tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35395114046868250642024-03-06T04:09:08.104-05:00Robert's Tropical Paradise GardenHorticulturists, Green Thumbs, Landscapers, Nature Crafts, Nutrition, Health, Horticulture Therapists, Artists, Healing Gardens, Butterfly Gardens, Palms, Orchids, Fruit Trees, and more.Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-77286003895319417722017-07-04T21:29:00.000-04:002017-07-04T23:12:25.634-04:00Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Mango Brunch<div class="MsoNormal">
South Florida is the mango capital of the United
States. Every summer we celebrate with
everything mango. We may start the day
with mangoes over oatmeal, yogurt or cereal, or just a few eaten fresh over the
kitchen sink. Lunch may be a mango in a
green salad with tuna, mango salsa with chips or mangoes and cottage
cheese. For an afternoon snack a mango
milkshake or smoothie hits the spot.
Dinner may be a roast chicken with a mango glaze or a curried shrimp and
mango dish.</div>
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<b style="background-color: #ffffcc;">For the past eighteen years the epicenter of mango culinary cuisine occurs at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami. Top chefs of the area prepare a feast of a mango brunch that is so popular it sells out weeks before the event. Chef Allen Susser is the premier chef of the event. He revolutionized South Florida cuisine introducing mangoes at Chef Allen’s in Aventura, and creating new and delicious food combinations that were not seen before. Currently he is busy with many venues through his </b><span style="background-color: #ffffcc; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><b>Chef Allen's Sustainable Consulting firm. The other top chefs of are an amazing bunch. </b></span></div>
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Chris Bulgarin
created Delicious Catering Services Event and Design after spending many years
working at top local restaurants in Dade County. You may have seen him on television news
cooking demos or at Pinecrest Gardens, or teaching at Miami Dade Community
College. Chefs Andrea Curto Randazzo and Frank Randazzo operate the garden café
as well as <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">d<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Creative Tastes Catering & Event
Production</strong>, <b>You may
remember Frank from Talula Restauant. Chef Danial Giraldo of Doral’s Los Verdes
rounds out this amazing group of exceptionally talented chefs. He as successfully demonstrated that healthy
food can be created at fast food establishments. Tim Andriola of Timo and Basil Park is surly
going to prepare amazing creations. Tim
Andriola of Lan Pan Asian Café and Yuga contributes with an East Asian
flair. Kareem Anguin of the Oceanaire
restaurants is the creative genious behind many new culinary treats. This superstar team of top chefs will be preparing
a meal that many consider the best mango brunch of its kind anywhere in the
world. </b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-76940663209358355432017-06-06T07:53:00.001-04:002017-06-06T22:29:29.522-04:00Horticultural Therapy Blooms at Senior Living Residences in South Florida <div class="MsoNormal">
Mery Stewart lives in Five Star Premier Residences of
Pompano Beach. She is a gifted painter,
sculptor and gardener. Mery asked me to
come to her balcony one evening after horticulture class. Her balcony is always abloom with an amazing
selection of plants. Originally Mery had
many gorgeous orchids. Her balcony faces
west on a tall ten story building opposite the beach on the intra coastal
waterway in Pompano Beach. The brutal hot
sun would normally bake orchids, but Mery provided filtered shade with some
larger leafed tropical plants. <o:p></o:p></div>
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On this visit, Mery’s balcony looked like a mini
nursery. There were dozens of small
containers with an assortment of coleus seedlings, Stepilia cactus, kalanchoe
and more. The containers were recycled
plastic pudding and jello cups, yogurt cups and more. What a delight to see so much going on, and
Mery explained, “This is my therapy.
