The Birds of William Shakespeare ~ Are They Destroying North America's Ecology~??

Photo Credit:  Marek Szczepanek

How many of you realize that a group of 19th century avian enthusiasts got together to bring all the birds from the works of William Shakespeare to North America~??  From nightingales to swans, over 600 species have been mentioned in Shakespeare's works and while a few of them did not make it to North America's shores, some of them stayed and thrived.

The American Acclimation Society began the delivery of the birds to the Northern shores, some of them died upon the journey from Europe and other died upon release into their new habitat or failed to produce offspring in order to successful adapt.  The climates of North American soils were not an easy feat to adapt and many of the birds perished when first introduced.

Eugene Schieffelin, founder of the American Acclimation Society was a socialite in the New York high society figures.  Some time between 1852 and 1860, while living in a mansion on Madison Square,  became despondent over the caterpillars that were infesting the trees around the square and decided to import 12 English Sparrows in which to begin a colony in order to eradicate the menace.  

The sparrows flourished and spread and by 1870, Philadelphia was being over~run by sparrows and were soon hitching rides into the countryside via boxcars that were transporting grains.  Their presence wasn't a fond one and bounties were placed on their heads as more and more people began to see the Sparrows as the menace and not the original foe in which they were intended.  

Even though they were sold as food, shot, poisoned and trapped, the sparrow still thrives to this day~!!

There are about 110 species of Starlings, however, only the European Starling has been able to survive on North American shores.  In and around 1890 ~ 91, Schieffelin released around 80 to 150 European Starlings into Central Park and spread to Philadelphia by 1910, the Pacific Coast during the 40s and by the 1950's they had found their way into Canada.  

Today there are over 200 million starlings and their over~population is causing a major impact on the native birds, such as the Eastern Bluebird and the Gila Woodpecker, as they all compete for nesting grounds.  However according to a recent study released in 2003, it has been noted that Sapsuckers are in a decline due to the Starling's presence in their environment.

There are reasons why it is important not to cross species outside of their natural habitats, while some die, others thrive and their assault of an area can be devastating ecologically...think before you introduce something into the wild, it could prove detrimental to us all~!!

What Tree Has The Largest Roots On Earth?

Largest Roots

Measuring standards for trees have never included root mass, but it is easy to ascertain from other available information which trees are the most likely contenders to have the largest roots on earth. A tree is not simply measured based on how tall or how much circumference it has; in many instances, both height and width are included, but the diameter of the trunk is often the most important factor. Due to the difficulty in getting a true measurement for an enormous tree, it is not common for trees to be ranked based on their size. Some trees are so obviously larger than others, however, that people have felt compelled to measure them. The following trees are believed to be the largest or the oldest on earth, and as such, they are likely to also have the world's largest roots.

General Sherman

The giant sequoia known as General Sherman is in Tulare County, Calif. Although it is not the widest or the tallest tree on record, its volume has granted it the title of the largest tree on earth. General Sherman is over 2,000 years old, and it reaches 275 feet into the air. The tree's diameter is approximately 25 feet, making it an awe-inspiring sight for those who are able to stand at its base.

Hyperion

A coast redwood named Hyperion is the tallest known tree on earth. Undiscovered until 2006, Hyperion is hidden in California's Redwood National and State Parks. It is estimated to be approximately 800 years old, and it is almost 380 feet tall. Nature conservationists are concerned about the negative impact that a lot of tourism would have Hyperion, so they have elected not to share any information that can lead to its exact location.

Methuselah

Although the Methuselah tree is not overly large, it is the oldest tree on earth. With an age of over 4,800 years, it stands to reason that the Methuselah tree has very strong roots. Just like Hyperion, the exact location of Methuselah has not been disclosed, but this Great Basin Bristlecone Pine is inside of California's Inyo National Forest.

Lost Monarch

Lost Monarch is another enormous large coast redwood, and it is listed as being the second largest tree on earth. Its exact location has been kept from the public, just like the Methuselah and Hyperion, but it is somewhere in California's Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. The Lost Monarch is 320 feet tall and 26 feet in diameter.

Which One has the Largest Roots?

While we have no definitive way to determine which tree has the largest roots from this list, it is most likely to be Hyperion or General Sherman. New trees are discovered every day, though, so the actual largest tree on the planet may still be hiding deep in a forest.

