idk who needs to hear this but growing native plants is not hard at all, at all

A lot of people don't know about why lawns are so disliked outside of how they are a waste of water, so here:

carbon emissions put out by lawn mowers (and other devices like leaf blowers). Lawn mowers produce significantly more greenhouse gases per hour of use than cars, and majorly contribute to smog.

Fertilizers get into bodies of water and cause algae blooms, converting all the diverse water plants to homogenous green slime.

Pesticides kill fireflies, bees, and all sorts of other beneficial insects, and many can kill or harm fish, birds and even humans.

Herbicides can have negative effects on the wrong targets too, but they are also causing common agricultural weeds to evolve resistance faster, increasing our dependence on pesticides.

Watering lawns does waste a lot of fresh water.

Lawns replace areas that once could have contained 100+ plant species with monocultures of frequently invasive species. Butterflies can't find host plants this way. Bees can't find food. Thousands of insect species rely on specific plants for food, and no other plant will do. A huge amount of the land is taken up by these wastelands.

Lawns also create dead, compacted, lifeless soil that is hard to grow other things in or near. The root systems of turf grasses are not robust enough to allow water to penetrate in. No matter how much nitrogen and phosphorous you dump on a lawn, it will still be lacking in the organic matter needed to create lush, absorbent dirt.

Dirt is supposed to be full of fungal mycelium. Scientists have discovered recently that the vast majority of all plant species are dependent on a network of symbiotic fungi attached to their roots for 80% of their phosphorous needs and 90% of their nitrogen needs.

Yes, this means that when you put a fungicide on your lawn, you've just nerfed that plant's ability to absorb nutrients by up to 90%. And you've also devastated its ability to absorb water, because plants are partly dependent on their fungi to get water out of dirt.

But fungicide isn't the only problem. Every plant in a natural environment is attached to multiple species of fungus, and most fungi are attached to multiple species of plant (though some are specialists). Trees literally use this system to send nutrients to other trees. We discovered recently that trees in deserts in California can survive extreme drought because they're attached to fungi that can break down rocks and extract water from the rocks.

If you don't have a good variety of plant species and rotting leaves and sticks and stuff, it doesn't matter how much fertilizer you put on it, your soil isn't "healthy" because it's not alive.

Vegetation that has been cropped extremely short doesn't hold in water, so a heavily maintained lawn is likely unnaturally dry for your climate, and a flower or bush in the middle of a lawn without tall grasses, shrubs and weeds nearby is getting pounded by the sun much harder than it's meant to handle.

Yeah, gardening isn't hard, most native plants are falling all over themselves to grow, it's just that the standard suburban backyard is ridiculously hostile to life.

Of course at this point you may be wondering

"What do I do instead?"

Well, here you go:

Stop weeding, spraying and fertilizing. Seriously. Stop it!! Stop it!! Chemical intervention in your lawn traps you in a vicious cycle of creating problems that need to be solved with more chemicals.

"Weeds" are a perfect example. Plants commonly considered "weeds" are adapted to take over areas that have been cleared out of other plants. Many "weeds" are actively harmed by the fungi that other plants depend on, meaning they can ONLY thrive in disturbed or devastated areas. The harder you work to eliminate biodiversity in your yard, the harder nature is going to bomb your yard with weeds.

By the way, google the "soil seed bank." Seeds can stay dormant in soil for years or even decades. If you want a "weed-free" lawn, get ready to apply herbicides for the rest of your life.

Mow less often. You really can't go wrong with this one.

Don't try to grow grass where grass doesn't want to grow. Lots of shade? Try moss. Extremely dry? Try drought-adapted plants. See what wants to grow there and let it do its thing.

It's fine to have a lawn area that you actually use. But if no one walks or plays on a stretch of your lawn, it should be something else. A wildflower patch, a stand of prairie grasses, some large shrubs, a grove of trees.

By the way, the idea that shrubs or flower beds are higher maintenance than lawns is wrong. The neat thing about native species is that once they've gotten settled, you literally just do nothing.

People think flower beds are high maintenance because people almost always underpopulate them. They think that there should be big spaces of mulch in between each plant. In a full sun flower bed that's actually filled to capacity, you shouldn't be able to see the ground. If your plants aren't babies anymore and there's still space, more plants.

if you live in an area that was once forest, PLEASE, plant some trees, and not just one tree. Trees are somewhat like guinea pigs, actually, they don't want to be alone. They send each other nutrients through their roots and screen each other from wind damage.

By the way, the "mature spread" of a tree as told on websites means when you plant it by itself. Trees can generally be planted 6-10 feet apart and be perfectly happy, they'll just grow taller and straighter instead of spreading out. (Look at pictures of forests.) HOWEVER large trees like large oaks should really be 25+ feet from structures and septic tanks

(Trees pop up by themselves in lawns. Constantly. Search for them in a woodland biome and you will likely find baby oaks and maples and other cool guys.)

Trees introduce competition for light into the areas you plant them, helping eliminate the "weeds." You know how fast your lawn grows up and gets weedy when you don't mow it? Yeah, that's partly because it's getting a CRAP TON of sunlight dumped on it with reckless abandon.

A shade garden gets "weedy" WAY slower, and unlocks all sorts of gorgeous flowers that don't thrive in a full sun garden. Fallen leaves serve both as compost and mulch. If you live in the right area for it and have room, you cannot go wrong with trees.

Are you somewhere that is NOT the Himalayas (particular near a river or body of water) and currently looking for an easy way to help the environment?

Have you considered tackling the spread of this pink menace?:

This is Himalayan Balsam. It’s an invasive species from the Himalayas that is currently invading the UK, much of Europe, as well as the USA. Canada and New Zealand (NOTE: I live in the UK where growing this plant is illegal, I do not know the laws of other countries so be aware this is just from the perspective of living in the UK)

Himalayan Balsam is a problem because it competes with native species of plant, can grow extremely large and literally overshadow other plants, and cause bad soil erosion around riverbanks. 

But, what separates balsam from many other invasive plants is that it’s not very hard to remove. Its stem is hollow and roots are incredibly shallow. You can easily pull it up with just your hands

BUT don’t go pulling it up just yet.

First, what time of the year is it. see, balsam first sprouts in spring. Its life cycle looks like this:

You want to rip it up, roots and all, when it’s at the first four stages. What you don’t wanna do is pick it once it’s already flowered and developed seed pods.

See, balsam seed pods are little exploders. As soon as they pop open they sent seeds flying out in all directions

If they manage to seed (and if you’re pulling them up with the seed pods on, the motion is likely to pop them open), then they’ll just grow back again next year, and there’s no point in ripping up the pre existing ones as they’ll just die naturally regardless. 

The goal is to rip them all up BEFORE they seed. Get em when they look like this:

They like non-shaded areas and they like riverbanks. Rip them up by the roots, then stomp on the remains. They aren’t toxic like giant hogweed, and they aren’t nearly as difficult to remove as Japanese Knotweed. 

Trust me when I say, getting rid of this stuff make a huge difference to the ecology and diversity of an environment. Look at what I’ve been able to do in the last year:

I know the one on the left may look prettier, but the plants on the right are native and growing strong. The bramble bush has doubled in size and is giving off amazing blackberries.

It’s a chore to rip up all these plants, but for those of you out there who are eager to help the environment but don’t have the money to support charities and are too anxious to talk to other volunteers or members of the public: it costs nothing and requires next to no communication to hunt down Himalayan Balsam and rip it up.

If you’re worried about the legalities of killing plants on land that does not belong to you, be aware that in many parts of the world (definitely in the UK) it is illegal to cultivate Himalayan Balsam, so by all accounts you are doing the land owner a favour and if they want to keep balsam on their land then they may be actively breaking the law.

Public announcement for the Hoenn region.

Authorities are putting an alert out for an invasive weed spreading through the region that presents a threat to rock type pokemon.

The Paldean Bladeweed is a species of grass native to the canyons of Paldea. It is a spreading grass with short, dark green leaves and small (1-2 mm across) white flowers. The plant grows in crevices and cracks in the rocks, burrowing roots down into its anchor point.

In its native environment, the most prominent rock type is the Nacli line, whose natural salt kills the seeds should they become embedded in its hide. However, this plant has arrived in Hoenn, likely accidently spread by hikers bringing seeds over on their boots, and is predicted to become a devastating issue to many native rock types if current trends continue.

Many rock types have a naturally craggy body, and these crags are often filled with soil as it rolls and burrows. If bladeweed takes root, it presents a risk not only in interfering with its movement, but in actually leeching energy from them if its roots extend deep enough. An overgrown pokemon is often too weak to move around and find food, and is at risk of starving.

If you see any kind of plant growing in your rock type pokemon that you don't recognize, follow these steps:

-If possible, immobilize it so it can't move and break off roots. Sleep moves are ideal if available.

-Take hold of the plant as close to the base as possible with tweezers.

-Slowly and with even force pull the plant free, taking great care to avoid leaving any roots behind.

-Bag the plant and take it to a lab or pokemon centre immediately.

-Isolate your pokemon and check it daily for any more growth.

If bladeweed is identified, the use of carefully applied fire has shown some promise in destroying it. A nurse or other professional should supervise this procedure.

If you see the plant growing in the wild, report it immediately. Do not attempt to remove yourself, as ripe seedheads are very small, hard to see, and scatter seeds at the lightest touch. Leave them to experts.

All hikers should clean their boots and equipment thoroughly after hiking in the wild.

how do you feel about seagrapes? (Coccoloba uvifera, in case you're wondering about the algae)

Well, I don't feel like I know anything about it at all. I just know that some people talk about seagrass as the ultimate weed, and there's that, but there's also seagrape, and I think "seagrape" sounds more appealing somehow, so I'm just going to be talking about seagrape here.

Seagrape! A very simple name for a pretty complicated plant. It's in the family Algae, genus Coccoloba – one of the many, many, many algal family names that sound like the name of a magical plant and make you feel like a plant-lover. (The ones that sound like plant-lover names are pretty much all "alga," "chlorophyll," "photosynthesis," etc.)

Coccoloba can grow as tall as ten feet, so it's got this tall, skinny, snake-like quality that makes it look more like a huge algae than a normal plant, especially in photos. So it has this kind of strange, alien, cartoonish look to it in photos, where you can just see that this is a plant that's not supposed to look like a plant. It's more of an alien from the planet Coccoloba, or something. It looks like someone drew a plant in MS Paint.

So that's why seagrape has the name "seagrape": the "sea" just makes the whole "Coccoloba" look even sillier.

Seagrape is a very prolific alga and, for whatever reason, it goes by "trees" in its native environment, so when it moves from ocean to land and takes over an area of disturbed soil it just keeps growing more and more trees and it never has to worry about going extinct. It also seems to thrive on nutrient-poor land (and also it's a cool shape, as alga, and this is probably the main reason it does well there), so it's great for disturbed environments: for example, it just keeps spreading to colonize areas where the original plants have all been killed off by chemical or ecological pollution.

In the West, seagrape often gets used as an invasive species. When you hear people say "invasive" it means "a plant that's spreading in a way that isn't natural or normal but is also not being stopped." Seagrape in particular is a very invasive plant! We all love to hate it – I certainly do – and it can spread very aggressively. So in some parts of the world it's actually illegal to pick them up in the wild, because the populations there have become too depleted. They even call them "illegal trees," which is such a weird name for a plant it's hard not to be amused by it.

(I'm not entirely serious about this. You can still legally buy seagrape in many places, I hear.)

Anyway, seagrape is one of the many plants that just keeps going when you think it should probably die.

(It also has medicinal uses. For example, I think it's used as an anti-spasmodic in some places. It's supposed to be useful as a diuretic. I'm not a medical professional so I don't know how well I can vouch for that information.)

If I had to give a short description of the seagrape experience, this would be it, I guess. It's not for the faint of heart – seagrape can cause skin irritation in many people! – but it's also not that bad. It's kind of the opposite of invasive – it's one of those plant species that just keeps expanding outwards and taking over new territory. It's one of the many plants that grows and expands and, when you think it's out of control, you can just sit back, do nothing, and it will still take over a lot of new territory, and you won't ever have to worry about being the "bad guy" of the story.

Living Sustainably: The Environmental Message of Dune

Note on the text: I used Dune by Frank Herbert as published in 2010 by Ace

Human beings are unique in many ways. Yes, we are amazingly capable creatures who have been able to do many wonderful things. But we are also unique in our ability to delude ourselves. Especially when it comes to our relationship to our planet. We think we are its masters and that we can do whatever we want with it, but the truth is that we are not and we cannot. That is one of the central messages in Frank Herbert’s Dune.

Dune is the unofficial name of the planet, otherwise known as Arrakis, on which the story takes place. That should be one’s first clue when thinking about the importance of the planet in and of itself. The book is not called Paul or Melange or The War of the Peoples. It’s called Dune. When we first hear about the planet Arrakis, it is clear that it is not an easy planet to live on. Arrakis is a desert planet that is practically inhospitable, with very limited amounts of water. In fact water is so limited there, that none of the natives have ever heard of rain and water itself has become a very powerful symbol of life. On this planet water “was life itself and entwined all around with symbolism and ritual” (510). 

