Research shows Jasmine improves sleep
By: Robyn Coughlin
Recent research shows that certain plants, specifically Jasmin, can improve concentration and give one a better night’s sleep
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As with most research, these benefits are not proven to work for anyone, nor are they proven to work at all. However, there is scientific evidence that indicates certain plants will improve cognitive functioning and overall quality of sleep.
Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, assistant professor of psychology at Wheeling Jesuit University (WJU) and his colleagues studied 20 people while they slept for three consecutive nights. The study consisted of three different groups of people: those who were exposed to a Jasmine odor, those who were exposed to a Lavender odor, and a third ‘control group’ who was exposed to no odor at all. (more…)
Passion in a Garden? Imagine…
By Spencer Larsen, Landscape Designer
Passion in a garden, are you out of your mind? That’s it! That’s what it’s all about. When it comes to designing a garden, first I think it starts with finding your passion. If you take a moment to think of some of the most important things in your life I am willing to bet there is a place for it in the garden. There are so many different elements that can be part of a garden. Size, family, utility, sport, entertainment, retreat, therapy, education, healing and family this is a list that could help to root out what or where your passions may lie. Maybe in just one or all of the areas and believe me my list is just a start. There are a lot of crazies out there, who knows maybe garden Gnomes will have a comeback. Most gardens will have a few of these elements incorporated, but the true passion needs to come from within the end user of any garden.
The humidity is finally gone!
It’s been a brutally warm July! Thermometers all across the state nearly burst as last week’s heat wave rolled through. Now that the heat has passed it’s time to get back outside and start picking weeds and pruning trees to make sure your greens soak up all the energy that the summer sun has to offer. Here is a checklist of the most important things to get done in your yard and garden during the months of July and August. And be sure to read our Pruning Guidelines for a quick recap of the proper way to prune your plants and trees.
Summer is only a week away! Remember these tips for the summer season.
South Dakotans are having a hard time believing that the spring season is almost over! Temperatures are still lingering in the 70′s and rain is in the forecast almost every day this week. Not to worry though, summer is scheduled to arrive next Tuesday, June 21! And along with the warmer weather and growing greens comes a big checklist of things for you to get done around your yard and garden. We’ve included some great resources on this site to help you keep your garden and yard colorful and healthy all summer long. Check out the following articles that cover the most important topics for the summer season, and get back in your garden!
Tree, Shrub and Evergreen Pruning Guidelines
Now is the time to fertilize and start planting!
After what seems like the longest winter and coldest Spring imaginable, the nice weather is finally starting to roll in! And as the temperatures warm up, it’s important to get your garden fertilized and ready for planting. Be sure to work fertilizers into vegetable and flower gardens before planting. Oakridge Nursery carries a variety of fertilizers that will help energize your soil to ensure the proper growth of all your plants and vegetables. Also be sure not to plant annuals and geraniums until frost is no longer a danger. (more…)
Why You Should Garden!
April is National Garden Month! We celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd and Arbor Day April 29th. Arbor Day is a national holiday that focuses the public’s attention on the importance of trees to our life on this planet. Earth Day is focused on doing something to give back to the Earth. From the first celebration of Earth Day in 1970, the nation’s air is much cleaner. Over the last three decades, total emissions of six principal air pollutants have decreased by 54%. Celebrating Earth Day can be anything from using less water, saving energy, recycling, carpooling or planting a garden.
Gardening was a part of daily life for many years, but has decreased severely since we have become more modern and good quality fresh produce is regularly available. Gardening provides many useful tools other than fresh vegetables, fruit and beautiful flowers. Gardeners have something they can feel proud of. Gardening is a hobby that can be passed down for generations as well as an opportunity to create a family activity.
Prevent Your Tomatoes from Rotting by Controlling Moisture Levels
Whether you grow tomatoes in attractive tubs, on your patio, or in a full-scale vegetable garden, there’s nothing better than the flavor of a home-grown tomato. BLT’s, tomato jelly, salsa, hamburgers topped with a big tomato slice…that’s the true acknowledgement that summer is here. But each year, home gardeners, waiting eagerly for their tomatoes to ripen, are faced with annoying tomato diseases and environmental stresses. The most common is blossom end rot.