Peter Wendt is a self employed writer and researcher living in Austin TX. If you like to find out more visit this site : more info

Low~Maintenance Plants for Shady Areas~!!

If your looking to add some beautiful colour and flavour to your garden's shadier areas, then these five plants are sure to help out with your gardening woes~!!

Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum')

The beautifully coloured, low~lying plants grow between 30 ~ 60 cm high and wide.  They have deep burgundy leaf stems with olive~green arching fronds which are lit with silver.  Every single plant has its own unique design and colours.

This plant was originally native to Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan and does well in zones 4 to 9.

Because of its ever~changing colour forms, it is best as an accent for edging and works well in all shaded areas.

Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum comutatum)

These beauties like dry shade and are very elegant and graceful in their design.  

They grow up to 60 to 70 cm and work best in zones 3 to 9.

In late Spring, white bell~like flowers bloom and are self~cleaning and will drop off on their own.  

This plant spreads out slowly, creating a blanket of foliage that turns golden yellow in the Fall.

Epimedium (Red ~ rubrum, Yellow ~ suphureum and White ~ niveum)

This plant loves shade and it is a dependable ground cover plant.  Works best in any shade.

Flowers come in white, pink and yellow and bloom from May to June.

It is slow~growing, consistent and can live forever.

Typically grow about 20~25 cm high with a 15~30 cm spread in zones 4 to 9.

Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum)

These ornamental focal points provide interest year round to any garden.

The exfoliating bark comes in shades of cinnamon red and brown, peels in thin sheets and looks polished smooth in others.  

In early Spring, small yellow flowers bloom.  

Ideal for city lots and as an understory tree.  Slow growing, climbing up to 7m which could take up to 50 years to complete.

Require little pruning and is insect resistant.  It can be planted in full sun to partial shade.  

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Very versatile plant in that it can survive in extreme heat and cold, as well as, soil lacking nutrients and in the deep shade beneath trees.

Grows to 30 ~ 60 cm high and wides.  Has rounded clump of fan~shaped fronds with light green lacey leaves on purple~black stems.

They have a natural water~repellent and even when immersed in water, the leaves remain dry.

Activists Trespass to Save Environment and Wildlife

People can show their love for the environment in different ways. Ordinary individuals can help by not contributing to global warming. They can choose to patronize Earth-friendly products, for instance. Other individuals can start conserving resources, segregating rubbish, or using fuel-efficient machines. Each person can help save the environment in his own way. However, such conservative efforts are often not enough to fight off the huge detrimental environmental impacts that large companies continue to cause. Forests and wildlife remain unsafe from modern developers, and fishes and other endangered marine life continue to be at risk. It seems hopeless that momentous changes that will positively impact the world will occur. This is why many individuals have taken it upon themselves to become stewards of the Earth.

Stewards of the Earth or the environment are the people we commonly know as environmental activists. They are the courageous people who put their very lives on the line to protect the environment. But these environmental warriors aren't the only ones who are called activists. Anyone who does something for the good of the environment, whether it is just by segregating waste or planting a tree, is recognized as a protector of the world.

Common Strategies Used by Environmental Activists
To gain support and to increase people's awareness as regards current environmental issues, most activists use a variety of traditional tactics. They boycott products known to have been tested on animals or reject items made from endangered wildlife, such as fur coats or ivory statues. They also encourage people to sign petitions, and they pen letters to policy-makers as well. When these things are not enough, they can also stage protests. Most of these things won't send people in jail. However, there's one activity that can land someone in prison, and this is the direct-action approach.

Direct Action
There are three (3) possible goals a direct action movement. One is to expose a problem or to make an issue public. Second is to recommend an alternative, while third is to put forward a solution to an existing problem. These things can be accomplished as direct action efforts often get a lot of media coverage. A few examples of direct action attempts are strikes, sit-ins, graffiti and destruction of property. Many environmentalists have also been known to chain themselves to trees to prevent these from getting cut, or they sneak into private properties to expose a nasty problem or protest something. Just recently, Lucy Lawless, an actor who appeared in popular television programs, like "Xena: Warrior Princess" and "CSI: Miami", was caught on a Shell drillship in efforts to help save the Arctic. She pled guilty and is waiting sentencing, which is in September. She is facing a trespass suit that can land her in jail for about 3 years.