This is what keeps me going.” Some
people love to garden and others garden to live. Horticulture Therapy works wonders for the
mind body and spirit. Growing and
nurturing a plant gives people a sense of purpose, a reason to get up in the
morning. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mery said, “If you can use these in your class, you are
welcome to them. “ We utilized them for
the following class at Five Star. I also
had enough to use at other Five Star facilities in the tri county area. Most seniors have balconies and most like to
have plants. Since gardening is
America’s number one pastime, it stands to reason every senior living residence
should have a garden club, and most do. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“My father was a landscape architect and my mother worked in
a flower shop.” My sister also loves to
garden. She does this all by herself. “Mery
shared beautiful photos her sister sent from Germany. The
gardening group meets monthly on Thursday evenings. The crowd is always lively, loud and laughing
and everyone has a grand time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-23056182745970122542015-10-06T18:23:00.003-04:002017-06-06T22:29:56.577-04:00Bountiful bromeliads abound in garden The joy of growing bromeliads in South Florida is that there is always a species in bloom year round. The vast array of color, size and texture of the bloom adds distinction to any landscape design in South Florida. <br />
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A large group of bromeliads utilized as a ground cover produces stunning blooms. Alas, this gorgeous display is short lived. Some bromeliads last months while others last just a week or two. <br />
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Sometimes a large bromeliad has great impact if utilized as an accent plant among greenery. The gray color of the leaves below also add a contrast to the surrounding plants.<br />
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Broward county has a <a href="http://www.bromeliadsocietybc.com/" target="_blank">bromeliad society</a> that meets monthly. Click on the hyperlink above for more information. Years ago I was a regular member. I really want to go back to a meeting now and then. They used to have great raffles and you can win wonderful plants. Members would donate plants each month for the raffle. <br />
For northerners bromeliads make wonderful houseplants as well. Check your local nurseries for the best selection. I recommend Aechmeas, Guzmanias, and Cryptanthus to start your collection. Happy gardening and see you again soon! <br />
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Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-47340883081981993702015-08-31T22:33:00.000-04:002017-06-06T22:30:22.043-04:00Tremendous Exotic Tropical Philodendrons Exotic tropical philodendrons that are grown as houseplants up north are utilized as ground covers in South Florida. They provide a super tropical look to a garden and are very easy to grow. Here is the common pothos philodendron, growing up a tree. Philodendrons are one of a select group of plants that have juvenile leaves and adult leaves. The juvenile leaves are the more common ones you see growing up north indoors. The adult leaves form in Florida on established philodendrons. The leaves get much larger and often develops swiss cheese like holes in the leaves. Botanists are perplexed as to why the leaves change this way, some hypothesize that in the jungles it allows water to flow through the immense leaves.<br />
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This is a swiss cheese philodendron growing up a palm tree.<br />
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However the vining philodendrons can become challenging to manage if left unchecked. In the photo below, a vine is growing up a window screen. It is<br />
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blocking light causing the room to be unusually dark. If left unchecked, it will climb up over the window up the wall to the roof. In the photo below, you will see some common philodendrons climbing up a wall of my house.<br />
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In the lower left corner, these clumping philodendrons from Brazil, are spreaders so make a wonderful ground cover.<br />
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Roberto Burle Marx discovered this philodendron in a rainforest in Brazil and named it after himself. It flourishes in a vase filed with water indoors.<br />
