Month: August 2024

When to cut back daylilies

 

Whether your plants produce pink, yellow, or orange flowers, knowing when to cut back daylilies can keep these perennials looking tidy and blooming well. Though each flower is only open for a single day, daylilies are a much-loved perennial around the world. In this article, you’ll learn about three different times to cut your daylily plants back to keep them in tip-top shape.

Signs that it may be time to prune your daylilies

Knowing when to cut back daylilies is easy if you know what signs to watch for. While pruning them back at the end of the growing season (after they’ve been killed by a frost) is a common practice that’s part of their general maintenance requirements, whether or not to prune daylilies at other times of the year is a lot more confusing for gardeners.

Signs that it’s time to prune your daylilies—regardless of what time of year it is—include:

  1. Yellow or brown leaves at the bottom of the plant
  2. Dead flower stalks, with or without seedpods
  3. Leaves with spots, splotches, or other signs of disease

Daylily leaves can even naturally turn ratty at the end of their bloom cycle. They put forth a lot of energy to produce their initial new growth followed by stems full of gorgeous blooms. By the time they’re done blooming, the plants are tired and low on fuel.

A well-timed haircut keeps daylily plants looking their best, and in some cases, it can even stimulate another flush of blooms

The 3 best times to prune daylily plants

First, it’s important to mention that while there are ideal times to cut back daylilies based on the time of year and their bloom cycle, it’s also important to know that there really is no wrong time to trim daylilies. If the plants have turned brown and they look bad, don’t hesitate to give them a haircut and clean out any dead foliage, no matter what time of year it is.

If you want to keep your daylily plants looking their best, here are the three best times to prune them back.

1. When to cut back daylilies in spring

Early spring daylily pruning should take place if you did not cut back the plants last fall. The best time to do this is about 6 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Here in Pennsylvania, I cut back last year’s daylily growth in late-March if I didn’t get to it in the fall.

It’s important to cut the plants back to the ground before any flower bud development takes place and while the plants are still fully dormant. If they’ve already started to generate new growth, it’s still okay to cut the old growth back; you just have to be more careful not to damage the new emerging leaves.

You can use a sharp pair of pruners for the job, but most of the time, you’ll be able to remove last year’s growth just with your hands. Rake it out with your fingers and toss it on the compost pile.

2. When to cut back daylilies after bloom

The second time for a daylily haircut is in mid-summer, just after the plant finishes blooming. You can trim off individual spent blooms at any time to keep the plant tidy. Deadheading daylilies in this way is easy, but it isn’t essential. Many gardeners ignore this near-daily task and instead opt to wait to deadhead until the flower stalks have completely finished producing new blooms.

To do this, trim off all of the main flowering stems down at their base when there are no buds left to open. This stops the stem from producing a seed pod and helps the plant store energy for more plant and foliage growth, rather than using its energy to produce unwanted seeds.

Once the plant has been deadheaded, some reblooming varieties, such as ‘Stella d’Oro’ and ‘Happy Returns’, will even generate a second flush of flower stalks. However, most varieties of daylilies are not rebloomers and will flower only once during the growing season.

3. A mid-season buzzcut

Here’s the secret third pruning time for daylilies. It’s one that most gardeners fail to do because they don’t know how much it will invigorate their plants, and they may even be afraid to prune their daylilies back so hard. However, a mid-season buzzcut keeps daylilies looking fresh and green all the way through season’s end. Here’s what to do.

A few weeks after you’ve removed all the spent flowers, the plant is running low on food supply and is likely to look worn out. A good portion of the leaves will probably be brown or showing signs of disease. When this happens, it’s time to be ruthless. Cut the entire plant all the way back down to the ground, flush with the soil. It’s going to be scary but trust me… everything will be fine.

Within a few weeks of completely cutting down your daylilies, they will leap forth with a flush of new growth that is fresh and green and lovely. These new leaves will now generate the food supply for next year’s flowers. The photosynthesis they perform from this point until the end of the season provides nutrition for roots and crown to get the plant safely through the winter. Trust me on this. Cut the plants back hard a few weeks after they finish blooming, and you’ll be so pleased with the result.

source:  savvygardening.com

 

Note:

If you prune daylilies back in the spring and then plan to mulch them, you can also take the opportunity to divide your daylilies. These perennial flowers will live for years without being divided, but dividing the roots is a great way to get more plants for free!

