The mood of despondency in the house plant grower must by now be almost complete at the prospect of having so many wee heasties crawling about the house. Let me again assert that it would be most unusual and something of a disaster for all these to be present, and the chances are that one is likely to come across nothing more than the occasional attack of greenfly. The foregoing information on pests is intended to make their detection easier and the ensuing advice, it is hoped, will help to keep them under control.

Many of these plant collections are managed extremely well but often enough an incredible infestation of mealy bug will be shrugged off with the comment, ‘Of course, there is a bit of bug about.’ The sad part of it all is that a thorough drenching spray regularly repeated would lead to considerable improvement.

Mealy bug is another pest that may be encountered. Not very particular about which part of the plant he inhabits, he does have a penchant for finding his way between twisting stems and overlapping leaves where he can he particularly inaccessible to any pest control that may be used. One consolation is that mealy bugs are not difficult to see, as they wrap their young in a cotton wool-like substance. Adult bugs are very similar to small wood lice and powdery white in colour.

Another pest that is, fortunately, not so prevalent today is tarsonemid mite. Very minute, invisible to the naked eve, they concentrate their activities mainly on new young growth, ivies being one of their favourite hosts. Distorted and leafless young growth is an indication of their presence. Unfortunately, there is little one can do to eradicate, or even control these pests, as the one effective chemical is highly poisonous and not available to the general public. Drastic though it may appear, the only sensible course when mite presence haS been confirmed is to dispose of the plant, so reducing the chance of the trouble spreading and other plants in the vicinity becoming affected.

A fortune must be spent annually by growers of all sorts of plants in their efforts to keep red spider mite under control, so there is no lack of material when choosing an insecticide with which to treat them. It would be foolish to list the insecticides that are available as they are changing and, we are told, being improved upon all the time. The helpful plant retailer will be the best person to consult in order to obtain advice on the current popular product. Thereafter, follow the manufacturer’s directions, and be sure to thoroughly saturate the undersides of plant leaves. In order to discourage attack from red spider a moist environment should be maintained around the plants and dry atmosphere and arid conditions should be avoided.

Growing plants in difficult, dark locations account for many failures. The symptoms are discolouration and eventual loss of leaves, and production of small leaves on woody, thin stems. In very dark situations new leaves would be something of a luxury.

Adiantum is widely distributed in South America, Australia and New Zealand. The suitable temperature for the plat is from10 to 18C. (50 to 65F.). It is moderately easy to grow.

When introducing new plants to a collection, whether they he gifts or purchased, a brief inspection should be made for the presence of pests, as these are very much easier to avoid than to eradicate.

For plants other than those one is advised to keep permanently wet, complete saturation of the compost for long periods will prove harmful. Plants should dry out a little between each watering, but excessive drying out of the compost should also he guarded against as this condition can be equally damaging.

A shaded position is preferred. Water freely other than during the winter months when permanently wet compost can be harmful. Propagate by division. A sharp knife will be required to cut through the matted roots of older clumps. When split, the smaller clumps should be potted up individually and watered in. Less congested clumps can be teased apart into smaller, or even individual, pieces if a large number of new plants are required.

When experimenting with new products they should be tried on one plant, or part of a plant, in order to test the reaction. It is much better to he safe than sorry. The majority of plants will do perfectly well (in spite of views to the contrary) in rooms heated by gas appliances provided the atmosphere does not become stuffy; this means that the rooms should be ventilated daily. Draughts can he harmful to many plants, but fresh air on a warm day can do a power of good.

There are also hardy and more tender species available, but those offered for home decoration are, generally speaking, a middle-of-the-road selection which will do better indoors.

Virginia’s rich culture and history is a widely-known phenomenon across America, thanks to Presidents Washington, Lee and Jefferson, as all presidents have their hometowns being located in Virginia. (As mentioned in the previous articles, Virginia hosts the birth towns of at least nine presidents.) Virginia’s modern culture and heritage is a mixture of the cultures of the different states of Southern USA. By default, the Smithsonian Institution has divided Virginia into nine distinct, cultural regions for identification.

Regions are Eastern Shore, Hampton Roads, Chesapeake Bay, Northern Virginia, Central Virginia, Southern Virginia, Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Highlands, and the Heart of Appalachia. All regions aren’t necessarily geographical but they are condensed by same cities, towns, and counties.

The Piedmont region is one of the most prolific for its strong account and influence on the modern accent of Southern American English. But of course, other accents still exist, like the Tidewater Accent of the South, Tangier Island’s Elizabethan accent and the different lingos implemented in Standard American English by different urban communities that usually stem from people of varying culture, race and age.

Southern United States has a very distinct cuisine that is unique from the other states, and Virginia certainly has its own taste and flavor in terms of food. Smithfield ham, or more popularly known as Virginia ham, is a country ham so well protected that it is a crime to produce it outside its hometown of Smithfield.