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Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-69151458925144251592015-07-31T20:40:00.001-04:002017-06-06T22:30:43.527-04:00Mystery of the Wilson avocado Every Tuesday there is a farmers market at Whole Foods in Fort Lauderdale and there are always amazing local vendors selling fresh locally grown vegetables, homemade vegan foods and desserts, soups, spices, carribean teas, homemade soaps, chocolate, breads and so much more.<br />
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My favorite vegetable vendor is Enrique from <a href="https://instagram.com/easytropical/" target="_blank">EasyTropical </a>who has a farm in Homestead. He grows a lot of fruit and vegetables and also supplements with other vegetables grown in other climates. This week I saw a gigantic avocado. He said he grows it on his farm, and it was a Wilson. I asked him to tell me the history of the fruit but he only knew its name. <br />
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When I returned from the market I googled Wilson Avocado and was thrilled with the back story. I had never even heard of Wilson Popenoe before doing research. I knew Dr. Fairchild was responsible for introducing a tremendous amount of tropical palms, plants and fruit trees to South Florida, and Mr. Wilson Popenoe at the same time was instrumental in introducing avocados. <br />
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The Wilson variety was recently the first fruit in all of Florida to be inducted into the Ark of Taste. Slow Food Miami, an organization promoting locally produced food, along with Dr. Helen Violo of the University of Florida and Mike Winterstein of the USDA are on a mission to resurrect the Wilson Avocado from obscurity. Apparently they believe there are only a few trees left in all of Florida. They are not aware of Enrique's prolific grove of trees. Now it is my mission to introduce the above people to help them save the Wilson Avocado. <br />
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What is so special about this fruit? It is all about the flavor which is unique and unlike other avocados. It was a super flavor and amazing buttery texture. As of this writing I have yet to taste mine. It is sitting on a kitchen counter ripening. Perhaps tomorrow it will be ready to taste. I can't wait! <br />
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<br />Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-75001164305112161242015-07-08T17:30:00.001-04:002017-06-06T22:31:13.163-04:00Miami Beach Botanical Garden is the crown jewel of South Florida Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a spectacular garden located within the heart of South Beach a block away from Lincoln Road and Washington Avenue. When you want to get away from the broiling heat of the beach or have done enough shopping, the garden offers shaded tranquility for spending time with Mother Nature. For both tourists and locals it offers a fascinating experience to explore exotic tropical plants from all around the world.<br />
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The garden is under three acres but seems much larger. Within this tiny space you can explore a Japanese garden, fountains, meandering paths, sculptures, a social hall, gorgeous tropical trees shrubs and ground covers. There is always something in bloom at the garden as well. I have visited the garden often over the years and always felt rejuvenated and energized afterward. <br />
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In 1962 the park was created on vacant land in back of the Miami Beach Convention Center. In 1996 a group of garden visionaries created a nonprofit conservatory and the garden has blossomed into an cultural and educational center for both locals and tourists. A magical transformation occurred in 2011 when well known landscape architect<a href="http://www.raymondjungles.com/" target="_blank"> Raymond Jungles</a> elevated the garden to new heights. The new design added more plants, fountains, sculptures, paths and vistas. <br />
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The foundation created a wonderful place for educational and cultural programing all year round. Check the <a href="http://www.mbgarden.org/" target="_blank">Miami Beach Botanical Garden website</a> for upcoming events.<br />
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Due to the proximity to the convention center and hotels, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden offers a wonderful venue for corporate events, weddings, receptions and special occasions. There is an ample sized room overlooking the garden for indoor affairs, as well as a multitude of areas within the outdoor garden for events. <br />