Another great time to divide the daylilies, is during late summer, once the flowers wilt.

Dig up the whole plant and carefully pull apart its tuber-like roots. Replant smaller amounts of the plant to have a whole garden full of daylily plants!

Source: homefortheharvest

Star Gazing: Finding the Stars and Constellations

Constellations can help you sort the twinkling dots scattered across the night sky. Connect the stars to see what deep-sky wonders emerge. If you’re a newcomer to amateur astronomy, eager to begin exploring the night sky, you’ll have to overcome one of astronomy’s biggest hurdles — learning to identify the constellations.

Here’s help finding stars and constellations!

Source: oldfarmersalmanacõ

Changing your diet could add up to 13 years to your life

Changing what you eat could add up to 13 years to your life, according to a newly published study, especially if you start when you are young.

The study created a model of what might happen to a man or woman’s longevity if they replaced a “typical Western diet” focused on red meat and processed foods with an “optimized diet” focused on eating less red and processed meat and more fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts.

If a woman began eating optimally at age 20, she could increase her lifespan by just over 10 years, according to the study published Tuesday in the journal PLOS Medicine. A man eating the healthier diet from age 20 could add 13 years to his life.

Focusing on a healthier diet could also lengthen the lives of older adults, the study said. By starting at age 60, a woman could still increase her lifespan by eight years. Men starting a healthier diet at age 60 might add nearly nine years to their lives.

A plant-based eating style could even benefit 80-year-olds, the study said: Men and women could gain about 3.5 years of extra life from dietary changes.

A model of longer life

To model the future impact of a person’s change of diet, researchers from Norway used existing meta-analyses and data from the Global Burden of Disease study, a database that tracks 286 causes of death, 369 diseases and injuries, and 87 risk factors in 204 countries and territories around the world.

The largest gains in longevity were found from eating more legumes, which include beans, peas and lentils; whole grains, which are the entire seed of a plant; and nuts such as walnuts, almonds, pecans and pistachios, the study found.

It may sound simple to add more plants and grains to your diet, but statistics show that Americans struggle to do so. A new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found few Americans eat close to their daily recommendations of fruits and vegetables.

The CDC study found that only 12% of adults consume 1½ to 2 cups of fruit each day, which is the amount recommended by the federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Only 10% of Americans eat the recommended 2 to 3 cups of vegetables each day, including legumes.

About 50% of grain consumption should be whole grains, yet over 95% of Americans fail to meet that goal, according to the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, instead eating processed grains, which have been milled to remove the grain, bran and many nutrients, including fiber.

Nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains contain more than just protein. They include healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidant “phytochemicals” that have been associated with lower risk of chronic diseases.

Red and processed meats

Eating less red and processed meat such as bacon, sausage and preserved deli meats was also linked to longer life.

That makes good sense: Red and processed meats have been linked to significant health risks, including coronary heart disease and bowel cancer.

Replacing red and processed meats with lean poultry, fish and plant proteins is one way to improve a diet quickly, experts say.

Plant proteins include soybeans (edamame), chickpeas, lentils and other legumes, tofu, tempeh, nuts, seeds, and whole grains like quinoa. Some vegetables, like broccoli, also contain higher levels of protein.

A 2020 study which tracked more than 37,000 middle-aged Americans found those who ate the most plant protein were 27% less likely to die of any cause and 29% less likely to die of coronary heart disease than people who ate the least amount of plant protein.

How to improve your diet

One way to incorporate more plants into your diet and consume less red meat is with the Mediterranean diet, which has won best diet five years in a row, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Tied for silver was the DASH diet, which stands for dietary approaches to stop hypertension, and the Flexitarian diet, which encourages being a vegetarian most of the time. All of these diets focus on meals full of fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

An easy way to start eating the Mediterranean way is to cook one meal each week based on beans, whole grains and vegetables, using herbs and spices to add punch. When one night a week is a breeze, add two, and build from there.

Article By Sandee LaMotte, CNN Photo by © Adobe Stock

Silver Hair Color Ideas for a Breathtaking Look!

Silver hair is not just a color; it’s a statement. Once reserved for the daring few, silver hair has now blossomed into a trend embraced by all ages, exuding sophistication and a modern flair. From sleek metallic tones to smoky charcoal shades, there’s a spectrum of silver styles to suit every skin tone and personality.

