Fertilisers contain essential nutrients (and minerals), in various ratios for specific purposes in order to bolster plant growth. Most gardeners are now familiar with the fact that nitrogen encourages leaf growth, potash boosts flower production, while phosphates encourage root development and strength. Fertiliser packets reliably carry the information about nitrogen, potassium and phosphate (NPK) content that we need to know.

So-called balanced fertilisers (such as traditional, organic, blood fish and bone or inorganic Growmore), are those that contain more or less equal quantities of all three nutrients.

Finally, I should mention that soluble and liquid fertilisers and foliar feeds of various kinds are useful, being quickly absorbed by plants under stress.

Box in containers

Our 10-year-old potted box plants, nurtured from infancy, seem to be merely hanging on to life. I suspect they need potting on into larger pots but how big should these be, and what sort of growing medium should I use?

Sue Jarvis, via email

Although you dont give me much to go on here, after 10 years even miserable box plants should have developed some sort of root ball and acquired a certain maturity. I hope you have not just been watching them eke out a half-life, undernourished in one- or two-litre plastic pots of exhausted multipurpose compost.

Here is a rule of muddy thumb: a 10-year-old plant of Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa (the small variety used for low hedging and potted topiary), presumably clipped each June into a shape of some sort as is the convention, would need to be in a pot about 18in (45cm) wide and deep. Box needs perfect drainage and rich, gutsy soil John Innes no 3 with added coarse compost to soften it up a bit.

Every spring they will need to have the top few inches of their compost replaced or revitalised with some slow release fertiliser suitable for shrubs, and a seaweed liquid feed is useful in mid-to-late summer.

Very old, large box plants may need repotting/root pruning a few years down the line, but that is a little story for another day if anyone wants to ask about it.

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Thorny problems: do I need mulches, manures and fertilisers?

21 hours ago A Yorkshire field trial of high oleic hemp.

Scientists at the University of York today report the development of hemp plants with a dramatically increased content of oleic acid. The new oil profile results in an attractive cooking oil that is similar to olive oil in terms of fatty acid content having a much longer shelf life as well as greater heat tolerance and potentially more industrial applications.

Researchers in the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) in the Department of Biology at York say that high oleic acid varieties are a major step towards developing hemp as a commercially attractive break crop for cereal farmers. The research is published in Plant Biotechnology Journal.

Using fast-track molecular plant breeding, the scientists selected hemp plants lacking the active form of an enzyme involved in making polyunsaturated fatty acids. These plants made less poly-unsaturated fatty acids and instead accumulated higher levels of the mono-unsaturated oleic acid. The research team used conventional plant breeding techniques to develop the plants into a "High Oleic Hemp" line and higher oleic acid content was demonstrated in a Yorkshire field trial.

Oil from the new line was almost 80 per cent oleic acid, compared with typical values of less than 10 per cent in the standard hemp line. This high mono-unsaturated/low poly-unsaturated fatty acid profile increases the oil's thermal stability and oil from the new line was shown to have around five times the stability of standard hemp oil. This not only makes the oil more valuable as a cooking oil but also increases its usefulness for high temperature industrial processes.

As oilseed rape faces declining yields and increasing attacks from pest and disease, UK farming needs another break crop to ensure the sustainability of its agriculture and maintain cereal yields. An improved hemp crop, yielding high quality oil would provide an excellent alternative. Hemp is a low-input crop and is also dual-purpose, with the straw being used as a fibre (for bedding, composites and textiles), for biomass and as a source of high value waxes and secondary metabolites.

Professor Ian Graham, from CNAP, said: "The new line represents a major improvement in hemp as an oil crop. Similar developments in soybean and oilseed rape have opened up new markets for these crops, due to the perceived healthiness and increased stability of their oil."

In 2014 field trials of the new High Oleic Hemp are being rolled out across Europe in order to establish agronomic performance and yield under a range of environmental conditions in advance of launching a commercial crop.

Explore further: New analysis finds hempseed oil packed with health-promoting compounds

More information: "Targeted mutation of delta 12 and delta 15 desaturase genes in hemp produce major alterations in seed fatty acid composition including a high oleic hemp" by Monika Beileka et al. will be published by the Plant Biotechnology Journal on 10 February 2014. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1467-7652/earlyview

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Oil composition boost makes hemp a cooking contender

MINERAL - Lassen Volcanic National Park will take advantage of low snow levels and begin work on the Northwest Gateway Forest Restoration Project.