Trespassing
Defense The crime of entering and remaining in another person's or group's property after being warned or prohibited is known as trespassing. A person could trespass in a house or any residential property, a building or any commercial property, as well as a boat and grounds that are owned by a private citizen or run by a business or government group. There are several defenses that a person can use, including consent, wherein the trespasser was given permission in actions or words to enter a property. Another is trespassing to recover land or chattel, which may occur after an uncontrollable event, such as a storm or flood. Third is private necessity, wherein someone trespasses to protect another from grave injury or harm. This also includes protecting a place from major destructive elements. Fourth is public necessity. This pertains to trespassing done in order to protect a community from more serious harm. In other words, a trespasser invades a private property to protect the public good.

Citations:

• Photo courtesy of ponsulak at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

The article is by Claire Duvall. She writes for a Massachusetts Trespassing Lawyer. She also blogs for several online law websites, tackling issues related to personal injury and criminal law.

Kansas City Homes ~ Fortifying Your Home During Tornado Season

Kansas City homes see more tornado activity than many other homes in the United States.  "Tornado Alley" stretches from the area north of Texas through eastern Nebraska and northeast to Indiana, with Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas seeing more than their fair share of one of nature's most deadliest forces.

Taking steps to ensure one's safety is always an advantage between life and death and its best to be prepared for when nature lets loose no matter where you live, for a tornado can strike at any time and without any notice.  Being prepared by taking a few basic steps will help to protect your family and possibly your home from any kind of severe damage.

First of all, most building structures either meet or exceed the current building codes for high~wind regions, giving your structure a better chance of surviving violent and destructive windstorms.  Although there is no way to predict if your home will stand if struck with a direct hit, it is better to make sure your codes are in place and your structures sound. And one should never open their windows during a violent high~wind storm, you do not want to give the wind any opportunities to enter your building.

When inspecting your home it is best to pay particular attention to the following areas:  windows, doors, roof, gables and your houses connections (how your structure joins together).  If you are handy with a saw and hammer than you will probably get by with doing all the fortifications on your own or if you are not, then there are many professionals who are certified to do the work for you.

Remember to keep your outside grounds clean and trim, make sure weak branches are pruned and one suggestion is to change all your rock/gravel material to shredded bark, ensuring less damage to your home if high winds happen to pick the rocks up and begin hurling them like bullets around your property.  If a storm is approaching, remove all items that cannot be tied down, off of your property; you wouldn't wish to have your child's tricycle or the wheelbarrow come flying through your home as you prepare to ride out the storm.  

It is imperative to always have an Emergency Plan for you and your family, become familiar with the Emergency Broadcast System in your area and keep an Emergency Preparedness kits nearby in case things get really upsetting.  While nothing is ever for sure, being prepared is always better than not, it could save you and your families lives one day.  And like Dorothy once said..."There's no place like home~!!"

  **  This is a sponsored post for Remax, however, all the points and views are my own~!!  **

Take to the Centenary Trail

Octavia Hill was a co-founder of the National Trust, and in honour of the 100th anniversary of her death, ten miles of centenary trails have been created in her memory, following paths through the landscapes she would have walked in the late 1800s and passing by her resting place in Crockham Hill, Kent.

Octavia Hill was an artist, writer, environmentalist, social reformer, pioneer of affordable housing - and a radical campaigner for open spaces.

She spent the last years of her life living with the views she and her family had acquired for the trust towards the end of the 19th century, land she was determined that others should enjoy long after she would no longer be around to appreciate it.

This natural paradise in the Weald of Kent encompasses Chartwell House, home to Winston Churchill from 1922 until his death in 1965, and centres on Toys Hill, Ide Hill, Crockham Hill and Mariners Hill, to which Octavia’s mother and sisters donated large sums of money which allowed it to be preserved forever.




The Sight of Sky and Things Growing
It is largely thanks to the Hill family that this tract of countryside remains today what Octavia called ‘an open-air sitting room,’ dedicated to those who crave access to nature and beauty - “the need of quiet, the need of air, the need of exercise and the sight of sky and of things growing.”