Silver Hair Color Advice

Silver is one of the most challenging hair colors to pull off, so it’s not for the weak of heart. However, if you’re dedicated to maintaining it, this style can pack a huge punch.

Naturally silver-gray hair and dyed silver hair have some surprising things in common. They both tend to be a bit weaker, so they’re more prone to breakage. So, adopting this color means taking on a whole new routine, complete with specialized products.

  • Wash your hair in cool or lukewarm water with brightening purple shampoos, which works for blonde and silver hair. These are essential to keeping your hair from turning brassy or yellow and maintaining its cooler tone.
  • Avoid overwashing your hair, as that will strip it of even more moisture. Most people can wait 2-4 days between washes, but a hair stylist should be able to tell you what routine is ideal for your scalp.
  • Consider investing in a good dry shampoo as well since that can help you stretch out the time between shampoos. While most dry shampoos are made for lighter hair, some tend to veer toward warmer shades.
  • If your hair is dyed, bleach is almost guaranteed to be involved, which means it’s going to be dry and weak, even if you and your stylist are careful. So, it’s even more important to use a good heat protector every time you use hot tools or a hairdryer on your locks. 
  • That being said, committing to the silver-haired look might mean taking a step away from the flat iron or curling wand. Try to get 2-3 days out of your heat styles to minimize damage.
  • Anything that can prevent breakage is your best friend when it comes to silver hair. Swap out your flannel or cotton pillowcases with silk or satin options to help your hair retain moisture and be relatively tangle-free.
  • Keeping your hair down is the best way to prevent breakage during the day, but if you prefer ponytails or topknots, opt for satin hair scrunchies.
  • No matter how you style your hair, always use a gentle detangling brush. Flexible bristles won’t rip through knots or pull your hair out.
  • Perhaps most importantly, in order to keep your silver color bright, avoid exposure to unnecessary chemicals. Swimming pools are notoriously bad for dyed hair, so consider keeping your tresses up or opt to swim somewhere with unchlorinated water.
  • Remember that silver hair is a time-intensive style. Make sure you’re committed to touching up your roots every 3-4 weeks, even if you don’t have much regrowth yet. Waiting too long can make color matching harder. Your stylist will also be able to keep up with toning your hair better if you don’t wait too long between appointments.

Source: sheworeitlikethis.com

Can a Full Moon Affect your Mood?

 

There are many common beliefs about how the full moon can influence everything from sleep quality to mental health and heart health. However, only a few of these have been proven in studies. Read more about what some call the lunar influence.

“It must be a full moon.”

 

How often do we use that phrase when we encounter careless drivers, unruly subway riders, or other odd behavior? This tradition dates back to the first century when Greek philosopher Aristotle and Roman historian Pliny the Elder hypothesized that a full moon induced madness. In fact, “lunatic” comes from the Latin lunaticus, meaning “of the moon” or “moonstruck.”

 

Despite centuries of blaming the moon for mischief, mood swings and mystical occurrences, scientific research on the subject continues to point toward mere correlation rather than causation. So, why do many of us hold onto this belief?

 

Realistically, any “effect” the moon has on us might be linked to our ancestors. But it significantly influences certain spiritual practices and rituals both ancient and new-age.  Also, it does have ties to folklore, myths, urban legends, and Halloween meaning.  Alas, despite what the science shows us, some still choose to believe in the power of the moon.

Source of Superstition

Aristotle and Pliny the Elder believed that because the brain is moist, it could be affected by the moon similarly to how Earth’s waters are. They thought the moon had the power to cause insanity, epilepsy, or madness.

The Theory

Some modern thinkers have considered this idea as well. Psychiatrist Arnold Lieber, MD, explored this belief in his books. Lieber suggested that because the human body is about 70% water, it experiences tidal shifts from the moon’s phases, similar to Earth’s oceans. He claimed that under a full moon, occurrences of murder, suicide, aggravated assault, psychiatric emergencies, and fatal auto accidents increase dramatically.

The Findings

While the theory might seem reasonable at first, experts quickly dismissed it. One study specifically refuted Lieber’s theory.  It stated that Earth’s gravitational pull is 5,012 times stronger than the moon’s, which has a pull no greater than the weight of a flea. The moon may regulate the tides of large bodies of water, but its effect on a glass of water, a bathtub, or the human body is negligible. Interesting!