Architecture is also a strong product of Virginia’s steadfast culture. Most of the old city buildings and riggings of important structures are laced with Neo Classical architecture, due to the past presidents’ who favored it over anything else. The Dutch style (more commonly, Pennsylvania Dutch) is also predominant in most parts of the state, giving outsiders an idea of Virginia’s taste for architectural integrity and aestheticism.

I’ve always thought it curious that some parents feel the need to run to the doctor with their child every time the baby coughs or gets a bump. The common thing is that these are the children always sick, always running a “fever”.

Simply put, medications are suppressants that dull symptoms without getting to the root cause of a problem. They also compromise the body’s ability to digest foods and ward off the next illness or infection because the intestinal flora is also destroyed, the good body bacteria, everytime medications go in.

Think of how that child feels even when people tell them they are all better. They can’t tell a parent that food makes their tummy hurt or that they cannot go to the bathroom even when they feel the need, that eating gives them a headache. They may not have terms to explain those complaints but their world will become that reality without healthy change. All this for the simple fact that medication is destroying their tiny digestive system. They will live a life of doctor’s visits, runny noses, constipation, recurring coughs, recurring bad skin, tummy aches, etc. There is a solution.

Colds and Flu are a message to take a break, even for children. And quite frankly, children today have a lot of pressure. Medications only suppress symptoms, they do not cure. Medication does not get to the root of illness, it simply puts a bandaid on a very deep wound. On occasion, medicines are needed but not for every cough and sniffle. Break out the homeopathic remedies, vitamin C, fresh fruit juices and herbal teas. Unless you have a very ill child, a cold or flu will not kill that child. Have faith in the healing intelligence of the body.

I’ve raised three children, and it is a tough call between letting a fever break and calling the doctor; however, a fever is how the body burns out infection. That is its Internal and Higher Intelligence. When parents study the healing capabilites of the body and support that function, they will weather the tide of simple colds and influenzas much better equipped.

Parents should be vigilant when a child is ill with severe fever to see how high the temperature actually is. Cool compresses and cool baths are better than continual aspirins which dull the fever’s ability to burn the infection.

Rest is imperative, and if I can go on record, even from computers and televisions at close range. Those transmissions at close range are detrimental to the immune system. Fresh, hand squeezed, or organic bottled juices are the best thing for sick children. Vitamin C, maybe Ginger, Chamomile or Dandelion & Echinacea tea with stevia or honey will soothe and assist the body to do its job. Sometimes recurring symptoms are a cry for love and attention so give it when a child is sick and again when theyre well.

Fresh herbal oils and castor oil packs are soothing remedies for sick bodies. In case you feel the trip to the doctor’s office is imperative, and in case of a fever, try to get the fever down before you sit in a waiting room, quite possibly for a couple of hours. Your tub with cool water is only steps away. Having covered some warm and cozy alternatives to the habitual running to a doctors office, lets go back to reminders why we want to have the courage to teach children how great their body is designed.

You want to try everything you can to get well with healthy alternatives and a healthy ongoing lifestyle first because your child will be full of wonder at life. Make your home a fortress of health, from water to herbal teas and fresh juices, echinacea, goldenseal, dandelion, vitamin C (always) herbal teas for children, tuck away organic bottled juice (if you don’t juice yourself) and make homemade soups. They will be bright minded and not dull witted. They will have courage and find their own inner strength. They will have faith in life and lifes processes. They will be a success in life. They will be spiritual BEINGS with a healthy intestinal tract.

Every child is different. Some have more energy, others inquisitive, creative, inventive, and then some may be ill. Building the system with fresh fruits and vegetables, getting the mineral and enzyme count up, will help immeasurably. Remember that medication destroys the integrity of the intestinal tract to absorb nutrients and after continued use the child is more depleted and now has candida yeast overgrowth and compromised gut or leaky bowel syndrome. So, if they must be on medication to live, continue your quest for their recovery naturally also.

As every child is unique, every instance is different. If you have a child that needs medications to stay alive then make sure they get probiotics, vitamins and minerals (and I dont mean the one every day thing). See that they stay regular, which means that they have a bowel movement once or twice a day. Make fresh juices for the child, only buy organic, and drop out sugars, soda or anything white or denatured. You can still take charge and watch the miracle as your child begins getting stronger. Your entire family will be a family of champions because of your courage to take conscious control.

Being balanced is the key. I am a Nutritionist and Naturopath but I have taken my children and myself to the doctor, only when necessary and not that often. Doctors and hospitals save lives and are necessary in extreme cases, not for colds. Just my opinion.

Stay healthy. Ellen Valentine, NC http://www.valentinewellness.com http://www.babynurserybeddingonline.com