The 16 kilometre centenary walk can be done in two separate stages, or together as one in the shape of a figure-of-eight.

The six-mile Centenary Trail West is a three-and-a-half hour walk across moderate ground which includes rough pathways through woodland. This pilgrimage to Octavia takes you through Crockham Hill, where she lived, to the churchyard where she is buried under a yew tree near the church porch, and goes on to pass by Churchill’s Chartwell, much of it preserved as it was in his lifetime.

The Centenary Trail East is a gentler, four-mile walk likely to take around two-and-a-half hours, and takes in equally spectacular views over Kent’s famous ‘Garden of England.’
Both walks start and finish at Toys Hill car park, Chart Lane, Brasted, near Westerham, KentTN16 1QG.

• During her lifetime, Octavia Hill helped save London’s Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill Fields for the nation, was a member of the Royal Commission on the Poor Laws, and was one of three founders of the National Trust in 1895 to preserve places of historical interest or natural beauty.

Nicki Williams is an outdoor enthusiast who loves walking and history - and adores combining the two.

She works for Gear-Zone, stockists of all the major outdoor brands including The North Face, Rab, Berghaus, Scarpa, Brasher and Thermarest.

Picture source: Compfight

Facts About Scorpions That You Should Know

Scorpions are one of the most common pests found in dry areas like the desert. These pests can easily invade a home in search of food, water, and shelter. If you do nothing to get rid of them, they can become a huge problem. This is especially true if your home was invaded by the venomous type.

Differences between Venomous and Non-Venomous Scorpions
Technically speaking though, all scorpions have venoms. What makes them "venomous" and "non-venomous" to humans is the amount of venom in their sting and the damage that it can do to humans.

In a nutshell, "venomous" scorpions have thick tails. They also have thin pincers. On the other hand, "non-venomous" scorpions have thin tails, and they also have pincers that are not only thick and broad, but very well-developed as well. Aside from this, the stinger of a "venomous" scorpion is also much bigger and thicker than the "non-venomous" type which is smaller and thinner. What this basically means though is that "venomous" scorpions rely more on their stingers and venom to catch and overpower their prey, while "non-venomous" scorpions rely on their pincers to catch their prey and overpower them.

The importance of knowing these differences is that you can exercise more care and caution when you spot a scorpion. When you see that its pincers are smaller in relation to its body, then you'll know to avoid it or get rid of it carefully because its venom is more potent.

Common Scorpion Facts
Scorpions live in arid, dry places like the dessert. However, their bodies are very sensitive to water loss that they immediately search for water when their bodies begin to lose moisture. If your home has scorpions, you will notice that you'll commonly see them under the sink where there are water puddles. This is because they need water to keep their bodies hydrated. If you want to keep them away, see to it that there are no water puddles under your sink or leaky faucets where they can get their water from.

During the day, scorpions tend to hide from the sun and burrow in tight, snug places like under a rock. If they've invaded your home, they're going to look for similar places to burrow under, so it's not surprising to see them inside shoes. Because of their tendency to look for tight, snug places, it is important that you always shake out your shoes before you put them on. You most definitely don't want to get stung by a scorpion.

Scorpions have excellent sense of smell. They can easily locate a prey using their sense of smell, and they can also easily and quickly hide from any sign of danger. Scorpions are also known to recognize light and dark, so for example you're going to make certain your home has been invaded by scorpions, then do it at night or with the lights closed. With a UV light, shine it along the walls. Scorpions will glow green when the UV light hits them because of the fluorescent in their bodies.

Getting rid of scorpions is quite easy. Get rid of their food and water source, and they're out of your home in no time. If you've having difficulties getting rid of these pests, then a call to your local pest control company might be of good help.

Citations:

• http://sxc.hu/

Jennifer Dallman, a freelance article provider, regularly contributes to pest control blogs, one of which is Preventive Pest. She writes mostly about homemade tips to get rid of pests as well as homemade strategies to keep them away from your home.

Top 7 Impossible Gardens

Have you ever grown a garden in a piece of furniture, or decided to have your ashes sprinkled in a coral garden shaped like the lost city of Atlantis?

Well get your green fingers at the ready, as these are some of the strangest gardens around!

