August is a great month to really take advantage of the garden. Plants are blooming, fragrances abound and there are great summer vegetables to harvest. And – getting gardening advice for those summer questions is easier with the sites such as Garden-Share, a fun way to connect with others interested in the same subject. Enjoy!

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According to the Audubon Society, there are approximately 48 million people who identify themselves as ‘birders’.   There is even an App that is available for i-phones that can help you identify birds.  This is all proof that we love nature and want to stay connected in many different ways. The Audubon Society has been promoting a program to help people connect with nature.  The Great Outdoors Initiative celebrates  our nation’s spectacular landscapes and natural abundance. “It’s not fattening. It can change your mood in a heartbeat. And it’s romantic. Taking nature personally is as American as freedom — and nature doesn’t belong to a party,” said David Yarnold, President & CEO of Audubon. Visit the Audubon Society’s web site to learn more about the Great Outdoors Initiative and other bird related programs: http://birds.audubon.org/

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“Spending more time in nature might have some surprising health benefits.”  This and other information can be found in the recent New York Times article “The Claim: Exposure to Plants and Parks Can Boost immunity” by Anahad O’Connor (July 5, 2010).  Stress reduction, increased immune function, lower concentration of cortisol, lower pulse rate and lower blood pressure are just a few of the many health benefits associated with our interaction with nature. As the article describes, “Exposure to plants and trees seems to benefit health.”  It is good to see that articles like this are reaching main stream America and beyond.  We have know for years that contact with nature helps us recover from illness.  Now the studies are proving that daily contact will make us healthier – and save healthcare dollars, too!  The article can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/06/health/06real.html?_r=2&emc=eta1

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Spring is upon us and we are itching to get back into the garden.  The winter months, especially after the many storms we have experienced, have left us much to do.  One of our chores is to assess the condition of our trees.  The snow has caused some branches to split and/or fall.  There may also be dead branches that should be removed.  Or, we may want to open up the garden for some additional sunlight. Unless you want to maintain a formal garden setting, most trees look better when they are left in a natural form.  The best time to assess the ‘structure’ of the tree is when it is dormant.  It is easier to clearly see what branches may need to be pruned when there are no leaves on the tree.  To keep the natural form and appearance of a tree, do not try to shape it into a complete sphere or ball.  That is not what nature intended. One critical aspect of tree care is to never cut the central leader of the tree.  Most all trees have a central spine that is essential to the structure of the tree.  Again, this should never be cut.  This will impair the life and healthy growth of the tree.  It is better to determine the ultimate height of a specific tree before it is planted, rather than trying to control the height of a tree after it has been installed.  A little research will save time and the creation of disfigured tree. A few general rules to consider when tending to the care of a tree include the following conditions.  Remove dead twigs and branches to prevent further problems from spreading.  Remove any new shoots that emerge from the area around the trunk of the tree.  Remove any branches that are crossing which may cause a wound from the friction of the branches when they move in the wind. A light pruning is recommended after the leaves of the trees appear.  A ‘hard’ or more severe pruning is best to do when the tree is dormant (winter months). Trees are the backbone any garden and landscape.  We need to nurture and respect these special plants.  They live a long time, sometimes hundreds of years, and our care can help to make sure that they live even longer.

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As you move indoors for the colder winter months, you can bring a bit of nature with you. Think about adding a small table top water feature, herbs on a kitchen window sill and plants in various rooms. Fresh cut flowers will enliven any room. Even better, bring some flowers to a friend when you visit. Maybe a photograph of your garden in a picture frame will remind you of the garden and what to look forward to in 2009. This is a good way to use nature to help bring a calmness to your home and office.

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