The protagonist, Paul Atreidas, is from a different planet called Caladan. When we first meet Paul, his family has been ordered by the Emperor to leave Caladan and go to Dune so that they can take over the planet and oversee the production of melange, a product that is so important that it is often referred to in the book as just “spice” or “the spice”. Melange is that most important commodity in the Dune universe because it extends your life span, increases your mental capacity, and makes it easier for people to travel between the various planets because it enables people to see what are the safest roads to take in the space-time continuum. It does other things as well which is what makes it the most valuable substance in the universe and Arrakis is the only planet which produces it. So whoever control Arrakis, and therefore the production of melange, holds a significant amount of power. 

The society that Paul grows up in is very technologically advanced, and although he is warned about the various dangers that Arrakis poses people do not appear overly concerned regarding his family’s ability to subdue the planet and its inhabitants and effectively manage the production of melange. The reason is that the humans in Paul’s world are so technologically advanced that they overestimate their ability to thrive in any condition they choose to be in, including those present on Arrakis. Will it be hard? Yes. But they fully expect to be able to, as it were, bend Arrakis to their will. Not only have they invented devices such as the moisture suites which are designed for them to retain the moisture in their bodies for days on end, but they have even created a type of super-human called Mentats. Mentats are special kinds of human beings that have been trained since birth to think and analyze data with the speed and reliability of a computer. In fact, Mentats are so reliable that, as a Mentat named Piter points out to his master who is not a Mentat, they are better than computers: “They were toys compared to me,’ Piter snarled. ‘You, yourself, Baron, could outperform those machines”’ (28). In the minds of Paul and his people, human beings have already beaten the natural world in every way. Not only do they have the tools to beat the natural world head on, but they have even found a way to make a better version of a human being. They are at the very top of the food chain. 

In Paul’s world the only “predator” he really has to worry about is other human beings. When we meet Paul he is a 15 year old child who is undergoing a series of trainings that are designed to teach him how to do things like detect poison in his food, determine if a person is lying to him, or figure out the most effective way to kill a person. It is a very cutthroat world. 

However life on Arrakis is very different than life on other worlds. Arrakis is not a world that can be conquered so much as it can be endured. Throughout the story Frank Herbert constantly reminds us, through the “character” of Arrakis, that we must remember that we are not nature’s masters. We have to learn to live with nature as opposed to thinking that we can dominate over her. Because of the planet’s water problems, many of the inhabitants want to try and terraform the planet to make water more plentiful. As the scientist Liet-Keyes tells Paul they might be able to terraform the planet in that way, but if human beings want to actually flourish on Arrakis in a way that is sustainable, they must learn how to live as a part of that planet’s ecosystem: 

Laboratory evidence tends to blind us to a very simple fact. . . .The fact is this: we are dealing with matters that originated and exist out of doors where plants and animals carry on their normal existence. . . . Certain harmonies could be set up here along self sustaining lines. You merely have to understand the limits of the planet and the pressures upon it (225-226). 

We think that because we can create these great and powerful tools, and because we have made such grand technological advancements, that we are somehow bigger than what we are. If we want to live, and live well, than we have to learn how to do so sustainably. We have to learn what the planet can handle and what can’t and learn how to live within those limits. 

If we don’t, then the planet has a way of reminding us just how insignificant and weak we really are. Because just like we can evolve in a way that allows us to overcome the dangers that present in our environment, nature can do the same to overcome us. Before landing on Arrakis, Paul’s father, Duke Leto, warns him about different ways in which the planet has evolved to protect itself against the exploitation of humans. First of all, melange itself is highly addictive and withdrawal is often fatal. Secondly, the pervasiveness of the spice on the planet has created a unique situation for any people wishing to inhabit it: 

Arrakis has another advantage that I forgot to mention. Spice is in almost everything here. You breath it in and eat in almost everything. And I find that it imports a certain natural immunity to some of the most common poisons in the Assassin's Handbook. . . . We cannot kill off large segments of [the] population with our poisons- and we cannot be attacked in the same ways either. Arrakis makes us moral and ethical (169).

What this means is that much of the training that Paul has undergone up until this point is now useless. Things that he learned on his home planet, things that would have served him well perhaps had he stayed on that planet, are now useless. All those different methods that he learned regarding how to stealthily poison and kill his opponents, as well as the techniques he learned regarding how to defend himself against similar types of attacks, are now useless. Arrakis neutralizes most of the advantages that he thought he had. 

However, there is a deeper level in which Arrakis is able to exert its dominance over human beings. Yes, human beings have been able to build these incredible things, do these incredible things, and reach heights that they never dreamed possible. But they were only able to do so because of the properties of the melange drug, which remember not only extends their life but also maximizes their cognitive capabilities among other things. At one point in the story it looks like the production of melange is going to be altogether shut down and this causes a mass panic. People realize that for all their strength and power, they are still just as reliant on this drug that comes from a forgotten planet from a remote part of the galaxy as ever. It is in that moment that Paul realizes that Arrakis’ greatest asset isn’t melange but the planet itself: “the real wealth of the planet is in its landscape [and] how we take part in that basic source of civilization” (438). In other words he should not focus be focusing on what the most effective way to produce and exploit melange is, but instead he should be focusing on what the most productive way to live in this environment as a whole is. The real wealth of any planet lies in the planet itself, not just in those resources that can be most effectively exploited for profit. What he realizes in that moment is that humans do not exists somewhere above nature but are intimately connected to it. They are a part of it, and that the sooner they learn how to live as members of the natural world, the better off they will be. 

5 Garden Pests – Insect Identification & Treatment Tips

Prevent your garden from being devoured by uninvited pests. By knowing how to protect your garden from a variety of insects, you can grow your plants and crops stress-free.

gardeninginfo-online.com gathered the following information and tips to help you eliminate garden pests naturally, without using harsh chemicals.

Garden Pests – Identify and Combat These Insects

The following common garden pests, if left unchecked, can consume enough of your garden to leave your plants in poor health and your crops partially destroyed.

Slugs and Snails

Basically, slugs are snails without the shell. These gastropods eat large, ragged holes in the foliage of plants and can entirely consume seedlings. Slugs and snails pose a particular threat to:

Violets

Lilies

Cabbage

Lettuce

Strawberries

Spider Flowers (Cleome)

Floss Flower (Ageratum)

Hostas

The more problematic species of slugs and snails include:

Garden Snail (Helix aspersa)

Grey Garden Slug (Deroceras reticulatum)

Tawny Garden Slug/Cellar Slug (Limax flavus)

Leopard Slug (Limax maximus)

Slugs and snails travel over a trail of mucus, seek protection from dehydration in cool, shaded, and damp locations. Unless disturbed or treated, they will return to their hiding and feeding places nightly.

You can confirm the presence of snails and slugs in your garden by the dried mucus/slime trails they leave behind.

Control measures include:

Physical removal, when combined with other control measures, is an effective and long-lasting method of control.

Diatomaceous earth or “DE” sticks to the snail or slug’s body, causing desiccation. DE dust should be applied in inch-wide bands near and around your plants and garden. Reapplication may be necessary after heavy rain.

Copper strips fastened to flower bed containers or boxes are incredibly effective. Snails and slugs have a shock-like reaction when they are in contact with the metal.

Commercial traps, boards, tiles, shingles, or anything that offers daytime protection are very effective in trapping this pest.

Yeast trapping is another efficient method of control. Shallow containers filled with water and yeast or beer lure snails and slugs to the container only to fall into the liquid and drown.

While there are chemical control methods, it is highly recommended to seek natural, chemical-free solutions. If chemical control is used, pay particular attention to the label and its safety measures.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are moths and butterflies in their larvae stage. These insects chew irregular holes in leaves or flowers and can entirely consume seedlings, young shoots, buds, leaves, or flowers.

A caterpillar’s diet is comprised almost exclusively of plants. Most caterpillars can be found consuming plant foliage, but some may feed on seeds, roots, stems, fruit, or flower petals.

Tip: Caterpillars can be identified by the three pairs of (true) legs behind the head and five or fewer pairs of leg-like appendages on some but not all abdomen segments. These features distinguish them from beetle, fly, and sawfly larvae.

Some of the more common, problematic species include:

Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum)

Evergreen Bagworm Caterpillar (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis)

Banded Woollybear Caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella)

American Lady Butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis)

Common Buckeye Butterfly (Junonia coenia)

Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar (Hypercompe scribonia)

Bent-line Gray Caterpillar (Iridopsis larvaria)

Fruit Tree Leafroller Caterpillar (Archips argyrospila)

Cabbage Looper Caterpillar (Trichoplusia ni)

You can easily confirm the presence of caterpillars by examining the extensive damage to foliage, leading you to the insect’s presence. Caterpillars feed practically non-stop until they enter the pupa stage of their lifecycle.

Control measures include:

Pruning off rolled or webbed leaves and handpicking caterpillars from plants.

Applying bacillus thuringiensis-kurstaki (Btk) an organic microbial insecticide that kills only caterpillars. This product is safe to use around bees, beneficial insects, and wildlife. Newly hatched caterpillars must feed on treated leaves to be eliminated. Treatment timing is critical in early to mid-spring.

Covering your plants or crops with an insect barrier fabric (floating row cover). The covering forms a barrier, keeping moths and butterflies from laying eggs on the plants.

Neem oil can be sprayed directly on plants and foliage throughout late winter and spring to prevent egg laying and deter caterpillars from consuming the plant.

If commercial pesticides are used, pay close attention to the label and use only as directed. When treating edible plants, it is highly recommended to use organic alternatives.

Tip: When physically removing caterpillars from your garden, keep a container with a warm water and detergent solution handy. This solution kills caterpillars quickly.

Beetles

The beetle family (Coleoptera) consists of thousands of species, both destructive and beneficial, all necessary to maintain equilibrium in our environment. The following beetles are considered beneficial in a garden setting:

Tiger Beetles (Cicindelinae)

Soldier Beetles (Cantharidae)

Lady Beetles (Coccinellidae) also called ladybirds and ladybugs

Lady Beetle Larvae

These beetles spend their larval stage and adulthood consuming aphids, mealybugs, small invertebrates, and other insects. The following beetles devour plants, leaves, flowers, and can severely damage or kill trees:

Japanese Beetles (Popillia japonica)

Black Blister Beetles (Epicauta pensylvanica) Meloidae family

Red Milkweed Beetles (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus)

Cottonwood Borer (Plectrodera scalator)

Northeastern Sawyer Beetle (Monochamus notatus)

Rose Chafer (Macrodactylus subspinosus)

All beetles have a set of hard outer wing cases, known as elytra, and a hard upper body called a carapace. The elytra cover the flight wings and come together to form a straight line down the back. Beetles all have chewing mouthparts, powerful jaws, and antennae that are often longer than their boy length.

Damages may include boring holes in stalks and trunks, and partially or entirely consumed foliage, flowers, or fruit.

Control measures include:

Apply floating row covers

Prune and destroy (burn) affected stems and foliage

Handpick them and drown in a warm water, vinegar, and detergent solution

Spray foliage and stems with insecticidal soap or neem oil

Set out lures to draw soldier beetles (predators) to your yard and garden

Tip: You can attract soldier beetles by cultivating pollen-producing plants and allowing milkweed and wild lettuce weed species to grow.

Note: Using commercially produced chemical sprays or deterrents may cause severe damage to beneficial insects and the plant itself. It is highly recommended to use organic alternatives when treating consumable crops.

Aphids

Tiny aphids (Aphidoidea) congregate and quickly reproduce to form large groups that wound and suck juices from the host plant to the point of causing it to wilt, dehydrate, die. Without control measures, a small aphid issue can become an out-of-control infestation.

Aphids have long antennae and two tubes projecting from the rear of their abdomen. They are found in green, yellow, red, brown, or gray. They may be winged, depending on the species and life stage.

They usually congregate on fruits and vegetables, flowers, ornamentals, and even shade trees throughout the North American continent. Aphids feeding on plant sap cause foliage to distort and drop. Honeydew excreted on leaves promotes sooty mold growth, and their feeding can spread viral plant diseases.

The honeydew produced by aphids not only causes the growth of sooty mold, but it also attracts other insects, including ants, that compound the pest problem.

Control measures include:

In infested areas, frequently wash sturdy plants with a strong spray of water

Attract native predators and parasites such as aphid midges, lacewings, and lady beetles

Cover plants with floating row covers

Apply hot-pepper, garlic repellent sprays

When infestations become severe problems, apply horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or neem oil

Note: Aphid infestations are typically accompanied by an ant infestation. Ants “herd” the aphids and farm the honeydew to nourish their colony. Once you control the aphid infestation, direct your attention to controlling the ants.

Ants

Individual ants are members of highly organized colonies. They are always in search of nourishment and water to promote the health and growth of their colony.

Once a source of nourishment is located, ants will return to their colony via a pheromone trail, which is the path for the rest of the colony to follow. As long as the pheromone trail exists, ants will follow it regardless of your control measures.

Ant colonies can consume incredible amounts of plant foliage, but, as previously mentioned, they can also “herd” aphids to collect the honeydew they produce after consuming the juices from your plants.