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Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-8874150114807405542015-06-19T08:10:00.002-04:002017-06-06T22:31:33.931-04:00Create Magical Nature Projects Improve your Blog with GraphicStock<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaacThawOKrF7r2PNdA1uER_0GdU0JpBUzoimpDXtiBqJBPshQvE9kqRdiTwB2zPxtHPPgyiA_RYFE8J_Jo65VnzS-ql3KefuL6NUhMWzMIQ3_ypaWcGt5Oho2Ux9_lgUzAbT60PA0i2HA/s1600/path-in-the-green-forest_f1CB4Bod.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaacThawOKrF7r2PNdA1uER_0GdU0JpBUzoimpDXtiBqJBPshQvE9kqRdiTwB2zPxtHPPgyiA_RYFE8J_Jo65VnzS-ql3KefuL6NUhMWzMIQ3_ypaWcGt5Oho2Ux9_lgUzAbT60PA0i2HA/s320/path-in-the-green-forest_f1CB4Bod.jpg" /></a> Don't Desert the highway for a short cut.<br />
~Old Irish Expression <br />
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Graphic images can be utilized for pressed flower and nature print cards for birthdays, anniversaries, get well, miss you cards, etc. nature printing, posters, wall decorations, messages and so much more. Graphics for decoupage projects are ideal. Graphic images make ideal note paper as well. Having access to amazing graphic images can change your blogging life, business life and personal life for the better.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAgYeuzNXc0u83NdCrdGZwMj322OEUJgOHeX6GEVXXCkDCxCaEVGuUWP0huu56xYZmcb632fnBPjtqb5WL16reDF60emlZMSMq52AtIBCE0RiZ73u7s6LP6wwpl_g6Xryu-cjYUcSZOxz/s1600/DSC_6807-412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAgYeuzNXc0u83NdCrdGZwMj322OEUJgOHeX6GEVXXCkDCxCaEVGuUWP0huu56xYZmcb632fnBPjtqb5WL16reDF60emlZMSMq52AtIBCE0RiZ73u7s6LP6wwpl_g6Xryu-cjYUcSZOxz/s320/DSC_6807-412.jpg" /></a>The joys of spring.</div>
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There is an amazing company <a href="https://ooh.li/4bbbcb6" target="_blank">GraphicStock</a> that is offering a <a href="https://ooh.li/4bbbcb6" target="_blank">free trial </a>of their graphic designs. Remember that once you sign up for the free trial you should enjoy the benefits and if you chose to stay on, you will pay for the <a href="https://ooh.li/cc934ef" target="_blank">discounted membership of just $99 for the year</a>, instead of the usual $588. Please cancel your <a href="https://ooh.li/cc934ef" target="_blank">subscription</a> if you do not want to pay for the membership before the <a href="https://ooh.li/0a77415" target="_blank">trial</a> date is over.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_mXT1l_Ogx5Ezz8yLPFfOyEzzo5yIRaZIR53y1QDj1V1424IBLg-Cf6v1bWyBWAfN-CYo24JsT2EZPlDjqR5oAKOXZPuIFpY6CZ3ix4wjLqcmOO6NxyT9DPZOLtoKOn-ul3IaH28UCyf/s1600/fresh-vegetables-background_zJxaj1PO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_mXT1l_Ogx5Ezz8yLPFfOyEzzo5yIRaZIR53y1QDj1V1424IBLg-Cf6v1bWyBWAfN-CYo24JsT2EZPlDjqR5oAKOXZPuIFpY6CZ3ix4wjLqcmOO6NxyT9DPZOLtoKOn-ul3IaH28UCyf/s320/fresh-vegetables-background_zJxaj1PO.jpg" /></a>Nothing tastes as good as homegrown vegetables. Now is the time to plant your garden!</div>
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I am not a tech geek. The good news is their <a href="https://ooh.li/4bbbcb6" target="_blank">site</a> is easy to navigate. Since I am a highly visual person, I was like a kid in a candy store enjoying all the images. On the <a href="https://ooh.li/4bbbcb6" target="_blank">free trial</a>, you are limited to 20 downloads a day. You click on the images you
want and they download to your computer. You find them in your download
files. Then you can utilize the images in a multitude of ways.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1R4Ljb8rM95-4XjNpJUvWS2nvKuZsS3vXhIO91NEBsrGwGkU_wBUx6J3s-67hxg8hsD8gfEPGskyo50YakvzLluONpAQERsELyEKmsdOZgROWf6yDDi_esc8C-9fq4OCDQwIPJt0He_r/s1600/rose_MJuSq5Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1R4Ljb8rM95-4XjNpJUvWS2nvKuZsS3vXhIO91NEBsrGwGkU_wBUx6J3s-67hxg8hsD8gfEPGskyo50YakvzLluONpAQERsELyEKmsdOZgROWf6yDDi_esc8C-9fq4OCDQwIPJt0He_r/s320/rose_MJuSq5Bd.jpg" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"></span><br />
A rose is a rose is a rose. ~ Gertrude Stein<br />
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The above images are all from <a href="https://ooh.li/4bbbcb6" target="_blank">GraphicStock</a>. They are just marvelous. Think of all the possibilities you can utilize these for your blog, business or personal use. Great news, there is a giveaway one year complimentary access to GraphiStock values at $588. All you have to do is:<br />
1) Sign up for a <a href="https://ooh.li/4bbbcb6" target="_blank">7 day free trial </a>or the <a href="https://ooh.li/cc934ef" target="_blank">limited time $99 annual membership (a $588 value)</a><br />
2) Complete your own project or give your opinion of the GraphicStock tutorial.