Image by Joel Olives

1) Splice Garden (USA) 

Our first contender for the top impossible garden is the Splice Garden at the White Head Institute in the USA.

Now there are some very strange gardens coming up, but the reason that this garden is impossible is due to the fact that it defies a very basic principle of what a garden is.

It doesn’t grow!

The Splice Garden is entirely plastic!

The garden is supposed to reflect the dangers of gene splicing. It’s apparently still a relaxing space for the scientists to sit in, but I’m not sure that I fancy it!

Impossibility Factor: 5/10

2) Musee du quai Branly (France)

Image by Isamiga76

Our second contender is across the channel in France.

The Musee du quai Branly is where you’ll find the garden -but it won’t take you long to find it! Instead of growing in the museum’s grounds, the garden grows on the side of the building!
Vertical gardening has gained popularity in the last few years, and the museum is a great example!

It may be rather difficult to relax in this garden, but it’s certainly an amazing feat of urban gardening!

Impossibility Factor: 6/10

3) EDITT Tower (Singapore)
Ok, so this third entry is a little bit of a cheat, as this building is pending construction. But it only takes a quick glance at the plans to realise that this could be one of the strangest gardens of the future!

The EDITT Tower takes urban gardening to the extreme, with the garden appearing to overtake the building!

If you’ve been following the recent Chelsea Flower Show, then consider this to be Diarmuid Gavin’s ‘Magic Pyramid’ in skyscraper form!

The building collects rainwater and light, so not only does it look pretty amazing, it’s also energy efficient!

Impossibility Factor: 9/10

4) The Garden of Cosmic Speculation (Scotland)
Image by Yellow Book

In this strange garden you may feel like you’ve slipped into Wonderland!

The 30-acre Garden of Cosmic Speculation took nearly 20 years to complete. But the garden wasn’t inspired by Lewis Carroll; it was inspired by physics!

Chequered floors, curving mounds and double helix staircases, come together in a surreal landscape where nothing is quite as it seems.

Pay a visit and you too can speculate on black holes and parallel universes!

Impossibility Factor: 8/10

5) Furni Bloom (Icelandic Designer)

The exciting thing about this impossible garden is that you could have one of your own!
Furni Bloom was designed by Icelandic landscape architect Dagný Bjarnadóttir. It’s garden furniture with a twist; the garden is inside the furniture!

The chairs and table are made of transparent acrylic glass and are hollow inside. This enables you to plant a garden inside the furniture and then watch it grow!

Impossibility Factor: 7/10

6) Giant Hanging Basket (UK)

Lots of people have hanging baskets, but not many have decided to plant an entire garden in one!

But in 2009 the Hotel Indigo in London decided to install a giant hanging basket outside. How giant you ask? Well it weighed more than a quarter of a ton and contained over 100 varieties of flowers!

Sadly it’s long gone, but while it was around it would certainly have caught your eye!

Impossibility Factor: 8/10

7) Neptune Memorial Reef (USA)

There are many strange things about our last contender, but one of the most obvious is that it’s underwater!

Instead of growing flowers, this is a coral garden.

This garden can be found at Key Biscayne in Florida, and is designed as a resting place for the dearly departed.

Modelled in the style of the lost city of Atlantis, the memorial garden is formed of statues that are made up of ashes and cement.

It certainly looks very peaceful, and I love that new life comes from old!

Impossibility Factor: 10/10

So the Neptune Memorial Reef comes top for me, but which is your most impossible garden?

Or do you know a better candidate?

Gavin Harvey is a personal trainer with a passion for travel! A lover of all things weird and wonderful, he’s always in search of the next big adventure. When he’s not working, he can be found partying at music festivals, and he’s also a part time blogger for Out There Interiors.

SNAKESSSsss ~ Eastern Ontario's Finest~!!

I don't know about you folks, but I happen to love snakes~!!  I was recently given a snake and now I just HAVE to share the snake breeds that can be found in my neck~of~the~woods, Eastern Ontario~!!  

Snakes have been regarded as degrading, evil creatures whom many often fear.  They have had bad press from the victors of history for many centuries, often being given the lowest of titles and the derogatories often associated with snakes, do not give the beautiful creatures the justice they deserve.