Some of the more destructive ant species are:

Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger)

Black Carpenter Ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus)

Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta) also known as Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA)

Wood Ants, Mound Ants, Thatching Ants, and Field Ants are all part of the genus Formica

Leafcutter Ants are part of nearly fifty species belonging to the Atta and Acromyrmex genera

Control measures include:

Squeeze a lemon or an orange over areas where the ants transit

Sprinkle pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, or cinnamon around areas you wish to protect

Peppermint or white vinegar can be spread around to repel them

Spray ants with a mixture of water and dish soap (the soap penetrates their exoskeleton and kills them)

Lay a one-inch strip of food-grade diatomaceous earth by trails and nests

Set borax (or boric acid) and sugar poison traps around your plants

Set traps with powdered sugar and baking soda (the baking soda dries their bodies and kills them)

Eliminate aphids from your garden

Tip: Wherever you see an ant trail, make it your goal to interrupt the pheromone trail they are leaving behind. You can accomplish this with diluted white vinegar or juice squeezed from a lemon or an orange.

Note: When you apply salt to soil, you are altering the soil’s pH and potentially harming the plants growing there.

Read the following link for additional tips and advice on keeping pests out your garden, and check out this simple recipe for homemade non-toxic pesticides for your garden.

Garden Pest Control

In this article, you discovered information on how to identify and eliminate 5 destructive garden pests without using harsh chemicals.

When you take action to control and eliminate garden pests, you can preserve your garden and crops, harvesting pristine fruits and vegetables.

Allowing garden pests to flourish can lead to massive infestations leaving your garden looking chewed up and dying.

Sources: extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/slugs-and-snails-flowers wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife/how-identify/identify-caterpillars insectidentification.org/insect-description.asp?identification=Aphids extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/ants caterpillaridentification.org/ ipm.ucanr.edu/QT/lfcaterpillarscard.html

The post 5 Garden Pests – Insect Identification & Treatment Tips appeared first on http://gardeninginfo-online.com.

Replacing Invasives! Native Alternatives for Mimosa trees (Albizia julibrissin).

Mimosa is a beautiful flowering tree that is native to parts of Asia and was first introduced to the United States back in 1745. (Source 1) This tree species has been widely used as an ornamental along roads and in people’s yards since its introduction and today it is still sold and planted for its showy pink flowers that bloom during the summer months.  Typically, this species is seen in more southern states, but it can still be found all the way into southern Maine!  Looking at this tree it is no wonder why it is planted for ornamental purposes, however, it is listed as serious threat in most of the states that it thrives in.  

 Some may find it hard to consider a simple and beautiful flowering tree as a threat to anything other than a small plant trying to grow in its shadow, but let it be known for those who are not aware, invasive species are a real threat to the ecology of this country and the world. That may sound hard to believe and a little over exaggerated but the Mimosa along with many other non-native invasive species, are taking over and causing damage to ecosystems all across the U.S.  This is simply my opinion on the subject, if you go to the Department of the Interior’s website they have a large amount of effort being put into the slow down and removal of invasive species in this country. https://www.doi.gov/invasivespecies  

 Dealing with these already established invasive plants requires two major factors, that being money and man hours.  Unfortunately, we find that with most of the high-level threat invasives that they are too strong of a competitor and push out all but other invasive species from our local ecosystems.  I have personally had multiple jobs working in invasive plant removal and hold a degree in environmental science, so you can trust me on this too.  When removing a Mimosa tree, first there are usually a large stand of them in most areas you would find them, you will take a machete most likely and hack vertical slashes into the trunk at an angle all around the base.  The next step is to use a somewhat high concentration of glyphosate (about 5-10% for larger trees) in a mixture with water and spray that into the hacks made in the tree.  Please do not simply try this at home, I am summarizing the techniques used by licensed pesticide applicators.  The goal is to cut into the tissue of the plant that transfers water and nutrients (the xylem and phloem) to spread the herbicide through the whole plant to kill it entirely.  Other options are to simply chainsaw it down at the base and spray the herbicide on the stump or to spray a less concentrated mixture on the leaves of young plants.  

 Regardless of whether or not you have Mimosa planted on your property, we could all do a big service to our local ecosystem by planting native species instead of non-native ones.  Not only does the spread of native species help the local environment, but these species are specifically adapted to live in the areas you are planting them in.  That usually means less watering and maintenance in order to keep them happy and healthy, along with better survival through the cold/heat!  You can look to see if your state, local national park, nursery, or neighbor knows of any native replacements for the non-native species you grow or typically see around.  

The Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council has a large list of native replacements for the Mimosa and other invasive tree species such as: Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia), and many more!  

In my experience when you look into what native species you could grow you would be shocked to find that some of the most beautiful plants are growing so close to you!  I love finding out that plants most people call weeds and run over on their lawnmowers are actually some of my new favorite plants to grow!  If you want to know more or want to share pictures from your gardens feel free to message me and we can talk about plants!

Source 1- https://www.gainvasives.org/species/Albizia-julibrissin/

https://www.nps.gov/depo/learn/nature/invasives.htm

some ideas for Sakaar

planet hulk is on my mind, so have some Sakaar thoughts:

the planet itself is a fusion of its portrayal in the original Planet Hulk storyline, and it’s look in Thor Ragnarok. it’s a rough, extreme world where things are so ferocious that superhuman-typical power levels are required to just survive, and it used to be a chaotic mess of a conquering empire dominated by an alien species forcing all into compliance. IT is a very bombastic place, however, full of glowing neon, architecture out of an 80s music video, and a populace drawn from all over the multiverse,

the planet is (now) a green and lush place, full of deserts not yet reclaimed, but even those are gradually turning into savannahs. elsewhere, forests, jungles, swamps and wetlands dominant depending on climate. in recent times, it has become absurdly fertile and full of life, and plant life grows absurdly fast. Sakaar’s population is natrually predisposed to extreme levels of strength and power, but it holds more power for its ability to export vast amounts of food and feed an enormous number of planets, Sakaar feeds empires, or so it is said, and those worlds depend on its favor.

it is still a dangerous world. almost all native fauna is at least inclined towards carnivorousness, most plant life is known to consume living meat when given the opportunity, and the entire planet can be politely described as a death trap. the weather regularly changes at random, storms capable of wiping out cities regularly sweep the continents, the tides are equivalant to tsunamis, and people tend to explode during thunderstorms... and that’s just the weather. giant hordes of carnivorous kaiju and Monster Hunter-appropriate beasts roam the lands in vast numbers, consuming all in their path; hyper-aggressive predators are extremely common.

to survive, people must be strong, cunning and tough, and the planet has become home to several notable species that dominate its local cultures:

the krogan of Mass Effect (a reptillian race resembling alien tortoises, with a touch of shark) having largely established themselves here and thriving in the rough climate. they’re not particularly common, as yet, but their numbers are growing and they are incredibly well adapted to the harsh conditions of Sakaar’s more outlying regions. they generally live in the more desolate regions that even others won’t touch, and are rather smug about it. They’re very large aliens, standing over fifty feet tall and can be even bigger, if you count their humps.

the Natives of Sakaar, as the name suggests, are the original indigenous species, and have made great success since the ascension of the Sakaarson to rulership, an insectoid species, they are based off of the ones from the original comic, but are physically modeled after Miek as he appeared in Thor Ragnarok. Colorful sapient insects that resemble hard-shelled isopods, they are naturally adapted to digging in soft areas such as sand or dirt, and their limbs are surprisingly good at manipulating their environment, but they do not have limbs like humanoids. They have taken to using exoskeltal suits they operate, however, giving them a humanoid stature similar to MCU-verse Miek. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from human-sized to as big as a car, depending on age, but the patriarch of a given hive grows to truly enormous size, often as big as a train, and they are stilled dwarfed by the queens of the hive. (These are usually quite insectoid, but plenty have become gynomorph-types, and adopted a broodmother body plan.)

Natives, resembling brightly colored bug plushies, may look harmless, but they are enormously strong and can ram into things with considerable force; one moving in sand is like a drilling machine going full throttle, and they like their frames built for agility and resilience. they’re also notable empaths, able to chem (transmit memories and feelings, biologically) with any known form of life, making them outstanding diplomats. this is a new route for them, as until now they’ve been quite wary of aliens. the example of the noble Sakaarson, however, has made their youngest more optimistic.

The Imperials formerly dominated the planet in a bloody empire similar to the Roman Empire, and are believed to be a offshoot of the turians; the CT-verse is broadly similar to the turians, design-wise, though they lack the hard shell of their kin, instead having skin of varying reds or pinks. They stand roughly fifteen feet tall on average, and boast enormous physical power. they seem stronger the more of them there are, and it is speculated they may have a form of latent psionic ability that ‘pools’ their collective power the more of them there are.

The Shadow People (often simply called the shadows of Sakaar) are, like the Imperials, not native to the planet but are descended from colonists whom were marooned there in ages past. It’s unclear who their ancestors were; some suggest they are remnants of the ancient Quarian people, others think they may be a modified form of Nebulan, and the Shadow People themselves don’t know. They are rightly called giants; standing over 50 feet tall for even the shortest of them, they are imposingly strong and carry ancient lore of magical secrets that allow them to draw on life force and strengthen themselves, growing even bigger and more powerful. Grey-skinned (some tending towards darker shades), they tend to have broad shoulders and elongated necks, and combined with their flat snouts and pitch-black eyes, they have adapted well to the deserts they often commune in.

The Shadows are also the traditional priesthood of Sakaar, worshiping various gods depending on locale; some revere the planet as personified through their gods, while others worship Gojira the god of monsters and torment, and others still. A common thread in a reverence of a prophet-like figure believed to come to Sakaar to revive it’s people, a belief confirmed in the fierce but just ruler of Sakaar, who has claimed the title of Sakaarson as his name; Holku Sakaarson, and to the rest of the multiverse, he is known as Hulk.

Largely indifferent to politics are the Spikes; fungal beings who feed upon cosmic energy, and are content to live in space, monitoring the portals surrounding Sakaar and exploring the multiverse. They are commonly believed to be energy beings, as they process consumed energy into shell-bodies they operate, and in their natural environment, tend to resemble luminous entities. They can feed on living beings, parasitically devouring them and mutating them into mindless monsters, but only do so when their is no alternative and have been driven to madness through sheer hunger.

Finally there are the various robots inhabiting Sakaar. Most are integrated, but the Wildebots bear some discussion. Feral robots who for the most part are profoundly disinterested in organic coexistence, they were intially thought mindless until other robots opened dialogue with them, revealing that they are fully sapient, and content to live as wild animals. They have since agreed to be left alone, though the natives and them still do battle; now, it seems, mostly in fun and out of boredom.

There are other species present in notable communities across Sakaar; isolated pockets of Transformers (mostly beastformers and unique, monstrous changers) are well suited to the environment. Yautja and the horrific xenomorphs also have survived there quite well, and many varieties of dragon have established their homes upon the world. Some species that do well in harsh conditions (Tetramands, vulpimancers, and crystalsapiens, for example) all live here, as do other species that have changed to become strong and survive it.

finally, the Red King, the former ruler of Sakaar, is not quite dead. Reports differ to whether he was killed by wildebots or infested by spikes and burned by his own soldiers, but it appears that he was previously the latest in a long line of kings serving the will of the Ringers, on behalf of Javik and his Prothean Empire. the Sakaarson’s emergence completely threw his plans off track, removed Sakaar as a strategic piece, and is now a completely independent world now ruled by a hero so ferocious and stern that the likes of Grimlock call him a spiritual brother. Accordingly, the Red King desperately wants revenge and to reclaim his kingdoms, though Javik is loathe to allow him to do so, disliking him personally; he would have already killed the Red King as an incompetent bully, but the Red King is the last of his bloodline, and many of Sakaar’s hidden weapon systems and technologies buried beneath its surface (currently obscured from the Sakaarson) are linked to his genetics. He is a necessary burden, for the moment, and is a prime use as a recurring antagonist; he is a tempermental and petulant sort, and is likely to attack heroes for imagined slights or to claim their worlds for his own.

In the early afternoon of September 1, 1914, Martha the passenger pigeon, the last of her kind in the world, passed away, and her entire species disappeared with her. But before that instant of extinction, there had been decades of decline, as hunters killed what was once the most common bird in the world. Billions of passenger pigeons became millions, thousands, and then hundreds, until eventually one became none. Few people took note of this decline as it happened: There still seemed to be a lot of pigeons, and their abundance obscured their downfall.

History is now repeating itself—across the entire avian world.

A new study, which analyzed decades of data on North American birds, estimates that the continent’s bird populations have fallen by 29 percent since 1970. That’s almost 3 billion fewer individuals than there used to be, five decades ago. “It’s a staggering result,” says Kenneth Rosenberg from Cornell University and the American Bird Conservancy, who led the analysis.