3) Comment on my blog about your completed project.Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-28231105132592077362015-06-05T23:17:00.000-04:002017-06-06T22:31:53.521-04:00Mango Time in South Florida Its time to celebrate when it is mango time in South Florida. We eat them morning, noon and night. We eat them over the sink, sliced up in oatmeal, yogurt and cottage cheese. We chop them up for salads, salsas and baked with fish or chicken. We bake mango bread, mango pies, mango cake and mango upside down cake.<br />
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This year there is a bumper crop of mangoes and homeowners are challenged as to what to do with such an over abundance. Many people bring bags of mangoes to work every day. Some people set up fruit stands in front of their house and sell them. Other people bring them to food banks, churches and give them to neighbors who do not have trees. <br />
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Squirrels, tree rats, birds, insects love mangoes as well. So do landscapers working nearby, mailmen, school children. My seniors at work told me stories of how they would go to work during the day and return home at night to find their trees stripped of fruit. Below is a short video on how to pick fruit early from the tree. Normally when they are ripe they fall down to the ground.<br />
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Many of us like to slice them up and freeze them for enjoyment after mango season. The consistency is never the same as a fresh mango, but they are still great in smoothies. Here is a short video on how to cut mangoes like a chef. <br />
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Fairchild Tropical Garden in Miami always has a spectacular mango festival in July, the height of mango season. Mango season is from May to October. Here are a few reviews of past festivals. The festival is a three day event with non stop activities. There are tastings, fruit sales, chef demonstrations, displays, outside vendors, tree sales and so much more. The Sunday mango brunch always sells out early to purchase your tickets in advance. <a href="http://www.fairchildgarden.org/Events-Community-Outreach/Mango-Festival" target="_blank">Mango Festival Information </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/fairchild-gardens-mango-festival-a-great-success" target="_blank">Fairchild Tropical Garden Mango Festival a great success</a><br />
<a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/fairchild-tropical-botanic-garden-mango-brunch-2014" target="_blank">Fairchild Tropical Garden Mango Brunch</a><br />
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<br />Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-2917743910222671562015-05-16T13:05:00.001-04:002017-06-06T22:32:25.508-04:00A Taste of Peru In the USA foodies delight eating out in Peruvian restaurants. It is customary to start a meal with a pisco sour, a delicious alcoholic beverage. Ceviche can be served a multitude of ways and the flavorful combinations always are intriguing. Flavorful soups abound. Dishes of chicken, fish and steak prepared to perfection with garlic, cilantro, pepper and more are simply delightful. <br />
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Lets take a tour of Peru and check out their amazing agriculture. The first stop is an agricultural research area created by the Incas about five hundred years ago. Each terraced area represents a different altitude. Peru goes from sea level in Lima, the capital all the way up 14 thousand feet at Lake Titicaca. Their research enabled farmers to learn what crops thrive at each elevation. </div>
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They grow over four thousand kinds of potatoes and over two thousand kinds of corn! Many colorful variations exist. </div>
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After corn is harvested it is not preserved by canning or freezing like here. It is more often dried and bagged. </div>
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Bags of potatoes at a local market show the tremendous diversity of colors, shapes and sizes available. </div>
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Amazing gigantic breads are a specialty of certain towns. </div>
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Chef and restaurateur Gaston Acurio of Peru has over forty restaurants worldwide. I will have to try one out, since there are two in Miami. </div>
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Peru is an amazing country rich in history, culture, beautiful countryside and wonderful people. <br />