Once, there was a benevolent God, his name in Sumerian histories is Enki or Ea, the serpent God who carried a basket and brought many goodly things to mankind.  The God who along with his sister, Ninhursag, AND after much experimentation, created the Adamus, the "Black~Haired Slave" to mine the gold veins in order to release the work load of the Gods themselves.  However, along his creationistic journey's, Enki found that being a slave to the Gods wasn't a proper thing to have and he gave his creatures the Freedom of Choice...it is from my early adoration of the story of Enki that my passion for snakes grew as I realized their misrepresentation in our history wasn't going to misappropriate my enjoyment of their essence and their beauty and the true symbol behind their existence~!!

The Snakes with the Stripes ~

photo by Bev Wigney

Eastern Garter Snake ~ Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis

Named after the striped garters that men often wore.

Colour:  Black or Brown with Yellow stripes.  Sometimes their stripes run alongside with can appear broken or they will have a subtle checkered patterns in their darker areas.  Reddish~Orange markings along the side are not unheard of.

Length:  Adults can grow up to 124 cm, but typically they average around 60~70 cm.

Characteristics:  Often found basking on rocks or moving along forest trails.  They are live~bearing creatures usually giving birth to 10 ~ 25 young.  Diet often consists of frogs, toads, salamanders, earthworms, small rodents and birds.  They make for excellent swimmers.  If caught, their scent glands will exude a strong musk and they have been known to bite.

Northern Ribbon Snake ~ Thamnophis sauritus septentrionatis

Closely resembles the Eastern Garter Snake

Colour:  Black with unbroken yellow stripes.  Sides below lateral stripe are chestnut brown, the scales in front of their eyes are white.

Length:  Adults can grow up to 96.5 cm

Characteristics:  Slender with a very long tail.  Usually found near water, such as streams, ponds or wetlands.  They are live~bearing.  Their diet includes frogs, small fish and other small creatures found in or near the water.  They are diurnal (active during the day).  

The Snakes with the Blotches ~

Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake ~ Sistrurus catenatus catenatus

Ontario's ONLY venomous snake and are designated as threatened.

Colour:  Range from gray to brown.  It has large dark brown splotches on its back with smaller lighter brown patches on its side.  

Length:  Adults can grow up to 70 cm.

Characteristics:  Easily recognized by the segmented end on its tail.  Has a wide triangular head and eyes with slit shaped pupils.  They eat small animals, amphibians and insects.  They like to sun in open fields, grassy meadows and farmed sites.  In the Spring, they can be found in shallow wetlands and shrub swamps.

Eastern Milk Snake ~ Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum

Often mistaken for a Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake.

Colour:  Gray or tan background with brown or reddish brown markings that are edged with black.  They will either have a Y or a V~shaped blotch on back of their neck.  Their undersides are white with squarish black markings.

Size:  Adults can grow up to 132 cm.

Characteristics:  The Milk Snake is found in forests and fields.  It kills its prey via constriction and their diet consists of small mammals and birds.  Females lay their eggs in or under rotting logs or in burrows.  

Black Rat Snake ~ Elaphe obsoleta

The largest of all the snakes to be found in Ontario.

Colour:  Black backs with irregular dark blotches along their sides.  Their underside's are light coloured with square or mottled markings.

Size:  Adults can range up to 256.5 cm

Characteristics:  It prefers rocky, forested areas and has been known to move about in trees as well as on the ground.  It loves to eat chipmunks, squirrels, birds eggs, nestlings and frogs and they kill its prey by constriction.  Females lay their eggs beneath rocks or in/beneath rotting logs.  

Northern Water Snake ~ Nerodia sipedon sipedon

They are very feisty and likely to bite fiercely if disturbed.

Colour:  They are brown or greyish brown and have dark brown squarish banded markings on their backs and sides.  Their undersides are light with crescent shaped markings.

Size:  Adults can grow up to 135 cm.

Characteristics:  They can usually be found in or near water in marshes, streams, lakes and rivers.  It enjoys eating frogs and fish near the water's edge and can move very quickly through water.  It is a live~bearing creature and its babies are often mistaken for Milk snakes.


The Snakes with the Uniformed Markings ~

Smooth Green Snake ~ Liochlorophis (Opheodrys) vernalis

This snake does not defend itself, but it can move very fast and its the only green snake in the area.