“This is a critically important study,” says Nicole Michel, an ecologist at the National Audubon Society. Past work has shown that specific groups of birds are declining, but this is the first study to rigorously put a number on the full extent of these losses. And surprisingly, it shows that the most ubiquitous birds have been the hardest hit. “The common wisdom was that we’d see the rare and threatened species disappearing and the common, human-adapted ones taking over,” Rosenberg says. Instead, his team found that 90 percent of the missing birds came from just 12 families, and that they were all familiar, perchy, cheepy things such as sparrows, warblers, blackbirds, finches, larks, starlings, and swallows.

About 19 species have each lost more than 50 million individuals. Seemingly ubiquitous species such as the red-winged blackbird are at risk. The dark-eyed junco, a type of sparrow and one of the most common sights at bird feeders, is in trouble. Even birds that humans successfully introduced to this continent—such as the house sparrow and European starling, which are famed for their adaptability—are in trouble. “If we can’t even keep introduced species in healthy populations, that could be a stronger indicator that the environment is unhealthy,” Rosenberg says. It’s as if all birds are canaries, and the entire world their coal mine.

As with the passenger pigeon, abundance obscures decline. The fact that 24 million eastern meadowlarks still survive hides the fact that 74 million have gone. “There are still a lot of birds out there,” Rosenberg says. “If you have a lot of birds coming to your feeder and they’re reduced by 30 percent, you might not see that. This loss of abundance can be happening right under our noses.”

With this great emptying of the skies, there are now 3 billion fewer beaks to snap up insects, and 3 billion fewer pairs of wings for moving nutrients, pollen, and seeds through the world. We haven’t just lost birds, but all the things that birds do, “as well as our connection to what is arguably one of the most widely cherished forms of wildlife on the planet,” says Kristen Ruegg from Colorado State University. “Our forests and backyards will continue to grow quieter with every passing year, and within that leftover space there is an opportunity for complacency about the natural world to grow.”

A broader pattern of “biological annihilation” is coming into focus, too. A third of backboned species on land, for example, are also declining, including many that are deemed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature to be of “least concern.” Insects might also be in trouble, although fears of an insect apocalypse are hard to judge because there’s very little long-term data on insect populations.

The opposite is true for birds, which are conspicuous, beloved, and heavily watched by both amateur enthusiasts and professional researchers. There’s long-term survey data aplenty, and Rosenberg’s team collected as much as it could for 529 species, covering most major groups. “The data sets they used provide probably the best long-term, large-scale information on species abundances for any group of organisms anywhere in the world,” says Natalie Wright from Kenyon College. “There’s always uncertainty. But if they are wrong, they are likely underestimating the magnitude of population declines.”

Rosenberg’s team also used data from a weather-radar network to show that the number of birds migrating through America’s nighttime skies has fallen by 14 percent since 2007. That’s important. The radar not only provides another line of evidence, independent of the more traditional surveys, but picks up species that those surveys miss, such as Arctic-breeding shorebirds. It “increases our confidence that these declines are really happening,” Michel says.

The new study is silent on the causes of these declines—that’s what Rosenberg’s team will look at next. But it’s widely accepted that “habitat loss and degradation are the largest forces behind the decline of birds,” Rosenberg says. The fact that grassland birds have suffered more than those in other habitats attests to this problem. As wild prairie has been converted into agricultural land, invaded by non-native plants, and flooded with harmful pesticides, 700 million local birds have disappeared, and three-quarters of bird species are going downhill.

It’s hard to estimate exactly how many birds are dying due to habitat loss, or from other potential dangers such as pesticide use, the disappearance of insect prey, or climate change. Other threats are easier to quantify, and the biggest of these, by some margin, is domestic cats, which kill an estimated 2.4 billion birds every year. Window collisions claim 600 million bird lives a year, vehicles take out 214 million, power lines are responsible for killing 32 million, and the lights of industrial towers fatally distract about 6 million. Wind turbines are often cited as a problem for birds, and while they should be placed carefully to protect migratory species, their effect is comparatively small; for every bird killed by a wind turbine, thousands are killed by a cat.

“Being able to tie any one of these drivers to the decline of a particular species or group is difficult,” Rosenberg says. “Cumulatively, they’re all important.”

The organizations behind the new study have compiled a list of seven personal actions that people can take to protect North America’s remaining birds:

1) Make windows safer with products that prevent collisions.

2) Keep cats indoors (or walk them on a leash).

3) Choose native plants instead of lawns, to offer food and resting places for migrants.

4) Avoid pesticides.

5) Choose bird-friendly, shade-grown coffee that’s grown on farms that preserve bird habitat.

6) Reduce the use of plastics, and especially single-use plastics.

7) Watch birds and report what you see to help scientists track the surviving populations.

Ultimately, it will take political will and action to refill the emptied skies—and there’s precedent for such reversals of fate. The number of raptors (hawks, eagles, and their kin) has doubled since the 1970s, thanks to a ban on the pesticide DDT and hunting restrictions imposed by the Endangered Species Act. At the same time, waterfowl such as ducks and geese have increased in number by 56 percent, after hunters lobbied for legislation to protect wetland areas. These success stories show that “when people band together and take action, it is possible to reverse population declines and bring species back from the brink,” Michel says. “Birds are down, but they’re not out. When you give them half a chance, they can recover.”

But Donald Trump’s administration has recently moved to gut the most important bird-conservation law in the United States: the century-old Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This proposal would absolve companies of responsibility for millions of incidental bird deaths, and hold them accountable only for purposeful killings, which are negligible. “This is the absolute worst time to be weakening protections,” Rosenberg says.

No one hunts the sparrow, he notes, but bird lovers are so numerous that they could form a constituency to match the political clout the hunting lobby used to save waterfowl. “We need to raise our voices,” Rosenberg says.

A poorly articulated post about lore for the spaciplier au - gober

Alien types, planets, languages, etc

Jack|| Velm: he is a reptilian type alien. When they’re young they have blue stripes over their bodies and they’re arm spikes haven’t grown in yet. Once the arm spike/scales grown in and when those stripes go away they are considered adults. Their skin is extremely tough and they are cold blooded, so their planet is very warm, dry, and rocky. Most of them especially enjoy sunbathing. They’re tails help them balance as well as serve as a weapon against other creatures. They have sharp teeth, they’re omnivorous but mostly carnivorous, they can see in the dark relatively well, and have fast reflexes. They take naps throughout the day instead of sleeping for long intervals. They’re ears twitch when they hear sudden noises or just when they want. They’re a very survival of the fittest species, and since all members are very strong that tactic seemed to have worked out evolutionary wise. Also they are hatched from eggs.

There was a neighboring planet that this species became allies with, but when they were in trouble the GAAP failed to give them any reinforcements and that planet and its inhabitants were destroyed. This caused jack’s species to cut all ties with the GAAP politically and some even actively go against it, most just ignore it. Many pirates, black market dealers, and mercenaries are from this planet.

Kathryn|| Ninkain: the ninkain may look similar to humans, but their biology and mannerisms are very different. They are predatory hunters naturally, but they’ve evolved a lot since then and are just carnivores now. They have sharp claws, tough skin, sharp teeth, a tail, and tentacle like things hanging from their ears which allow them to sense electromagnetic fields. They’re hearing is superb, they see best in the dark, though they can see fine enough in light, they’re fast on their feet, and they have tremendous balance. They behave similar to cats and their native language is mostly gesture based with few noises between them. It’s kinda like a full body sign language kinda deal. They’re skin can be grey, purple, or red, or a mix of those colors. They have markings on them, males typically have lighter markings then their skin tone, females have darker markings compared to their skin color. They have live births and twins are especially common amongst their species.

Tyler|| Graeldurs: they have a hard outer shell that resembles rock, which grows as they age. They have been known to carve markings into their rock outer layer, since the pain is very dulled there. But, it’s pretty old fashioned, so many have stopped the tradition. They’re the definition of gentle giant, their great strength and height makes them seem threatening but most are very logical and would prefer to avoid conflict, but when it is necessary they are prepared to efficiently take down their enemies. They can be multiple different rock like colors, some even having stripes or even a mix of two types of rocks depending on their parentage. They also have decently long lifespans, living up to 200 years, they reach maturity at around 20 at the lastest and 10 at the earliest, but a general number is 15 and that’s the legal age they are considered an adult. Common jobs for them are leadership positions, especially in the GAAP, many join the space fleet, and also they take up technical jobs creating medicines, new machines, tech, and generally making scientific discoveries. They’re also good teachers or mentors. They’re home planet is very cold for most of its year, it’s the 6th planet from its sun, has 3 moons, and 2 seasons; a warm season only lasting a few months (human time) and a cold season lasting a little more than a year (human time). They aren’t affected much by temperatures, but their main food source is more abundant in colder climates. They mine to get to crystals and the like since it’s their main food source, they live underground, well their cities are underground. There are also extremely cold blizzards that commonly happen and while the cold won’t kill them outright, it can freeze them to the point where they can’t move. Which isn’t good since they’d prolly starve since they can’t get food.

Androids vs robots || rights and legal stuff

Androids: all androids have what is legally classified as free will. They are capable of complex emotion, creativity, and learning past what was put in their memory chip. They can feel ‘pain’ and can develop skills that weren’t implemented when they were first built. And they are made of Android specific parts.

There was an Android civil rights movement that had been going on since before mark’s birth and gained a lot of traction and support when mark was a kid. They finally gained basic space rights when mark was around 12. They’re still discriminated against, but it’s a lot better then it was 20 years ago so. They can no longer be forced into servitude legally, though it definitely still happens, they have the ability to run for government positions, they have a right to a fair trial and all that good stuff.

Robots: robots typically can only do what is in their programming, they can retain knowledge but they are incapable of coming up with something new or creative nor can they learn a new skill on their own. They can be made out of any parts, there are robot specific parts but usually they are a mix of Android parts, mech parts, and robot specific parts. They still have no legal rights and are considered property under space law. They are capable of emotion, but only if it’s programmed in and it’s typically limited, and they aren’t capable of feeling pain. They are incapable of going against their programming.

Who in this au is a robot and whose an android

Ethan and blank are androids while all of jack’s egos are robots

Different planets

Ventos Beta:

This is a planet that no longer really has a set major species. There are a multitude of different alien species living here, mostly land based ones. It’s the perfect planet for farming, which is their main source of trade, though that’s not the only job available. There still needs to be doctors and shop keeps and the sort. This is where Tyler and mark grew up, living quite close by to each other and going to the same school. There are 3 other ventos named planets (ventos prime, alpha, gamma, and omega) they’re all in the same system (the ventos system) orbiting ventos IV, and they were terraformed by the GAAP for multi species use and adhere to GAAP laws and the like.

Zerentia: (where mark was born)

this is a water based planet, there are very little spots of land and almost all of the inhabitants and all of the natural intelligent species are water based and live under the sea. It’s a naturally warm planet and it’s days are very short. It has no moons and 2 suns. There are 4 other planets in its solar system, 3 of which support life, 2 are more tropical and warm while one is more cold and snowy and has more land mass.

Phalieth|| dominant Species: These aliens are a type of aquatic mammal. They have a long, muscular tail and small anal fin, two huge side fins and a short, strong dorsal fin.They have two eyes which sit thightly in their sockets and can often make them appear to be serene. Their eyesight is astonishing.Their huge mouths and small noses often make these aliens appear to be slick, but looks can be deceiving.Their ears are wide and large and their hearing is excellent. They also have one long horn on their head.Their skin is thin, but strong. Their skin colors are mostly dark gold, light orange and blue, which tend to become dull as they age.The males are usually lazier than their female counterpart and their colors are more vibrant. The females, however, are usually more adventurous.

Folia: this is a very colorful and tropical like planet, it’s dominant life form is plant based and while there are creatures on this planet they are definitely not at the top of the food chain by any means. Some of the plants are even carnivorous. It’s dope. This planet has two moons and one sun and there is a pretty even ratio of water to land.

Nihill || Serkiis: this is a gas giant, it’s solar system has little to no life, this planet included, and so is ignored but the GAAP. But one of its moons- and many other planets and moons in this solar system- is used as a base for mercenaries, criminals, and the black market. The moon used for this is named Nihill, it’s the most renowned one of the dead bases and also the one where jack sells all the stuff he steals. There are various buildings, hotels, brothels, markets, and the like. These planets/moons are especially dangerous, but if you generally mind your own business and aren’t defenseless, you’ll be fine. Probably…

Attis: (the homeplanet of Tyler’s species)

This planet has a rotation cycle of 16 months (earth time) 13 of those months are spent in freezing cold weather while the other 3 are slightly warmer. The planet is filled with crystals and diamonds, it being the perfect environment for their creation. Due to them being so abundant, crystals are a major food source for many of the species native to this planet. There are also crystal like species that developed a crystal like exterior to better hide from predators. There are crystal forests above and below ground, one of the most magnificent sights in the galaxy. Throughout the colder months, there are extremely cold and dangerous blizzards, which could easily freeze a creature on the spot, due to this many inhabitants live underground. Attis has two moons and is the 6th planet from its sun.

Bellataine: (kathryn's home planet) this planet is extremely similar to earth, though their trees are 10 times taller on average, they have more carnivorous plants, and there is more of a yellow tint to its plants. It has 4 seasons, but only one big continent with bunches of rivers, lakes, and streams scattered throughout. Their night and day are also a lot longer lasting around 40 hours as a whole, 20 each. Many of the species live up in the trees due to the sheer amount and size of them.