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Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-7910732499944613882015-03-25T21:42:00.004-04:002017-06-06T22:33:14.561-04:00Tasty Tomatoes and recipes Out of all the vegetables we can grow, for most of us tomatoes rank high of the top five favorites. It is peak tomato picking now in South Florida. With temperatures reaching the mid to high 80's and the heat index in the 90's the tomato plants are showing signs of fatigue. Mid day wilting requires watering both morning and evening to my potted plants. As the plants mature, their leaves are turning yellow and brown at an alarming rate. I pick bowls of both cherry and plum tomatoes every other day. Their red ripe color contrasts with the leaves. There are fewer and fewer green ones left on the plants. <br />
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I grow my tomatoes in large containers in full sun. I never spay my veggies with any pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, nematicides or any other harmful chemicals. I do use commercial fertilizers, a gentle one you add to water. I buy composted manure and add it to my own compost and I mulch the pots. I buy eucalyptus mulch which keeps pests at bay. I always grow heirloom everglades tomatoes from seed. I also supplement with various varieties I purchase at garden centers. Here are some quick videos on how to grow tomatoes.<br />
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<u>Quick and easy tomato recipes</u><br />
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<b>Veggie omelette </b><br />
I love to saute onions, garlic and cherry tomatoes cut in half in a pan, and then sprinkle a dash of salt and pepper, some oregano. Add beaten eggs and either scramble or make an omelette. You will have a feast of a meal. <br />
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<b>Summer pasta sauce</b><br />
Make a summer sauce for pasta by cutting up plum and cherry tomatoes and add to a bowl. Add fresh garlic, a few teaspoons of olive oil, a dash of salt, pepper and a hand full of chopping fresh basil leaves. Let marinate on the counter a few hours. Later boil pasta of your choice and serve with your sauce. Delicious.<br />
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<b>Israeli Middle Eastern Salad</b><br />
Chop up cherry tomatoes into fine cubes. Chop up green peppers in fine cubes. Chop up cucumber in fine cubes. Add all together and add a dash of salt and pepper. Marinate with vinegar. Serve cold. Delicious dish traditionally eaten for breakfast in Israel. You may serve as a condiment for a sandwich or as a side dish instead of cole slaw. <br />
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Enjoy your veggies right out of the garden as well. Nothing tastes as fresh or delicious.<br />
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<br />Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-86301948429281231922015-03-13T23:18:00.001-04:002017-06-06T22:33:52.551-04:00Spring forward with new plants for your gardenSpring in South Florida is just around the corner and it is prime planting time for <a href="https://ooh.li/92eef92" target="_blank">shrubs, trees, groundcovers and perennials</a>. Why is this the case? Planting in the fall and winter is our dry season. If you get ambitious during the weekend with a major landscape overhaul and then have a super busy work week and forget to give a deep hand water to your plants, you may be in trouble. A few days of super hot and or windy weather could dry out the root ball of the plants and they may die. Sprinklers never provide a deep enough soaking to newly planted material. Ever try to revive a severely wilted plant? It is hit or miss, especially for young plants that are not established in your garden. A great resource for plants to utilize for your area is <a href="https://ooh.li/92eef92" target="_blank">Monrovia Nursery</a>. Just plug in your zip code and the best plants for your area will pop up plus when you scroll down it will list the closest nurseries to buy the plants! <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><img src="</span><a href="http://ooh.li/1c8a4ef" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" target="_blank">http://ooh.li/1c8a4ef</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">" /></span><br />
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That is why spring and summer are best for major plantings. We get daily afternoon showers that cool us off as well as our gardens. The showers compliment our hose waterings of newly planted gardens. Try to<a href="https://ooh.li/92eef92" target="_blank"> choose plants</a> that will provide food for wildlife. Certain flowers attract butterflies, some plants produce berries for birds, and dense shrubs provide protection and shade for critters. Pick waterwise plants for an easy to maintain garden.<br />