Colour:  Bright green, with white or yellowish underside.

Size:  Adults can grow up to 66 cm.

Characteristics:  Found moving along the branches of bushes and small trees.  They are an egg~laying species and can lay up to 10 eggs.  Their diet consists of crickets, grasshoppers, snails and spiders.

Redbelly Snake ~ Storeria occipitomaculata

Makes an excellent garden snake.

Colour:  Brown or gray backed with a narrow striping down its back. There is a small patch of 3 white dots on the back of their necks.  Their bellies are red or reddish~orange.

Size:  Adults can grow up to 40.6 cm.

Characteristics:  Usually found in meadows and forest edges.  They eat worms, slugs and insects.  They are live~bearing creatures and can sometimes be found under rocks or boards around gardens.

Northern Ringneck Snake ~ Diadophis punctatus edwardsii

Ontario's most secretive snake.

Colour:  Slate gray, brown or black with distinct yellow or orangish band around its neck.  Belly is can be yellow, orange or red.

Size:  Adults can range up to 62.5 cm.

Characteristics:  Found in the woodlands, it is a nocturnal hunter.  Diet includes salamanders, earthworms, frogs and other small snakes.  Loves to hide under stones and logs during the day.  Females lay small numbers of eggs.  

  **  Written by me...cuz I felt like it~!!  Have a groovy one ya'll...peaces...xoxo  **

The Top 5 Most Beautiful Flowers

The very use of flowers within the culture of most countries in the world has been down to their beauty and ornamental excellence. The most expensive flowers in the world may not be the most beautiful. In fact the most expensive flower ever sold, the Shenzhen Nongke Orchid, has been described a Frankenstein flower, this may be more to do with its manmade nature as appose to its aesthetic but none the less it proves that beauty in flowers, as with most things in life, is of course in the eye of the beholder. There are some classic blooms though, whose beauty could not be strongly protested.

Roses
The first is the classic rose - Rosaceae. Roses can come in over 100 different species and are known the world over as symbols of love and romance. Roses are also famous for their aromatic aroma and come in nearly every colour you could want or need. The deep red rose of course being the most enigmatic symbol for love and the audacious bloom is juxtaposed with its thorny foliage entrenching the romantic based representation.

Orchids
Orchids - Orchidaceae, can also boast a variety of species, over 20,000 varieties in fact. Orchids are far from rare and horticulturalists have produced over 100,000 hybrids from the original species. Their habitat covers all continents, apart from the poles and they are incredible durable. Their history goes back as far as ancient Greek Myth and their beauty has been referred to in literature for years.

photo attributed to Galileo55

The Calla Lilly
The Calla Lilly - Antedeschia Aethiopica, has many different names such as Lily of the Nile, Easter lily, Arum lily and Varkoor. The choice for this is a specific species of flower this time is due to the fact that it is perceived as the most elegant of its members. It’s native only to Africa and its tropical aesthetic has brought a touch of class to many wedding bouquets in recent years. Many big purveyors of flowers such as Interflora.com can supply you with a classic calla Lilly bouquet. Its pure white bloom has a velvety texture which is penetrated by its idiosyncratic bright yellow stamen.

photo attributed to aresauburnâ

Water Lilies
The sultry water lilies - Nymphaeaceae have earned their place as one of the most beautiful flower species due to their fame in the world or art; poets have used the water lily as a muse as well as infamous paintings of the blooms. Another member of the lily family, these archetypal shapes and colours are the epitome of natural beauty and exotic aesthetic as their lily pads float on the water.

Cherry Blossom
Cherry blossom, though a plant whose primary use was for food, has now become an ornamental flower in itself. These Japanese wonders scatter a Spring time meadow with subtle beauty and feature heavily within their folk lore symbolising the ephemeral nature of life, an idea preached within Buddhism. Cherry blossom is now seen in most countries in the world and is often purposely planted within urban areas as these fresh blossoms give a naturalistic element to the most metropolitan borough.