The GAAP|| Galactic Assembly of Allied Planets

Basically it is the gathering of all the most powerful/ intelligent planets all coming together to create laws and the sort for all of space. Every planet has 2 representatives and there is no one leader, it’s kinda a majority rule kinda thing. Each planet has its own government and laws, but they have to adhere to the laws of space, so an example is that since androids have legal rights now, no one planet can have laws blatantly discriminating against them. There is also the GLE or the Galactic Law Enforcement, they only have jurisdiction in space though and not on individual planets. They are made up of any species apart of the GAAP and they are pretty regulated as well, most people call them enforcers. Each individual planet has their own law enforcement. There is also a galactic navy that is run but the GAAP, they have a specific school and training regimen for any species that would like to join, the only requirement is that you are a resident of a planet in the GAAP. This is in place for if one/ multiple planets are attacked by a planet not apart of the GAAP, or a rogue planet/ ship/ group. Their other job is to explore space and engage in various peace negotiations, investigating planets (science wise), and stuff. Basically Star Trek.

There are some planets that have no laws nor government and don’t fall under the jurisdiction of the space government and its laws. These planets are hella cool and are a great place for scavengers/ pirates/ and other criminals to hang out. Plus black market stuff, it’s where jack sells a lot of his stolen goods (Nihill specifically)

Laws and jail: there are two types of jails, on planet jails for crimes committed on one planet and the maximum security jail run by GAAP. If any jailable crime is committed on multiple planets, in space, or if it’s a cosmic crime the criminal will be sent to the GAAP prison. The GAAP prison is located on the outskirts of the galaxy, it is one of the biggest shuttles ever built and it orbits a White dwarf, using the bright star to power the shuttle. The petty crime prisoners and the dangerous prisons are kept apart for safety reasons. The planet jails are basically regular jails.

Some cosmic crimes include but aren’t limited to:

Mass genocide, destruction of a planet, and the destruction of any GAAP ship/ attack against the GAAP

Education:

Every planet and species has a different way of educating their youth, but most participate in it. It usually depends on the planets main source of income as well as weather it’s a mixed species planet or a planet where most the inhabitants are native. If it’s mixed, then they typically use the regulations used by the GAAP for their schools. Which is the type of school that Tyler and mark attended. It’s very career based and you choose what you’d like to focus on around 13, going from primary to secondary. They teach you the basics of history, mechanics, medicine, math, science, and language. Then in secondary school you focus on one thing, let’s say you want to be a pilot, you would learn everything you’d need to know to be a successful pilot and nothing more, unless you change your focus or opt to take a generalized focus. A generalized focus teaches you the basics for all the popular and needed jobs available and you can always chose to switch into a focus if one of those jobs catches your eye. There is only 8 years of school for them, 4 for primary or general and 4 in secondary or focus. There isn’t a set age to start, since different species have different lifespans and needs and only primary school is required.

History || major events || currently 3518

Multiplanet Wars [3250-3420]

Before the GAAP was created there were many battles and wars over which planets got which colonies and solar systems and planets. It was a first come first serve kinda deal but even that was shaky when any other alien race could pop in and try an take over a planet by force. These many battles resulted in some alien races even going extinct.

The great leaving (earth) [3314]

Earth was already in bad shape when humans started exploring into the further parts of space, but still many people lived there. Soon though, it became too much for the planet to sustain and earth had run out of many of the resources that had once been abundant. Due to this major resource crisis, almost all humans that could left the planet. The only ones who stayed where the people too poor to afford to move or people so rich that the resource shortage didn’t affect them in the least. These rich people would either develop a superiority complex (like the idea that living anywhere but earth was betraying the human race) or they’d leave cause earth is a shit whole that only over the top elitists would choose to live on.

First treaties [3280-3518]

The treaty of unification; the agreement for all willing, intelligent, and powerful planets to come together to form the GAAP after years of competition and wars.

The creation of the GAAP [3420]

The idea of the was created and pushed for by 5 of the most advanced planets. They wanted space to be safer and they wished for a future were all aliens worked together to make a better galaxy. Soon they had the majority of the intelligent planets on their side and they all came together to create this new, huge alliance.

The medical boom [3420-30]

After the GAAP was formed there was a significant boom in the improvement in the medical field. This was because many species from all the planets apart of the GAAP had come together to work for the GAAP and their combined knowledge on medicine as well as a willingness to cooperate to make space healthier gave way to new and advanced machinery and medicines.

Android revolution [3504]

Since the first official Android was made there were people who pushed for their rights as free thinking beings. They were seen as property, similar to robots, for the longest time. Then after years of protest and fighting for their rights, all this only providing more evidence of their place as a new intelligent species capable of learning, feeling, and thriving on their own without the aid of their creators.

Autumn Gardens -- Best Plant life To Grow In Great Weather

Due to the simple fact that consuming organic foodstuff is gaining popularity, picking to live a all natural life-style is also becoming more prevalent. Anyone living this kind of lifetime usually has to naturally raise their own herbal products in addition to crops to manage their very own way of living. Read through this specific article to learn what you should do when it arrives to organic gardening. Learning the structure of your own property and what variety of soil you have could drastically improve your horticulture experience. By knowing cannabis samen weiblich , you can figure out and about what seed products will function with your current backyard or maybe if you need to have to create a various environment around your growing and maintaining preferences. Different plants call for different nutrients, so plan correctly. Before settling about your garden space, visit that on multiple times all over the day. You need to understand what exactly type of light this spot gets on the hourly basis, as it possess ramifications on the crops you can expand and your chance to grow whatever at all! If this location is in receipt of no one on one sunlight, reassess your selections. Make a new handy twine dispenser from outdated clay surfaces pots. To always have garden twine ready to employ, take an old clay cooking pot, and place the idea in your back garden wherever you want your twine répartir to be. After that place the ball regarding twine included, and convert a second clay weed upside down. Thread typically the twine through the drainage hole with the upside decrease pot make it on top of the base pan. You now include a handy dispenser! Employed tea and coffee coffee grounds produce good soil enrichers. Both equally java and tea leaf argument are great additions when you need to increase the acidity of your own personal soil. If your soil is ph level balanced, adding the tea and coffee is great, as flowers for example rhododendrons and azaleas, together with benefits such as blueberry, take pleasure in soil that is on the acidulent side. You can work the grounds straight into the soil before an individual plant your garden, or maybe sprinkle slightly around prevailing plants when a 1 week or so. Try and commence your gardens as earlier as possible and maintain these individuals as late as possible to help take full advantage of the amount regarding crops you're able in order to produce. You can work with factors like cloches, wintry casings, and tunnels to start farming a calendar month or even more beforehand. A person can also use row covers in the drop to extend your own personal harvest season. To ensure typically the vigor of your garden, research what plants are native towards your location. Whilst imported plants may possibly look lovely, they will might have health issues growing throughout your climate. Local plant life and produce will certainly easily be able to adjust to changes in the weather, and even will keep your lawn wholesome and strong. Remain safe, it's the 1st thing to understand gardening. Have on protective eye-wear when managing lawnmowers as well as other garden machines. Wear hand protection when anyone are working in typically the dust. This will continue to keep you safe in case of the incident and even guard your system from various elements inside environment. Employ your own vegetables regarding gardening in in the future periods. This lets you ensure that your plants are organic via start to finish. Consider a previous season involving plants and enable them for you to go to seed in advance of you remove them. This kind of means that not only happen to be your plants rising without pesticides or chemical type manures, the seeds were cultivated without them both. Begin your organic garden with a good strategic plan. This can help you know exactly where each and every plant go in your current garden so that you can take full advantage of the few hours you have in order to garden plants each working day. While part of your approach, take notes on what exactly vegetation you will employ to replace unsuccsefflull vegetation such as spinach together with lettuce. Manage your garden line to avoid frustration. Backyard hoses, mainly more or perhaps heavy work ones, can be awkward and troublesome if you need to drag them all-around the back garden, all turned up. Get a portable hose-pipe reel or perhaps a stationary a single, depending on your garden setup, to more very easily take care of your garden hose and make storing that fast together with easy. 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You should try to include most of your seed about three times simply because deeply as the width of your plant seeds inside order to ensure perfect growth. However, certain seed, including alyssum and snapdragons, shouldn't be covered because many people need the lot regarding light to germinate. Analyze the soil for its real condition. If your garden soil is usually dense, water is going to not really go deep plenty of to the soil, and this plant origins will remain close to the surface area, which results in shallow roots. Often the dirt will likewise end up being hard for you to dig. An individual want your earth to be loose enough so that plant roots can grow downward as a substitute of side by side. Organic gardening means endeavoring to increase plants as naturally as possible without the use of chemical compounds. Therefore when the time comes to wipe out harmful, plant-eating bugs, consider planting a new few flowers within your veggie garden. The bouquets will attract beneficial insects that will naturally kill the dangerous ones. These beneficial pesky insects perform other valuable companies like pollination as well as bug control. Typically the more organic garden suggestions you are able in order to pick up, typically the easier gardening will sooner or later turn out to be for you. Keep inside mind that the following tips within this article are only intended as some sort of starting up point.

It Comes Naturally: Advice On Growing An Organic Garden

Changing your lifestyle around and ensuring that your family always has healthy meals, means that you must make better food choices. Turning to organic produce is a great way in which you can make those healthy changes. For some great organic gardening tips that you can easily use, check out the information below.

Put down sod correctly. Be sure to get your soil prepared before you start laying the new sod. Do some weeding if necessary, then break the soil until it is no longer packed. Lightly, but firmly compact the soil, making sure it is flat. Thoroughly moisten the soil. Stagger your sod so that each joint offsets from joints in adjacent rows. Firm sod until there is an even, flat surface; fill in gaps with soil. After two weeks of daily watering, the sod should be rooted; at this time, it is now safe to walk on it.

If you are planting vegetables, choose varieties that don't require processing in order to keep. For example, sweet potatoes and onions will keep for gliving.tv months as long as they are kept cool and dry, without any additional work on your part. This reduces the amount of time you have to spend after harvesting.

It is obvious that plants require water to grow. It's also important to know the amount of water that particular plants actually need. Overwatering or under-watering a plant can severely damage its growth and health. Overwatering can result in root rot, where the water-filled environment encourages the growth of microbes that eat away at the roots. Under-watering a plant can make it's leaves dry and brittle.

When choosing plants for your garden, pick plants that are native to your geographic region. Plants native to your region will naturally do well in your garden because they are already adjusted to your climate. When you plant native plants, you will not be surprised by any unexpected results when your plants mature.

Do not kill the spiders in your garden. Spiders prey on other insects and can keep unwanted bugs under control. They are a natural source of control for common garden pests. When you see a spider, you should leave him alone to do its job. This will reduce your need for insecticides in your garden.

Gardening is not hard, but you should get advice before you jump in head first. You want your garden to be successful rather than fail, so it makes sense to read up a little beforehand. There is no need to purchase expensive gardening books because you can find gardening books at your local library, or find out as much as you need online.

Repel leaf-eating insects with chili pepper. If your furniture plants' foliage is being ravaged by hungry insects, add one tablespoon of red chili pepper or hot mustard to one quart of water in a spray bottle. Spray the foliage evenly, making sure to get the undersides of the leaves too. One taste of this spicy spray will send bugs on their way.

Deadhead annual flowers constantly. This will encourage new growth and promote flowering all season. With perennials, cut the entire plant down by a third after flowering. It will bush out and provide you with a new flush of flowers later in the season. At the end of the season, leave the spent flowers on plants until they dry up, and collect the seeds.

One of the best things about the tips you've read in the above article is that they're all fairly simple to implement. You won't have to attend Cornell in order to become a great organic gardener. As long as you can implement what you've learned here, your garden will be fantastic.

Meet the Dragons of Mythika.

Meet the Dragons of Mythika.

In these upcoming weeks I’m going to post all the main-groups of creatures from Mythika in the group they belong to, with all the information about them I have made up so far.   NOTE that this about the creatures in Mythika and they change a lot with the real mythology, mostly their appearance is the same, but the abilities and behavior is changed. I keep saying this to avoid complications.

Group five are the powerful Dragons, together with the Deities and Titans the oldest inhabitants of Mythika. Dragons are ancient beings, mostly wise and large and very magical and powerful at the same time. Though Dragons come in all sizes imaginable from the enormous Zirnitra to the very tiny Pyrausta. Most dragons have a form of breath-weapon that sets them apart from the other dragons, but there are also lesser dragons (known as drakes) that lack a breath attack, Basilisks are an example for this.

Most other creatures avoid dragons as they fear them, others hunt dragon eggs, and Ichneumon even feed primarily on dragon eggs and hearts, so dragons of all species fear them.