This fuel reduction project is located in the northwest corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park where forest conditions present a severe risk of high intensity fire.

In partnership with Lassen National Forest, a onetime entry with mechanized equipment will be used to reduce live understory and ladder fuels in this popular recreation area.

These activities will specifically focus on the reduction of excessive understory tree densities and surface fuel loads previously managed with prescribed fire.

"One hundred years of fire exclusion in Lassen Volcanic National Park has resulted in overly dense and unhealthy forest areas," said Park Superintendent Darlene Koontz. "In the absence of surface fires, shade-tolerant white fir have formed dense thickets crowding out old growth pines, aspen stands, and understory shrub and grass vegetation. The process will reduce oldgrowth mortality rates, promote a more varied stand structure, and restore and protect wildlife habitat."

The Northwest Gateway Forest Restoration project is composed of six areas with a total treatment area of up to 2145 acres.

In early February weather permitting, mechanical thinning will begin in two of the six areas totaling approximately 500 acres.

Should the park receive a significant amount of snow, the project may be postponed for the season.

The overall restoration goal of this treatment strategy is to reestablish a fire adapted forest landscape by restoring a more resilient, diverse forest structure.

Once the forest structures and/or surface fuel profiles have been restored, natural and prescribed fire applications can be utilized to further restore, enhance and maintain the system without further use of mechanical equipment.

Continued here:
Lassen Volcanic National Park restoration

Insect Control has a direct impact on your plant health and longevity. Certain types of insects can be fatal to your trees. Four major pests now posing a threat to local tree populations in Massachusetts include the Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Longhorned Beetle, Woolley Adelgid and Winter Moth. Our certified arborists will inspect your trees and shrubs, diagnose the problem and recommend the best insect control treatment option to protect your plants, at no charge. Tree Techs on site evaluation and insect control recommendations can include any of the following: altering irrigation, pruning, planting depth, changing or addressing mulch issues, spraying or applying plant treatments. Our goal is to keep your trees and shrubs healthy. Tree Tech even has the necessary equipment to reach the tops of large trees to provide treatment. Tree Techs licensed applicators use sprays, pesticides and organic treatments when applicable to effectively treat a wide variety of pests including mites, gypsy moths, Emerald Ash Borer, deer ticks, winter moth and other types of intrusive insects that can harm your trees and shrubs. We offer Mosquito sprays, poison ivy treatment and soil injections for insect control. Our insect control philosophy is simple - use low impact treatments and natural, organic ingredients whenever possible to minimize the presence of insects while maintaining a sense of environmental responsibility. Contact us for a complimentary site visit.

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Tree and Shrub Insect Control | Insect & Disease Control ...

Tips for pruning trees

image credit: Courtesy photo

Buried somewhere in the list of challenges and hopes for the New Year are a few issues that we face in our landscapes.

To highlight some of these, the following Top 10 list has been developed from situations I often encounter. Many are repeated year after year to the dismay of arborists.

But first, what will be the impact of the recent prolonged cold temperatures on certain plants, trees and shrubs in our landscapes?

Cold Weather Damage

Most of our native trees and shrubs can withstand freezing conditions. However, the more exotic plants, like those with palm-like leaves, will either be damaged or killed by extended cold temperatures.

Plants or small trees that are planted in pots or containers may have been damaged or killed. While they might normally withstand such conditions, they lacked the insulating soil that normally protects the roots when planted in the ground.

As spring approaches, the damaged tissue on the tips of branches and twigs will begin to darken and shrivel up. New growth will not emerge as usual. Then decisions must be made to either bury the victim or attempt to apply gardener first aid.

If new growth begins to develop below the damaged portion of a plant, the dead part can be removed for aesthetic appearances. Eventually, the tree or shrub may recover its former shape with some patient TLC.

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Follow these Top 10 tips and keep trees healthy | Evergreen Arborist

The West Australian Finger lime growing at Tass 1 Trees. Picture: Astrid Volzke

There's a strong movement among native-plant lovers to grow species that are traditional sources of food among Aboriginals.

