worldwide coverage and threw light and interest on the existence of angels in our world.

Well, angels are said to be in direct communion with the Divine. This connection with the Divine enables angels to work as divine messengers for us in the real world we live in. However, angels are said to respect us and honor our free will and they will not interfere in our life without our permission. Most of us who may believe in the angels may ask for their presence and protection. Keeping an angel statue is one way of aligning our beliefs in the angel world and the angels feel attracted to you when they know that you wish to have them around. Sometimes, angels can intervene without your permission and this happens when the reason is guided by a higher form like God.

Angels will always interest us. All of us like to be protected by angels and if we believe in them, chances are they will respond positively to us. There are no limits to the areas of life that angels can offer to the human world. On a personal level, I have been saved many times because of the help of the divine and know that angels exist. And so, I do firmly believe that angels exist to offer us powerful guidance and support. They are compassionate and powerful beings which will visit when called upon. So many of us would like to understand the way to reach out to them but sometimes, you can do that by speaking to them through a prayer. Trust me, they will hear you quite well!

You can visit MyGardenGifts for sales on angel statues.

Saint Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio

Saint Francis is known to have tamed the wolf in Gubbio

Do you know Saint Francis of Assisi is sometimes depicted with a wolf by his side? The story has it that Saint Francis of Assisi was living in Gubbio when the village was assaulted by a fierce wolf. One day, a large wolf appeared and began terrorizing the village and its residents. At first, it began attacking the livestock and became a nuisance. As the villagers became more afraid, the wolf seemed to become braver and began attacking the villagers. It is said that many of the villagers faced their death and were sometimes devoured by this fierce wolf.

The villagers were desperate. It seemed no measure taken was enough to stop the wolf from causing harm to the village and its people. It was at this point that Saint Francis decided to meet the wolf and although the saint was advised against it, nothing could stop him. With God behind him, Saint Francis entered the gates of the village with a small group of his followers. This attracted the attention of the wolf and records indicate that the wolf rushed to attack Saint Francis with its jaws wide open.

Saint Francis was not afraid. It is said he did the sign of the cross and commanded the wolf to stop hurting the villagers. This seemed to take a dramatic effect on the wolf and it is said that the wolf padded up to the saint meekly and laid its head in the saint’s hands. The story has it that Saint Francis then broke out and asked the wolf why it was doing so much evil on the land and destroying and killing people. He asked the wolf then to make peace with the village and said that the villagers should no longer be afraid of it. This caused the wolf to bow its head in shame. Saint Francis then said that the villagers will feed the wolf from that day on in exchange for a peaceful resolution made that the village will no longer live in fear of the wolf.

On hearing this, the wolf was said to have placed one of its forepaws in the saint’s hand and the agreement was made. Saint Francis then walked the wolf to Gubbio where villagers watched in shock as they saw the saint and the animal which terrorized them, move side by side in harmony. It almost seemed as if the wolf had become the pet of Saint Francis. From that point on, the village of Gubbio was no longer assaulted by the wolf which soon became a peaceful part of their everyday lives.