Aitvaras (Lithuanian) – Dragon / Shifter - Magical dragons bred from the eggs of ordinary chickens, Aitvaras appear as monstrous black roosters with burning tails indoors and as cockatrice-like abominations outdoors. - An Aitvaras appearance and size is always adopted to the environment it is currently in, falling in a river will grant this strange drake fins for swimming for example. - These enigmatic dragons can control the luck of other creatures, giving it an amount of good fortune or making a creatures life miserable with despair and ill omen. - When creatures meet the gaze of an Aitvaras, there is a chance the victim will be engulfed in cursed flames. - Being bitten by these creatures will curse the victim, it now takes more damage from heat and fire based damage and magic. - Aitvaras often serve powerful Hags (like Baba Yaga) as pets and familiars, Hags enjoy the Aitvaras cruel nature.

Amhuluk (Native American) – Dragon / Shifter - Very magical dragons which look like Asian Dragons or Sea Serpents with four small limbs sticking out of their snake-like bodies, two large antler-like horns grow from their dragon heads and their beautiful scales change color faster than the eye can blink, but always ranging between, gold, black red and green. - Amhuluk corrupt the lakes in which they settle, turning the waters into an mutant goo which looks like ordinary liquid, but which mutates any creature that drinks from it or which baths into it. - Creatures turned into new mutant forms will always serve the Amhuluk as it is their master, their entire memory is wiped from their brains. - The Amhuluk’s breath-weapon is a multi-colored mist which creates horrid mutations into everything it touches, even plants are not safe from this effect. - Plants around the lake of the Amhuluk have bizarre forms and colors, this mutant landscape is often the first sign you are dealing with an Amhuluk. - Many creatures and chimerae, such as the Ahuizotl, are believed to be the creations of the Amhuluk, but this hasn’t been proven. - All types of chimerae are immune to the effects of the Amhuluk, this adds to the belief they are actually it’s creations. - Non aquatic creatures that are changed by the lakes mutating magic will roam the river’s edge and protect the Amhuluk like a pack of wild dogs, they will often change victims into the lake, so more guards/slaves are created. - While their own bodies are immune to the morphing effects of their waters, they can still shift their own bodies in horrid ways, growing random horns, spikes and other bizarre features on their bodies as they please.

Asdeev (Persian) – Dragon / Shifter - Beautiful but vile dragons with a pure white pelt of fur mixed with reptilian scales that almost look like diamonds, it has a long mane of pearly hair on its head, growing all the way to the tip of their tails, mist follows them around at all times. - All Asdeev are female and they breed with the black dragons known as Zirnitra to produce offspring, they always lay two eggs, one black and one white. - Asdeev are dragons of mist, cold and crystals, their breath-weapon will release a thick mist of utter cold upon its victims and enemies. - These mysterious dragons often stalk their prey for days before they finally kill them, they can stalk prey in the form of pure mist. - For dragon standards the Asdeev is a pretty whimsy creature, they are slow to attack without knowing the weakness of their victims first. - They are hard to hit with melee weapons as they can turn their bodies into mist, even parts of their bodies which are targeted with the weapon. - Asdeev love mountain caves and are mostly found on snowy mountain tops in the deepest caves, surrounded by all types of crystals which they crave. - When killed the Asdeev will first turn into a statue of pure icy crystal, then it will explode into a nova of sharp crystals which pierce everyone that didn’t find cover. - Young Asdeev are known as Fog Drakes, they look like white, hairy wyverns and they use their mist abilities to hunt, covering parties or caravans in a thick layer of mist and attacking them one by one in assaults from cover.

Basilisk (M-European) – Dragon / Reptilian - A weaker variant of wingless drake, these six legged monstrous reptilians can appear in any type of environment, from high mountains to arid deserts and swamps. - It’s gaze is lethal to most other living creatures, it contains a powerful poison which saps the strength and will of a victim, their fangs and claws are coated with the same poison. - Because of their six magical legs the basilisk can easily climb through any type of environment, for some reason they can even walk over water without sinking in it, skinning a Basilisk and using their skin in the creation of special shoes will create Water-Walking shoes which are sold for high prizes on the Black Market. - Basilisks are the most common prey of the dragon-killing Ichneumon, which are also immune to their poison, Basilisk seldom flee, but in these encounters they mostly seek shelter on water where the Ichneumon cannot follow. - Basilisks can grow to the size of a horse, but the biggest varieties are hunted and trained by Vish Kanya, which prize the creatures for their strength and poison.

Xhumpedzkin (Mayan) – Dragon / Reptilian - A variant of the Basilisk, the Xhumpedzkin is a giant six-legged Gila Monster, with purple/pink and black banded stripes. - Unlike the Basilisk, which can live anywhere, the Xhumpedzkin only inhabits deep jungles and underground caves. - The gaze, claws, aura and fangs of these creatures possess a dangerous psychic toxic which causes extreme headaches and migraine attacks, some of which are deadly. - They also have a stinger on the end of their tails, they can sting a creatures shadow with it, the headache that follows is so severe than the creature can lose its sanity for a few hours. - Their name means “brief time” and that is all you get when you encounter such a horror. - These oversized reptilians feed on psychic stress, which they mostly find in the brains of their victims, first turning the prey crazy with headaches and then feeding on their brains is their preferred tactic. - Xhumpedzkin are one of the rare psychic creatures in Mythika.

Whowie (Australian) – Dragon / Reptilian - A very large variety of Basilisk, looking somewhat like a six legged mixture of Frilled Lizard and Monitor Lizard, these creatures mostly appear in deep caves and desert landscapes. - The fangs, claws and gaze of these creatures induce a deep fear into the minds of their victims, everything that gazes into their big eyes will be overwhelmed by primal fear. - Whowie use their large frills located around their necks, to add to their already powerful fear abilities, they mostly use it against group of attackers or bigger creatures that want to turn the Whowie into their food. - Desert dwelling Intulo sometimes befriend Whowie and ride them into battle, but some Whowie view Intulo as any other humanoid prey.

Codrille (French) – Dragon - Probably one of the more feared dragon species in Mythika, these diseased horrors spread plague and illness wherever they go. - These look like sickly colored green dragons with big crests underneath their throat, many creatures confuse them with undead dragons, as they look as if they died on some horrid dragon disease. - Their breath weapon is a cloud of flies which will carry diseases of all types with them, inflicting it on everyone within reach, the flies die within a few minutes after being released though. - Young Codrilles are known as Blight Drakes, they look like winged Basilisks, the diseases they spread are weaker, but still fatal. - Codrille are among the favorite pets of the Horseman of Pestilence, and he is probably responsible for their vile creation. - The Horseman of Pestilence rides the most ancient and powerful Codrille into battle, this Codrille is known as Taniniver. - These dragons only feed on diseases flesh, letting it rot in horrid pits or caves filled with decay and death.

Azi Sruvara (Persian) – Dragon - A more powerful variant of the Codrille, instead of diseases these yellow, horned dragons spread the most potent of venom known to the world of Mythika. - Their drool, blood and corpse will spawn all types of venomous snakes and even Seps into the area. - All types of venomous creatures will follow a Sruvara as its aura makes their own venom more potent. - Even Undead, Spirits, Elementals and Vish Kanya aren’t immune to the venom/poison of these Yellow Dragons, and it is so potent that it creates rust on metal and other constructs. - Azi Sruvara are the most poisonous and venomous creatures in the history of Mythika, nothing can beat their venom. - These creatures are found everywhere, but mostly live in Deserts, some deserts were even created by their own venom and powers. - Azi Sruvara love to poison rivers and lakes, and nothing else can amuse them more than seeing a creature die by the effect of poison. - Its breath-weapon is a cone of yellowish gas which kills everything that comes in contact with it, it turns most metal to rust instantly, Sruvara rarely use their breath weapons though, they are confident enough to think they don’t need such a weapon to beat their prey.

Haietlik (Native American) – Dragon / Sea Serpent - An evil sea serpent with a very typical spear-like head, its blue and black scales crackle with electric sparks and lightning. - These very aggressive sea serpents can grow to enormous lengths, but most of them die younger because they challenge every creature they come across. - Their heads are a bony growth shaped in the form of the tip of a spear, when they attack their enemies they turn themselves into living spears covered by lightning, shocking and piercing their prey at the same time. - They can breathe lightning at their enemies, but rarely choose to do so, as they are more into melee combat, they only use this weapon if the combat goes against them. - Haietlik are proud creatures and never flee combat, they rather die in combat that being known as a coward or weakling. - These cruel serpents enjoy catching large flying creatures by piercing them from below, they can make enormous leaps from the water, their favorite prey are Marlin, humanoids and avians of all types.

Hydra (Greek) – Dragon / Reptilian - Starting out with six heads, these wingless dragon-like reptilians are able to generate two lost heads for every head that is cut off. - Hydra’s appear like big sauropod dinosaurs, but unlike those big herbivores the Hydra only feed on flesh, and their many heads enjoy tearing other creatures apart. - The maximum heads a Hydra can gain is unknown, but specimens with over heads are reported. - These creatures have extreme regeneration abilities, most non-magical damage is regenerated instantly, and only fire and acid magic and abilities are very effective against them. - Hydra’s are often used by Vish Kanya as guard beasts, they guard the towns of Vish Kanya, these Hydra’s often have many heads from their battles with the Vish Kanya. - While the Hydra’s have a poisonous bite, the poison doesn’t have any special effects. It is still very deadly though. - They are most often encountered in swamps or jungles, but some freshwater lakes also house them.

Orochi (Japanese) – Dragon - A very dangerous variant of Hydra, each of the eight heads of this monstrous dragon holds its own magical venom. - While more powerful than any Hydra, the Orochi can only have eight heads, when cut off they don’t grow back, non-fatal wounds are regenerated just like with their Hydra cousins. - They also have a sauropod-like body, but more feral, with large spikes growing over their backs and a tail that ends in eight tentacles. - As each head has its own poison, each has its own horrid effect, the green head has the same poison as the Hydra, which adds nothing special. - The red head has a very horrid poison, this poison is similar of that of the Haemorrhois, it forces all the blood out of a body and re-opens all old scars. - The orange head will set the victim aflame, burning them from the inside, this is a very cruel and slow death. - The blue head has a very cold poison which turns the victim into an icy statue from the inside out. - The purple head’s poison will inflate the victim’s body until they explode into a carnage of viscera, blood and bones. - The yellow head has a very odd poison which will create extreme thirst in its victims, some victims become so desperate for liquid to drink, they slash their own wrists and drink their own blood as a result. - The white head will release a terrible poison upon its victims which will devour the victim from the inside out, much like an extremely nasty variant of gangrene. - The last head is black and its poison is said to turn a victim extremely hostile and aggressive, the victim often kills itself by accident in the wild rage that follows. - These creatures are also known as Chaos Hydra’s, and indeed the Chaos Deity Hundun is behind their creation, he took Hydra’s and infused them with chaotic energy.

Nidhogg (Norse) – Dragon - Wingless ancient dragons which mostly live underground, burrowing their way through the soil to feast on giant insects and the roots of giant trees. - These monstrous dragons rarely come to the surface, but when they do they cause chaos and destruction to any village unlucky enough to be in its way. - Nidhogg lack a breath weapon, but their magical abilities over roots, plants and earths are formidable enough to adjust that. - These earth dragons are seldom seen in their full form, they mostly dig only half their body through the soil and command the roots and earth to constrict and hold their prey so they teeth and claws can finish them. - Their bodies are half flesh and half wood, some scholars believe they are actual plants, but this is false, Nidhogg are among the eldest of dragons. - The World Tree Yggdrasil, which roots cover the entire world of Mythika, and which hold the world together, are mostly targeted by the Nidhogg, because of this most other creatures kill Nidhogg’s on sight when they get the chance, they are especially hated by Fae of all types.  

Pyrausta (Cyprus) – Dragon / Vermin - The smallest and weakest of all dragons, they look like mixes of insects and very small dragons, they are almost cute, but their behavior is much like their much bigger cousins very harsh and arrogant. - In the game there are two types of Pyrausta, the first are the most common Pyrausta which combine the features of very small green dragons with those of dragonflies, they mostly feed on vermin, but they also love to trick and annoy humanoids with their dangerous pranks. - Another type of Pyrausta combine the features of multi-colored tiny dragons with those of moths and butterflies. - Butterfly Pyrausta are mostly gentle creatures, though a bit vain, the Moth Pyrausta are poisonous and nasty creatures which love to see other creatures choke on their dust-like poison. - Because so many other creatures prey on Pyrausta they became very defensive, attacking everything before the enemy can attack them. - Pyrausta are often found in beautiful fae forests, playing among the evil, neutral and good natured faeries and other fae, many royal Elves and fae creatures use Pyrausta as familiars and friends. - The breath-attack of a Pyrausta is a cone of glittering dust which causes temporary blindness and an itching feeling to the skin.