Researchers analyzed 37 studies comparing lunar cycles to instances of crisis center calls, suicides, crimes, and psychiatric issues. The results show no relation between the full moon and any increase in these occurrences.

Modern studies echo these findings by finding no connection between the full moon and psychiatric admissions, hospital admissions, or aggressive behavior. A study conducted in Finland even found that fewer homicides were committed during the full moon.

Why do superstitions persist?

When a belief persists for thousands of years, people might assume there is some basis. An article in Discover magazine suggested that the lunar lunacy effect may have originated because of a brighter moon.  It likely disrupted our ancestors’ sleep quality, possibly leading to sleep deprivation and mood changes.

Lunar-Conscious Behavior

 

Today, some evidence suggests that sleep can be influenced by the lunar cycle, which might explain certain behavioral changes.

However, many experts view strong beliefs about the moon’s effect as examples of illusory correlation or confirmation bias. This means people focus more on events that support their beliefs and overlook those that don’t.

Whether the moon has an invisible impact on human behavior or not, there’s something to be said for the conscious ways in which humans behave in alignment with the lunar cycle.

 

Spiritual Significance of the Moon

Among indigenous cultures around the world, the moon holds great significance. Early Native Americans acknowledged that Grandmother Moon regulated the tides and watched over the waters of Earth.  Full moons were important for tracking the passing year, and certain full moons have specific names that vary from tribe to tribe. Honoring the moon through ritual and dances of gratitude remain an important practice and connection to nature.

 

The moon holds spiritual significance for other groups, as well. As a major player in astrology, the lunar cycle is believed to heavily influence behaviors and moods.

Mindfully syncing with the moon’s phases is thought to be a powerful spiritual and self-care tool, as well. Every 29.5 days, the moon completes a full cycle.  Each phase of that cycle corresponds with particular actions that vary among cultures. For example, it is believed that full moons are a time for self-reflection, while new moon are an opportunity to set intentions.

 

Although science has debunked many myths surrounding the moon, still people hold onto those facets of folklore that disregard a need for proof. You can’t blame the full moon for bad driving, but being mindful of its presence can positively impact your conscious behaviors. There’s also nothing wrong with embracing the spooky vibes of a full moon in October.  It’s those scary stories and mystery of the season that makes Halloween so much fun.

 

 

 

Source:  verywellmind.com©

How To Tell Someone You’re Not Interested (Without Hurting Their Feelings)

The most dreadful part about dating is having to tell someone you just don’t like them.

Figuring out exactly how to tell someone you’re not interested can be really stressful when you don’t want to hurt their feelings — especially after you’ve been dating for a while or have friends in common.

Breaking it off with someone isn’t as easy as walking up to them and saying “I’m not interested,” — at least for most of us. It might make you feel bad and even guilty for turning someone down. This can lead to even more painful methods of rejection that have become all too common in modern and online dating, such as ghosting.

Ultimately, though, a polite rejection is infinitely better than having the person you’ve been spending time with questioning where they stand.

“Remember, this is another human being, with feelings, who you are breaking up with,” says life coach Mitzi Bockmann, BA, CLC. “Would you ghost or breadcrumb a co-worker, family member, or friend?”

No one wants to be rejected — but we have to remember that no one really likes being the rejecter either. According to Bockmann, the best way to reject someone nicely “is to speak from your own perspective.”

“Don’t say ‘you aren’t right for me,’ but rather, ‘I know that I am looking for something different’ or ‘I don’t feel connected to you,'” she explains. “That way you aren’t attacking them personally, judging them, but rather speaking about your own needs. No matter what, it might hurt, but the pain will be less if you don’t attack them.”

I have to admit ending things over text or dating app messaging system is a thousand times easier than doing it face to face. Sometimes, you have no choice but to express that you aren’t interested face-to-face.

Don’t worry, the steps below will help you say you’re not interested politely.

Article by Tamara Sanon for YourTango©

National Senior Citizens Day: August 21, 2024

Do you have a senior citizen in your life that you love and appreciate? National Senior Citizens Day, August 21, is the day to let them know how much you care and it’s an opportunity to recognize their accomplishments.  In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed this holiday to raise awareness about issues that affect senior citizens and their quality of life.

Today, seniors are still active in their communities as well as continuing to have a strong presence in the workforce.  For all they do and have achieved for the good of their communities, senior citizens deserve our thanks!