There's a lot to love about these plants, which are in most cases tough enough to grow well in home gardens without needing too much extra work or resources to produce successfully.

Here are my recommendations based on the easiest varieties to start with.

The term native is a little deceptive so I've tried to break it down to plants that are endemic to our south-west corner of Australia and then others that are popular bush tucker varieties from other parts of the country.

(Citrus australasicus and Citrus glauca)

Most of these are native to semi-arid and arid areas of New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia and there are many references where early settlers relied on them to provide the zing to a gin and tonic on a hot afternoon.

The fruits are not only edible, they are attractive, with hybrids producing good-quality fruit. The flesh has a strong citrus flavor and is being used as a garnish in many up-market restaurants. The plants love full sun, a lack of love and will perform in most garden situations.

(Santalum acuminatum) (WA)

This is a semi-parasitic tree with succulent bright red fruits that make for a tasty snack and can be made into jams and jellies.

Link:
Grow your own bush tucker

Our office services all of Southern Beaufort County including Daufuskie Island. We also service the Hardeeville and Ridgeland areas in Jasper County. View more details on the areas served by our Hilton Head office.

Arborists in our Hilton Head office are committed to helping local residents and businesses maintain beautiful, healthy trees and shrubs. Our arborists are experts in diagnosing and treating tree and shrub problems specific to the Hilton Head area. Plus, with access to Bartletts global resources and advanced scientific research facility, we can provide customers with benefits that just arent available from other Hilton Head tree services.

Bartlett Tree Experts offers a variety of services to help our customers maintain beautiful, healthy trees and shrubs. No matter the size or scope of your tree service or shrub care needs, we want to work with you to protect your landscape investment. Access a complete list of the tree services we provide in the Hilton Head, SC area.

Fertilization and Soil Management To thrive, trees and shrubs require a healthy blend of nutrients in the soil where they live.

Lightning Protection For high value trees, lightning protection systems can minimize the risk of damage from a strike.

Storm Damage Some basic procedures can help reduce the risk of damage to your trees from severe storms.

Insect and Disease Management Bartlett uses an integrated approach to suppress pests and manage tree diseases on your property.

Pruning Pruning is periodically required to improve the health and appearance of woody landscape plants.

Tree Removal Expert removals can be performed for a number of reasons ranging from dying trees to new construction.

The TCIA Accreditation "seal of approval" helps consumers find tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on adherence to industry standards for quality and safety, maintenance of trained, professional staff, and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices. Through research, technology, and education, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) promotes the professional practice of arboriculture and fosters a greater worldwide awareness of the benefits of trees. The Board-Certified Master Arborist credential is designed for arborists who have reached the pinnacle of their profession.

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Bartlett Tree Experts: Tree Service and Shrub Care in Hilton ...

We service the metro Richmond area and its surrounding counties which are: Henrico, Hanover, New Kent, Charles City, Chesterfield, Petersburg, Goochland, King William, King and Queen, Louisa, Westmoreland, Northumberland, Lancaster, Richmond, Essex, Middlesex, Powhatan, Amelia, Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Nottoway. View more details on the areas served by our Richmond office.

Arborists in our Richmond office are committed to helping local residents and businesses maintain beautiful, healthy trees and shrubs. Our arborists are experts in diagnosing and treating tree and shrub problems specific to the Richmond area. Plus, with access to Bartletts global resources and advanced scientific research facility, we can provide customers with benefits that just arent available from other Richmond tree services.

Bartlett Tree Experts offers a variety of services to help our customers maintain beautiful, healthy trees and shrubs. No matter the size or scope of your tree service or shrub care needs, we want to work with you to protect your landscape investment. Access a complete list of the tree services we provide in the Richmond, VA area.

Tree Inspections Arborists check the overall health of trees, look for infestations, and identify structural problems.

Insect and Disease Management Bartlett uses an integrated approach to suppress pests and manage tree diseases on your property.

Plant Analysis and Diagnostics Contact an arborist to determine the cause of a plant health problem or to identify a pest infestation.

Fertilization and Soil Management To thrive, trees and shrubs require a healthy blend of nutrients in the soil where they live.

Lightning Protection For high value trees, lightning protection systems can minimize the risk of damage from a strike.