Scytalis (M-European) – Dragon / Reptilian - Extremely beautiful and deadly at the same time, the Scytalis is probably the most beautiful and colorful creature alive, they look like giant cobra-like serpents with a dragon-like head, multiple cobra-like frills grow from its body. - Their beautiful scales glow and glitter with all the colors of the rainbow, changing color in every direction you look at them, as if beautiful fire burns from inside of them. - It uses its dazzling scales to bewitch its prey, making curious creatures come to it in admiration and becoming easy snacks for the dragon. - Such beauty can’t be alive without sacrifice however, and the environment these creatures live in often turns ugly and devoid of color as the dragons absorb color away from living creatures and the environment, turning it into a grey wasteland devoid of joy and color, while the Scytalis becomes more beautiful in the progress. - The environment will eventually regain its colors after a few days. - Narcissus, the Sinlord of Pride loves the colors of the Scytalis and he keeps many of these monsters as pets and guardians. - These snake-like dragons have a breath-weapon which is also very bright and colorful, it confuses any creature that is caught within it. Confused creatures have a chance to attack their own allies and behave very randomly. - The poison of an Scytalis will control any creature weaker than itself for a few hours, so these dragons often are found with other creatures which function as bodyguards.

Tiamat (Mesopotamian) – Dragon - The dragons of chaos, these two headed purple dragons have all types of chaotic features growing from their bodies, like multiple eyes, tentacles and spikes. They look much like two headed versions of this dragon: https://78.media.tumblr.com/90eb0218669752a0d239f6e4765202c4/tumblr_o8b5bnwy7u1v9qvuco1_540.jpg - These creatures come straight from the chaotic parts of the Abyss, and inside their bodies reside portals to the abyss, they can spit out minor demons from these portals which serve them or which bring chaos on the battlefields they roam. - Every creature that is bitten by one of the two heads of these female dragons is transformed into a demon over time, if not stopped in time they become a full demon. Tiamat see all other demons as their children. - The chaos aura’s of these dragons heal demons from their wounds and give demons of all types more strength and speed. - These demonic dragons are also known as Ajatar, Entropic Wyrms and they are named after the first female dragon Tiamat. - Tiamat bring chaos to any world they visit, they are among the most powerful of dragons and few creatures have the power to destroy them.   - These dragons serve Hundun the Lord of Chaos, and his will is their command, in his human forms Hundun often rides a Tiamat or Azi Dahaka. - When slain the Tiamat will implode and a portal will be spawned from its body, from which pour a lot of angry demons of all types. - The breath-weapon of a Tiamat is a chaotic gas which has lots of random effects on its victims. - Creatures swallowed whole by the Tiamat will end up in the middle of the Abyss, as they are teleported through the inner portal of the Tiamat.

Azi Dahaka (Persian) – Dragon - The male variant of the Tiamat, these look pretty much the same as the Tiamat but their scales are dark blue, black and yellow, and instead of two heads the Dahaka has three heads. - When killed the Azi Dahaka will explode and spawn an enormous swarm of monstrous lizards upon the battlefield, when this creature’s blood touches the earth the same lizards are born. - Only the middle head of this dragon can breathe chaotic gas upon its enemies, the other two heads can only attack with melee bite attacks. - This dragon is almost impossible to kill, and is the most powerful of the non-unique dragons. - From the inner portal the Azi Dahaka can summon all types of evil creatures, mostly demons but also more powerful evils and other dragons. - These chaotic dragons often serve as leaders in demonic armies, their aura’s give demons more morale and power.

Wyvern (M-European) – Dragon - Almost non-intelligent drakes which lack arms and instead have two large wings, a snake-like neck and two legs much like a reptilian bird of prey. - Wyverns are large, but they are often targeted by bigger predators. - Wyverns always feed on female flesh, they mostly ignore male enemies and target the females first, male flesh is poisonous to them. - They love swamps, forests and mountains, and are most often found there.

Vouivre (French) – Dragon - The female variant of the Wyvern, these have a beautiful and strange red ruby-like crystal placed upon their heads, and a vile poisonous stinger on the end of their long tails. - Vouivre only feed on male creatures, female flesh is poisonous to them, they often kill female creatures by stinging them with their tail stingers. - Unlike their male Wyvern counterparts, the Vouivre is very intelligent and uses her ruby crystal to lure men to their doom, they can also mimic the voice of a female human. - Vouivre live in and around lakes and rivers, washing their beautiful ruby gem every hour as they are very proud on it. - Whenever someone kills the Vouivre and takes it gem, they become very greedy and rich, fortune (with winning and gaining treasures) shines upon them. If other people see this gem however they try to steal it at all cost.

Cuelebre (Spanish) – Dragon - Whenever a Wyvern survives for 1000 years they transform into a iron cocoon and hatch a few years later as fully grown Cuelebre, only male Wyverns can undergo this transformation. - The scales of a Cuelebre are metallic and very powerful, each year they harden until they eventually turn into indestructible adamantine. - Cuelebre are also intelligent like Vouivre, and they are known to give their services as flying mounts to other evil creatures, a very powerful adamantine Cuelebre functions as the flying mount of the Horseman of War. - While they don’t have a poisonous stinger, the Cuelebre can use their tail as iron spear. - Only adamantine weapons and some powerful magic spells can hurt an adamantine Cuelebre so they are very arrogant and confident creatures in battle, attacking first and thinking strategies as the enemies are already dead. - Dactyl love the scales of these dragons, as they can make many good weapons from it and Adamantine is a very rare metal.

Zirnitra (Slavic) – Dragon / Shifter - The black dragons of magic, darkness, shadow and corruption, their black and purple scales are perfect for hiding in darkness, scheming and plotting against the world around them. - Zirnitra are the male counterparts of Asdeev, though they are a very different dragon species all together, they can only breed with the female white Asdeev. - The juvenile Zirnitra are known as Gloom Drakes or Umbral Drakes and while their abilities aren’t that powerful yet they use the shadows as cover and often plot with Bauk, Nalusa Falaya or Brollachan against the villages which border their environments. - The breath-weapon of the Zirnitra is a creeping, almost living liquid darkness which disables any vision and which attacks any source of light until only darkness remains. It does negative energy damage and gives the Zirnitra lots of benefits in battle as its enemies become blinded and weak. - Zirnitra serve the Queen of Magic Hecate, they are the only male creatures that gained Hecate’s trust, she learned a lot of darkness spells from the Zirnitra. - While Zirnitra control lots of spells, they are experts in darkness and shadow magic, all spells from this group are under their control, they can summon darkness, animate shadows, become invisible in shadow, destroy light and do a lot more.

The Dragon Bosses will be posted another day: Bakunawa, Balaur, Fafnir, Gaasyendietha, Kampe, Ladon and Vritra

The next group (probably the Undead) will be posted in smaller groups, otherwise the post will be too long. 

Journal 2

This past week, we went on a journey through the nature trails at FGCU, and stopped around campus for some more sustainability points. To be honest, I wasn’t fully looking forward to the field trip, as I have heard from other students that the trails flood a LOT in the fall semester, but I actually really enjoyed the entire experience.

Our first stop on the journey was Sielder Hall. I, personally, have taken many classes in Sielder, and have been familiar with its sustainability practices for a bit of time now. The building is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, and while we implement many factors of that building into other spaces on campus, it is the only building on campus that earns the certification. There are a lot of criteria to meet the standard of LEED certification, one (and my personal favorite) being that there must be no waste when creating the building. Essentially, no extra waste can be generate from the construction of the building, and for our environment this plays many important roles. For instance, I have already spoken about Florida’s wet season being in the fall. As construction companies produce waste, they tend to have a hard time properly disposing of it due to factors tied into construction. If it was to rain hard, there is nothing stopping the waste from being carried into our waterways and harming our environment. Additionally, to be LEED certified, buildings need to reduce water and electricity usage(done so by upgraded toilets and solar panels), low operating cost (ties into the first one), reduced liability & more durable buildings (useful with Florida hurricanes), support the local economy (teaches FGCU students), improved air quality, increase productivity and create a better public image. I have only listed a few of the many examples on how Siedler hall has passed its certification.

The next area we visited were the trash cans and compactors. At FGCU, our trash cans are equipped with solar power trash compactors. We compact our trash to provide more space in the can, so less trash pick ups need to happen in the week, therefor reducing carbon emissions while increasing holding capacity. Our system is set up to run on the solar panel system as well, so we don’t waste any energy in the effort of sustainability.

Whitaker hall was our next stop, where we addressed the roofs of the buildings on campus and how they relate to our sustainability efforts. All of the roofs are campus and gutted and angled to reduce down the flow of rain water into our retention ponds and lakes, like the one behind Whitaker hall. These also provide a rich ecosystem for many fish and amphibians to thrive on campus, along with water loving plants.

We then got to stop at the Central Energy Plant. The plant was the first building on campus, as it would go on to provide electricity and AC to the whole campus. In order to preserve electricity, the plant cools water and sends it to the individual buildings AC system to cool the rooms. The plant only cools water at the colder times of days in order to save electricity in the hotter hours of the days. This is a contributing factor to why the temperatures fluctuate in the buildings based on time of day.

We stopped at a retention pond in SoVi on our way to the nature trail as well. Here again we went over the importance of water retention, and talked about how all of our water ways empty into Estero River which leads to Estero Bay which empty’s into the Gulf of Mexico, and how our schools impact therefor directly impacts the quality of the environment around us.

Before I move into the talking points along the trail, I want to highlight the importance of the Veterans Pavilion and how it relates to our colloquium goals. This far, we have only addressed sustainability and environmental impact, but one of our three Es is equity as well. The Veterans Pavilion, while creating a great outdoor space for students to gather, also creates a sense of place for our portion of the student body that has served our nation. While the university works diligently to honor them, the pavilion provides a sense of place that relates in turn to their equity in our schools social environment. I really enjoyed that the tour was able to stop at that location and address some of this.

Then we were off to the trails!

Our first stop was not too far into the woods. At this point, we had been venturing for about an hour in the heat, and everyone was very excited to be in the shade. Christina explained that the farther into the woods, the cooler we would feel (which turned out to be very true, waist deep in the water). We were told that the trail was located in a Slashpine ecosystem, based on the type of tree found primarily in the woods. We also got a fun lesson on the palm “trees” in the system. While the palms are not trees at all, they got coined the name years ago and everyone just goes with it, but they are bushes. The pegs along the sides are called “boots” as early pioneers used to hang their boots out on them in order to dry off/prevent critters from jumping in them.

Our next stop on the trail was a bit further down. We stopped on the route along where there was evidence of a fire. Christina told us about how controlled fires were often used in ecosystems to help encourage new growth of a healthy environment. Fires do things like eliminate invasive species and open spores of pine trees to fertilize them into eventual trees. These fires also usually clear out the over brush, which allows for the species closer to the forest floor to thrive. At FGCU, we have a hard time with prescribed burns, as we tend to have classes all year around, endangering students and staff alike.

We stopped a little bit down for the last time before we trudged into the swamp and discussed the difference between native, invasive, and exotic/imported species. When asked, I answered how native species were indigenous to the land, and belong in an ecosystem, while imported species are being allowed to flourish in a foreign ecosystem. These differ from invasive species, which move into an ecosystem uninvited and harm the native species. Invasive species to Florida are giant iguanas, Spanish Ivy, and pythons, how all made their home in the Florida Everglades, and have shown a negative impact on the environment.

After this, we moved into swampy territory and did not stop until we reached the reflection point. At this point, it seemed like everyone had cooled off and was enjoying the experience, which really lead to not only a fun journey, but a good headspace to be in for the reflection. Whilst hugging my tree, I was able to notice a lot of things in the forest around us. Like I’m class, I discussed how feeling the little air bubbles against my skin was a very gentle reminder of how there was a fragile, breathing ecosystem below us, that was able to sustain during every flood and dry season. I also noticed some moss growing on the side of the tree I was at, and what looked like mushroom spores starting to sprout. I was able to hear the cicadas and a bird or two in the distance. But aside from that, I heard a police siren in the distance, which I found immensely grounding. It was almost dystopian to be surrounded by the natural beauty of our university’s ecosystem for a while, and then to be pulled away by the real world. The police siren, to me, was representative of our effects on this Earth, and how we are slowly but surely killed the planet. The issue is, though, that there is no police officer coming to save our planet from its direct murders. The bottom 99% is the neighborhood crime watch, while the 1% are paying off the law enforcement. I did, however, get to go back to enjoying the time shortly after the siren ended.

I really enjoyed our swamp walk and reflection time. For most of my journey, my group mates were walking right besides me, which also gave us a fantastic opportunity to bond.

I also wanted to thank you, Dr. Ndiang’ui, for being so concerned and understanding about my knee/brace. I am very appreciative of your concern, yet extremely glad I was able to experience this with the class!

Don't top your trees the buds at the tips

Don't top your trees  

 The buds at the tips of shoots in trees are hormonally controlled. Those on lateral branches are obsessed to grow outward, toward light (phototropic). Those on tree tops are obsessed to grow upwards against gravity(geotropic). When look for an iphone today topping cuts are made and the geotropic buds are removed, the woody plant switches the hormonal signals to the buds at the tips of the upper lateral branches to start development against gravity. Some species of trees will also trigger dormant buds that lay under the bark (epicormic) of the tree to release and raise geotropically, known as watersprouts. 

