Planting a pretty patio garden
(NAPSI)-An increasing number of people, it seems, are discovering a great way to bring out the beauty of a home is with a container garden. According to the National Gardening Association, more than 21 million homes have discovered the joy of container gardening.
How does your garden grow? Heeding a few hints can help it to flower.
Getting the most beautiful results from potted flowers takes a little artistry and some simple gardening know-how. Bayer Advanced ™ Garden Expert Lance Walheim offers these tips to create a beautiful patio garden:
- Establish a color theme. This is good advice for any type of flower gardening. Try different flowers in shades of one color or blend complementary colors such as red and violet. For an even stronger impact, mix contrasting colors like yellow and blue or yellow and red.
- Mix plant forms. Use taller, more upright plants-snapdragons, salvia or geraniums-in the middle of the pot, then step down in size as you move toward the edges. Plant cascading flowers such as sweet alyssum, violas and lobelia right near the outside of the pot so they'll spill over the sides.
- Plant closely. You'll get the best show if you pack plants in closer than you would in the open ground.
- Use a touch of white. White flowers can make everything else look better, so add a few if you need an extra punch.
- Add bold foliage. Strong foliage plants, purple fountain grass, say, variegated English ivy or Dusty Miller, contribute texture and make your flowerpots even more striking.
- Group different-sized pots. The varied heights add structure and organization to your display.
- Make replacements as needed. If one plant or pot is finished blooming, replace it with something that looks better. Make the most of seasonal changes.
- Remember to water once a day in hot weather. More frequent watering takes nutrients from the soil, so you also have to fertilize more often to keep plants blooming.
“When plants are grouped closely in pots, insect problems can quickly get out of hand, so you have to be observant and be ready with control measures,” advises Walheim. Fortunately, you can prevent problems with Bayer Advanced 3-in-1 Insect, Disease, & Mite Control. It kills many types of insects on contact, controls spider mites and even prevents and cures diseases. The spray is rainproof, provides up to 30 days of protection and is a fast way to stop active infestations of insects and diseases. Always read and follow label instructions.
You can learn more by visiting www.bayeradvanced.com or by calling (877) BAYERAG.
Arts council sponsors “Dinner, Dancing, and the Arts”
Courtesy of Lois Bohnsack
Northwestern Randolph County Arts Council
The Northwestern Randolph County Arts Council is sponsoring “Dinner, Dancing, and the Arts” on Saturday March 15, 2008, at the Archdale Recreation Center in Creekside Park in Archdale. The event will start at 6:30 p.m. and conclude at 10:00 p.m.
The band for the evening is Timeless, an eight piece local band with brass and vocal. Their music covers a broad mix from big band to shag to oldies to beach to jazz to love songs! A sampling of their music or information on their members can be found at www.theyaretimeless.com.
Timeless members (left to right): Corky Waugh, Kitty Matkins, Ed Kiefer, Carol Sykes, Gary Lane, Bill Salter, Joe Sykes, John Campbell (Photo courtesy of NWRCAC)
The band is sponsored by Archdale Drug Company. Additional sponsorships are available for the event; interested companies or individuals should contact Lois Bohnsack (687-7972).
Art provided by established local artists will be on display around the Recreation Center. Also, in recognition of Youth Art Month, selected art from area high school students will be on exhibit.
The cost for “Dinner, Dancing, and the Arts” is $25.00 for members and $30.00 for non-members. Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are available at Archdale Drug or PB&J in Archdale or call Dianne Coltrane (434-2039), Linda Varner (431-9819) or Lois Bohnsack.
Currently the Northwestern Randolph County Arts Council is conducting a membership drive with corporate and individual memberships at various levels. Information about the benefits of membership, the varying levels, and a membership form can be found on their Web site www.nwrcac.org.
The goal of the Northwestern Randolph County Arts Council is to bring arts to the community and the community to the arts by providing exhibition outlets for artists, providing educational opportunities for those interested in the arts, fostering appreciation of fine arts in the area, and collaborating with schools, businesses, and other organizations through the arts.
Building a better sports bra
(NAPSI)-The 1970s were watershed years for female athletes, with the passage of Title IX ensuring equality in men's and women's sports--and the introduction of the first sports bra.
State-of-the-art biomechanical motion analysis tools have been used to design sports bras for different activity levels.
The advent of cutting-edge technology has made today's sports gear even better, and leading sports bra companies such as Champion are now using science-based research programs to test and evaluate their products.
Using biomechanical research conducted in partnership with scientists at Oregon State University, the company established a proprietary Motion Control Requirements (MCR) System, which means each sports bra can be rated based on how effectively it controls motion and bounce.
"Champion continues to update the MCR system in response to changing trends in fitness activities and breast size," said Dr. LaJean Lawson, a sports bra expert and research team leader at Oregon State University. "We're now using four levels of support -- Light, Medium, High and Maximum--which correspond to a woman's specific fitness activities and bust size."
Each Champion sports bra indicates a rating by cup size with corresponding fitness activities using a color-coded system to ensure an optimum level of support, fit and comfort.
Here are some tips on what to look for when buying a sports bra:
- Consider the activity you intend to do. For example, a sports bra rated as Light Support would be appropriate for activities such as yoga, Pilates and weight training, while a Maximum Support sports bra is more geared to high-impact sports such as running, basketball and horseback riding.
- Take bust size into consideration. Active females who need more full support--for example, those women who are a C, D, DD or larger cup size--require more motion control, so the full-support sports bras are typically rated as High and Maximum.
- Try on more than one style. "Today's sports bras provide support through a variety of designs and fabrics," said Dr. Lawson. "Support can come through traditional compression or new designs using encapsulation or hybrid constructions. Also, look for new seamless styles that combine exceptional support and comfort."
- Replace often. Dr. Lawson recommends replacing a sports bra after 100 wearings.
For more information, visit www.championusa.com.