Pruning Pruning is periodically required to improve the health and appearance of woody landscape plants.

The TCIA Accreditation "seal of approval" helps consumers find tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on adherence to industry standards for quality and safety, maintenance of trained, professional staff, and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices. Through research, technology, and education, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) promotes the professional practice of arboriculture and fosters a greater worldwide awareness of the benefits of trees. The Board-Certified Master Arborist credential is designed for arborists who have reached the pinnacle of their profession.

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Bartlett Tree Experts: Tree Service and Shrub Care in Richmond, VA

Fall gardens represent the culmination of months of human work, months of plant growth. As such, you need to make a conscious effort to enjoy them to the fullest. While the spring landscape holds the seeds (literally) of a fresh start and thus carries a certain excitement of its own, the garden in autumn holds a trump card: it's called the "harvest," the sights, smells and tastes of which are not to be missed for anything.

But the autumn also brings with it some chores that we must perform before the arrival of winter. Below is an FAQ that will:

You've had a long summer of mowing the lawn, pruning shrubs watering trees, maintaining your perennials, etc. You're ready for a break, come autumn, right? Well, not so fast! There are a number of recommended tasks to perform in the fall garden. I'll get the most obvious (deceptively obvious) one out of the way first, even though you'll have to hold off on this one until after you've performed most of the other tasks:

Q.-- What is the most easily overlooked chore in fall gardens?

OK, here's another task that is not at all obvious (at least to beginners). Everyone knows that you have to water grass and other plants in summer. Anyone who doesn't already know this will find out soon: try skipping on watering your lawn some summer, and you'll wind up with dead grass. But what about when summer's heat passes? I deal with watering trees and shrubs later in this FAQ, but regarding watering lawns, click the following link:

Q.-- With all the snow we'll be getting this winter, I don't have to water my autumn lawn, do I?

Watering the lawn is one thing. But what about mowing in fall. Do you finally get a break from mowing in autumn? And if not, the question is:

Q.-- How long into the fall season should I continue to mow the lawn?

Yet another question about autumn lawn care follows. Lawns are a lot of work, aren't they? That's why I'm all for killing grass to convert lawn areas into planting beds for perennials and shrubs. But if you're a lawn holdout, you'll want the answer to this question:

Q.-- How high should grass be cut in autumn?

More here:
Fall Gardens - Tree, Shrub and Lawn Care in Autumn

Unlike the previous year, 2013 started without any major drama for law enforcement officers but turned into a year seeing eight murders, of which the police solved four. In 2012, the number of murders was 11.

Valentine's Day murder

Four days after Valentine's Day, Ronald Galea, 65, of Birkirkara, was shot outside his meat factory in Hal Far. At around 4:45pm on Monday 18 February, Galea left the Continental Meat Company - a meat factory he owned - and drove off in his Ford Mondeo. Upon exiting the vehicle to lock the gate, a hooded man approached the victim and shot him eight times in the back and head.

A passer-by heard the shots and saw Galea fall to the ground. Immediately calling the police, the eyewitness informed investigators the hooded killer had left the scene in a silver Toyota Vitz. Moments later an ambulance arrived on site but Ronald Galea had lost his fight with death.

Investigators believed that unknown to Galea, his killer had been waiting for him. The weapon used was a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Two days later, the police held a man in his 30s who worked in the same sector as the victim, to assist them in their investigations. Galea was owed substantial amounts of money, however the credit was all related to his business.

The police did not arraign anybody over the killing.

The gangland saga

Three months later, gunshots claimed the life of another man in the first of four gangland vendetta murders. After pure chance saved him from a car bomb attempt back in 2012, at 11am on 31 May, luck ran out for Paul Degabriele, known as 'Is-Suldat', when he was shot outside the Enemalta customer care office in Belt il-Hazna, Marsa.

The 49-year-old from Fgura, left a coffee bar and entered into his Toyota Hilux when his assailant drove by in a white van. CCTV footage taken from nearby buildings did not confirm if this was a drive-by shooting, or whether the assailant emerged from the car to kill Degabriele.

Witnesses saw a person with bloodstained clothes walking away from the scene. The white van, identified as the assailant's vehicle, was later found burnt in Hamrun.

Link:
Gangland vendettas, family feuds, and blackmail