 Either type of newly recruited geotropic buds will grow many times faster than those of the original top, oft quickly reattaining the height of the original top. The result is angstrom unit new top far larger and untold more dense than the original. At this point, any benefit of the topping cut is undone and the original issue is more of amp problem than before.... but it gets worse: 

 Trees are rarely capable to close off wounds from top-flight cuts fast enough to stop unsoundness fungi from entering the open area. As the newly recruited tops curve ball upward and put on rapid growth, the area around their point of attachment to the trunk becomes increasingly more decayed inside, thus weakening the new tops' attachment, already weak because of the two 90-degree turns from the stem. 

 The obvious statement of many large new tops with weak attachment points is a hunt that can become very hazardous. 

 Accordingly, many of our municipalities disallow topping in their tree bylaws, unless it is for hazard reduction metal previously topped trees. 

 Don't stilt soil or other debris over your tree's root system  

 Tree roots require air to survive. On the other hand, too much zephyr will desiccate roots and kill them. As roots grow outward, they win a delicate balance of air, moisture, and nutrient supply in the soil, with the fine absorbing roots commonly being found in the top some inches. When extra soil is over a tree's rooting area, it decreases the amount of oxygen that can get to these roots, much killing them. This also renders the lower soil environment more favourable to root decay fungi which, in life-threatening infections, can cause the entire actor to fall over. Adding as least as two inches of soil to the rooting area can be decent to kill a mature tree. 

 Don't over prune your trees 

 While some orchardists rely on hard pruning to maintain a heavy yield, this is not a appropriate practice for most homeowners. Orchard trees are grown specifically for fruit display and not for aesthetic value. Such pruning practices severely reduce a tree's life expectancy, compromise structural form, and come at heavy maintenance cost due to excessive sprouting. Heavy fruit crops are a symptom of stress, and such trees are pruned so element to stress them. 

 Trees big for ornamental value, as is the case in most yards should not have more than 25% of the leafy area removed in antiophthalmic factor year. Keeping within such limits, spell making proper cuts, can keep A tree healthy and maintain an beautiful form. This can be done while, at the same time, maintaining axerophthol decent yield of fruit, if and then desired. Pruning is all about balance. 

 Don't fertilize unless you go through your tree needs it 

 Any nutrient becomes toxic when there is too much of it in the soil. Because trees are much longer-lived than most other garden plants, they keep a delicate equilibrium between evolution rates and other physiological functions and moisture and nutrient levels in their environment. Upsetting this balance by adding concentrated nutrients can have unintended and unwanted growth reactions in trees. If a tree shows symptoms of wholesome deficiency, it is best to undergo the soil tested before trying to amend the soil. If fertilizer is required, it is best to function an organic form, in which nutrients are released at a slower value and are therefore less likely to cause fertilizer burn than a man-made variety. The easiest way to amend your soil, is to estimate a tree to take back its own nutrients, by allowing leaves to compost themselves on-site. 

 Don't playing period water your trees 

 While trees do need water to survive, excessively much water can kill them. Roots need access to air through geographical area pores, which can be cut sour by oversaturated soil. Roots in oversaturated soil will eventually die. Wet conditions are also very favourable to numerous of the fungi responsible for tree diagram decay, especially for root rot fungi, which can result in the whole tree falling over. 

 Don't baffle in over your head  

 If you are considering working on your trees and something seems unsafe, it probably is. There is fat-soluble vitamin lot of weight involved and adenine lot of forces at play even out in fairly small trees, and numerous homeowners are seriously injured or lamentable yearly when trying to do employ they are improperly equipped for. If unsure, call an expert. 

 If you are considering working on your trees and aren't familiar with prudish pruning techniques, trees' growth responses to pruning or damage, or the and limitations of the particular variety of tree in question, it is wise to call an expert. Short-term savings on doing work one's somebody are often dwarfed by the long-tem cost of attempting to repair letter tree from improper pruning. 

 Do know the species of your trees, and the personalities of those kind 

 Each species of tree has its own specific needs and habits. Knowing these ahead of time posterior help you avoid actions that decide harm your tree, or prevent you from planting the right tree inch the wrong spot in the first-year place. Western redcedar (Thuja plicata) has a shallow, spreading root system that allows its roots to survive the wet environments it grows in naturally. This species would be inappropriate for a fast-draining hilltop, or a place where heavy traffic is expected the rooting area. Most birches (Betula spp.) are likewise adapted to chemical agent growing sites, often naturally growing creeks or in gullies. This is one reason we see a peck of otherwise beautiful birch trees stylish Vancouver planted in fast-draining lawns with dead tops. Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii), the bearer of our provincial flower, is very sensitive to damp conditions and stagnant airflow, and will quickly die in such conditions from dogwood anthracnose. 

 Knowing the median mature size and spread of A tree is of utmost importance fashionable choosing its planting location. Every year, we are called to remove beautiful, healthy trees, that have been planted in the wrong spot and are damaging buildings. 

 Do being trees in appropriate spots  

 This goes along with knowing your species... We are surrounded by equable rainforest full of beautiful trees. Where there is room for them to grow, large native species such dominion Douglas-fir, western redcedar, western hemlock, M fir, and bigleaf maple can follow marvelous assets to a yard. The same goes with stately exotic trees such as black walnut, beech, operating theater elm. However, property owners frequently don't take mature form into consideration planting seedlings, or allowing naturally trees to grow in place. 

 A bit of planning while ampere tree is small can reduce the need for expensive removals down the road, along with the loss of an otherwise beautiful tree. Trees that grow large also tend to develop surprisingly rapidly. 

 Do water your trees if they need it 

 Trees growing in our region hold acclimatized to our rainy environment. Established trees should have no problem treatment with a week or two of drought when we do get alcoholic breaks. However, prolonged droughts can unnecessarily stress your trees, reducing their forcefulness and thereby reducing their resistance to pathogens. Trees benefit most from (no more than twice a week) deep watering than from regular stumpy bursts with a sprinkler. They proceed not like their trunks being sprayed directly by a sprinkler, rather ampere gentle soaking of the soil some the root area, ideally with soaker hose. Watering is most in the evenings, as during the day much of the water is effectively lost to evaporation before form can absorb it. 

 Do individual limbs pruned back from your sign  

 It is beneficial to prune tree limbs growing towards walls and roofs early on to open up a form that will require immature maintenance in the future, and set up adequate clearance from buildings. Branches motion within 3 ft. of roofs surgery eves invite squirrels and rats onto rooftops, where they can gain way inside through roof vents, often nesting in attic space. This is deoxyadenosine monophosphate common problem in the Greater Vancouver area. 

  topping cuts are made and the geotropic buds are removed, the woody plant switches the hormonal signals to the buds at the tips of the upper lateral branches to start development against gravity. Some species of trees will also trigger dormant buds that lay under the bark (epicormic) of the tree to release and raise geotropically, known as watersprouts. 

 Either type of newly recruited geotropic buds will grow many times faster than those of the original top, oft quickly reattaining the height of the original top. The result is angstrom unit new top far larger and untold more dense than the original. At this point, any benefit of the topping cut is undone and the original issue is more of amp problem than before.... but it gets worse: 

 Trees are rarely capable to close off wounds from top-flight cuts fast enough to stop unsoundness fungi from entering the open area. As the newly recruited tops curve ball upward and put on rapid growth, the area around their point of attachment to the trunk becomes increasingly more decayed inside, thus weakening the new tops' attachment, already weak because of the two 90-degree turns from the stem. 

 The obvious statement of many large new tops with weak attachment points is a hunt that can become very hazardous. 

 Accordingly, many of our municipalities disallow topping in their tree bylaws, unless it is for hazard reduction metal previously topped trees. 

 Don't stilt soil or other debris over your tree's root system  

 Tree roots require air to survive. On the other hand, too much zephyr will desiccate roots and kill them. As roots grow outward, they win a delicate balance of air, moisture, and nutrient supply in the soil, with the fine absorbing roots commonly being found in the top some inches. When extra soil is over a tree's rooting area, it decreases the amount of oxygen that can get to these roots, much killing them. This also renders the lower soil environment more favourable to root decay fungi which, in life-threatening infections, can cause the entire actor to fall over. Adding as least as two inches of soil to the rooting area can be decent to kill a mature tree. 

 Don't over prune your trees 

 While some orchardists rely on hard pruning to maintain a heavy yield, this is not a appropriate practice for most homeowners. Orchard trees are grown specifically for fruit display and not for aesthetic value. Such pruning practices severely reduce a tree's life expectancy, compromise structural form, and come at heavy maintenance cost due to excessive sprouting. Heavy fruit crops are a symptom of stress, and such trees are pruned so element to stress them. 

 Trees big for ornamental value, as is the case in most yards should not have more than 25% of the leafy area removed in antiophthalmic factor year. Keeping within such limits, spell making proper cuts, can keep A tree healthy and maintain an beautiful form. This can be done while, at the same time, maintaining axerophthol decent yield of fruit, if and then desired. Pruning is all about balance. 

 Don't fertilize unless you go through your tree needs it 

 Any nutrient becomes toxic when there is too much of it in the soil. Because trees are much longer-lived than most other garden plants, they keep a delicate equilibrium between evolution rates and other physiological functions and moisture and nutrient levels in their environment. Upsetting this balance by adding concentrated nutrients can have unintended and unwanted growth reactions in trees. If a tree shows symptoms of wholesome deficiency, it is best to undergo the soil tested before trying to amend the soil. If fertilizer is required, it is best to function an organic form, in which nutrients are released at a slower value and are therefore less likely to cause fertilizer burn than a man-made variety. The easiest way to amend your soil, is to estimate a tree to take back its own nutrients, by allowing leaves to compost themselves on-site. 

 Don't playing period water your trees 

 While trees do need water to survive, excessively much water can kill them. Roots need access to air through geographical area pores, which can be cut sour by oversaturated soil. Roots in oversaturated soil will eventually die. Wet conditions are also very favourable to numerous of the fungi responsible for tree diagram decay, especially for root rot fungi, which can result in the whole tree falling over. 

 Don't baffle in over your head  

 If you are considering working on your trees and something seems unsafe, it probably is. There is fat-soluble vitamin lot of weight involved and adenine lot of forces at play even out in fairly small trees, and numerous homeowners are seriously injured or lamentable yearly when trying to do employ they are improperly equipped for. If unsure, call an expert. 

 If you are considering working on your trees and aren't familiar with prudish pruning techniques, trees' growth responses to pruning or damage, or the and limitations of the particular variety of tree in question, it is wise to call an expert. Short-term savings on doing work one's somebody are often dwarfed by the long-tem cost of attempting to repair letter tree from improper pruning. 

 Do know the species of your trees, and the personalities of those kind 

 Each species of tree has its own specific needs and habits. Knowing these ahead of time posterior help you avoid actions that decide harm your tree, or prevent you from planting the right tree inch the wrong spot in the first-year place. Western redcedar (Thuja plicata) has a shallow, spreading root system that allows its roots to survive the wet environments it grows in naturally. This species would be inappropriate for a fast-draining hilltop, or a place where heavy traffic is expected the rooting area. Most birches (Betula spp.) are likewise adapted to chemical agent growing sites, often naturally growing creeks or in gullies. This is one reason we see a peck of otherwise beautiful birch trees stylish Vancouver planted in fast-draining lawns with dead tops. Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii), the bearer of our provincial flower, is very sensitive to damp conditions and stagnant airflow, and will quickly die in such conditions from dogwood anthracnose. 

 Knowing the median mature size and spread of A tree is of utmost importance fashionable choosing its planting location. Every year, we are called to remove beautiful, healthy trees, that have been planted in the wrong spot and are damaging buildings. 

 Do being trees in appropriate spots  

 This goes along with knowing your species... We are surrounded by equable rainforest full of beautiful trees. Where there is room for them to grow, large native species such dominion Douglas-fir, western redcedar, western hemlock, M fir, and bigleaf maple can follow marvelous assets to a yard. The same goes with stately exotic trees such as black walnut, beech, operating theater elm. However, property owners frequently don't take mature form into consideration planting seedlings, or allowing naturally trees to grow in place. 

 A bit of planning while ampere tree is small can reduce the need for expensive removals down the road, along with the loss of an otherwise beautiful tree. Trees that grow large also tend to develop surprisingly rapidly. 

 Do water your trees if they need it 

 Trees growing in our region hold acclimatized to our rainy environment. Established trees should have no problem treatment with a week or two of drought when we do get alcoholic breaks. However, prolonged droughts can unnecessarily stress your trees, reducing their forcefulness and thereby reducing their resistance to pathogens. Trees benefit most from (no more than twice a week) deep watering than from regular stumpy bursts with a sprinkler. They proceed not like their trunks being sprayed directly by a sprinkler, rather ampere gentle soaking of the soil some the root area, ideally with soaker hose. Watering is most in the evenings, as during the day much of the water is effectively lost to evaporation before form can absorb it. 

 Do individual limbs pruned back from your sign  

 It is beneficial to prune tree limbs growing towards walls and roofs early on to open up a form that will require immature maintenance in the future, and set up adequate clearance from buildings. Branches motion within 3 ft. of roofs surgery eves invite squirrels and rats onto rooftops, where they can gain way inside through roof vents, often nesting in attic space. This is deoxyadenosine monophosphate common problem in the Greater Vancouver area.