This Article was brought to you by Interflora

5 Essential Tools For Your Next Outdoor Adventure

cc licensed ( BY NC ) flickr photo shared by Al_HikesAZ

When planning any outdoor outing it is essential to always pack the right gear for whatever activity you are going to be doing. You would not go boating without a lifejacket or hiking without a canteen or pack for water. There are some essential tools that you should never be without if you are going to be outdoors. These tools can get you out of sticky situations and can be used for the most basic needs that anyone in a survival situation could need. And let’s just face it; whenever you are outdoors your adventure could turn into a survival situation relatively quickly.

Knife
So what five tools should you always have with you when you are on an outdoor adventure? I would always start with a knife. Pocket knives are great and convenient for everyday use and they will work if that is all that you have, but given the choice, survival knives are going to better to have with you than a plain old pocket knife or even a Swiss Army knife. A separate multi tool is always good to have, but a dedicated knife is essential.

cc licensed ( BY NC ) flickr photo shared by s_mac

Fire Starting Kit
A knife will cover protection, cleaning fish and food. Now we need to cover cooking and warmth. The next tool for that job would be a fire starting magnesium stick. There are many basic types on the market and most of them can start a fire even in slightly damp conditions. Choosing one that can work in wet conditions though your best bet. This will give you a better chance at starting a fire in case you get caught in a rain storm or your supplies get wet.

Water and Food
The next two tools go hand and hand because they tackle the same need. Everyone must have water to survive. You should always have water purification tablets with you. Boiling water will work in a pinch, but for the best results your water should always be purified if you are getting it from an unfamiliar source. A canteen or water carrying device is needed in order to carry water, so you will need one of these as well. The last essential that I would add to this list is pouched, prepared food. I know that may sound just a little weird to some, but it is always smart to have an energy bar or trail mix or something with you just in case.

Written by JustRopes.com, the online leader in climbing ropes and other safety equipment.

Tree Disease in Eastern Ontario ~ Oak Wilt

Oak Wilt is a fungal disease, quite similiar to Dutch Elm Disease,  though more easily manageable, left unattended it can easily and quickly kill off your trees.  It affects all Oak types but is highly susceptible to the Red Oak family of trees who offer the disease the least resistance.

It was first discovered in 1944, in Wisconsin, and its highly believed that it originated in the USA as no other countries have been able to track the path of origin to any other source.  Though reputed to have been around since the early 1900's, it wasn't until the mid~1980's the the threat began to gain a firm foothold into the Oak tree family, as more people turned to building their homes in Oak woods.

Beetles that carry the Oak Wilt fungus do not have chewing mouth parts and they require some method of an open wound entry so that they can invade.  Hardwood vascular wilt diseases prevent water from essential areas of the tree by blocking the system needed to transport nutrients.  Oak trees will often produce tyloses, those balloon~like growths found on the tree which aid in blocking off of pathogens and prevent infections from spreading, doing such, inadvertently destroys the tree as essential nutrients are also blocked from reaching their source.

Fungus Mat

Early symptoms include wilting leaves from the top of the tree which will spread downwards, oftentimes the leaves will turn bronze in colour, appear water~soaked at they begin to fall off their branches, as well as, discoloration of the vascular tissue, brown streaks or spots that can be seen under the bark into the sapwood.  Depending upon the environment and Oak tree type, a normal death will usually occur within two to six months.

OWF is spread in two ways:  the transfer of spores from diseased to healthy trees by insect vectors and the transferal of the disease by root grafts.  If the conditions are right, after the tree dies, spores are created on fungal mats that form under the bark of the tree.  A~sexual spores called endoconidia, which are barrel shaped produced in chains, will form waiting for compatible mating types.  When this performance occurs sexual spores called ascospores are produced, which because of their fruity fragrance, draws certain types of sap beetles to visit, feed and breed, thereby picking up the fungal spores.  The symbosis between fungus and insect acts in the transmission of infecting otherwise healthy areas of trees that are unable to be affected by root grafts.

Root grafting is the number one method of the diseases' spreading, as trees within 50 feet of an infected tree can easily be infected, creating a chain~reaction that can only be broken with proper care and treatment.

If you believe you have discovered this disease in your Oak trees, please call a professional tree specialist to handle your needs.  The cutting and removal of the Oak tree can cause devastating affects on the other Oak trees you may have in your area by accelerating the root grafting; without the host to continue feeding, the disease will find the next source and this could become costly on many levels as whole groves of trees can become infected and die.