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I enjoy beautiful easy Lantana for a burst of year round color. Lantana thrives in the brutal hot summer Florida heat, and are great for our bees and butterflies. I love the color combination of milkweed and Lantana, so will plant these together in my butterfly garden. <br />
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Another favorite are the Kalanchoes. Their deep vibrant colorful flowers last for weeks and if you nurture them they will come back next year. My Kale is nearing the end of the season, and as I remove the lower leaves for cooking, the plant is looking leggy. Planting the Kalanchoes underneath provides vibrant color to my potted vegetable garden. <a href="http://ooh.li/1c8a4ef" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" target="_blank">http://ooh.li/1c8a4ef</a><br />
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Thank you <a href="https://ooh.li/92eef92" target="_blank">Monrovia</a> for providing the plants for this story! I remember first learning about Monrovia during college horticulture classes. Their use of cutting edge scientific research, newest technology, and top quality growing conditions exemplifies why their plants grow so well in your garden. Many garden centers such as <a href="http://livingcolorgardencenter.net/" target="_blank">Living Color</a>, <a href="http://www.perfectchoicelandscape.com/" target="_blank">Perfect Choice</a> and <a href="http://www.lowes.com/en_us/l/spring-black-friday-deals.html?rf=https://www.google.com/" target="_blank">Lowes</a> carry <a href="https://ooh.li/92eef92" target="_blank">Monrovia Plants.</a><br />
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<br />Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-53827741195036810832015-02-22T22:10:00.000-05:002017-06-06T22:35:13.302-04:00Secrets of growing amazing orchids I have attended many orchid classes and orchid over the years. I have purchased many orchids in as many years and many have died. As a hobby orchid grower with marginal results for many years. I would like to share with you a success story.<br />
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For every expert orchid grower, there is another technique they recommend. Water with ice cubes, water only in the morning, spray the leaves, fertilize with epsom salts, fertilize with orchid food only, fertilize with only liquid, powder, granules, etc. Some homeowners get amazing results by hanging their orchids in trees and forgetting about them. Others put them on a strictly times regimen. Lighting is another confusing variable. Too little light and the orchids do not grow or flower. Too much light and they get burned and or dry out and die. Its confusing.</div>
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After reading up I discovered my vandas needed the most light, and mine get some early morning and late afternoon direct sun, with filtered sun mid day. Next come the oncidiums. The dendrobiums and cattleyas require a bit less light. The easiest to flower and to take care of are phalaenopsis orchids, which require the least light. </div>
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In terms of feeding, I have the best results with regular weekly dilute feedings, or at least feeding most waterings. I try to water once or twice a week in the winter since its the dry season. During this time I only feed once a week. In the summer when its the wet season water only once and feed only once. </div>
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This last photo is from an orchid show, not my mine. So beautiful! Here is a video I did about the orchids. </div>
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Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-88635632540341495852015-01-05T22:15:00.001-05:002017-06-06T22:34:36.823-04:00The Wonders Of Aloe Vera Aloe vera is an amazing plant to grow, and its so easy as well. Inside give it a sunny window and water when the soil is dry to the touch, its that easy. Within no time the plant will start to produce baby plants and you will need to step up or repot the plant in a larger container. <br />
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Outdoors in Florida we are able to grow it year round in the garden. Aloe can be successfully grown as a ground cover. This year I planted a clump at the edge of my property line. Every time a baby grew to be a third of the size of the mother, I carefully dug it up and replanted it in a bare spot in the garden bed. <br />
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Last week the mature plants started blooming profusely. I had seen them bloom like this often through the years. I had never had planted an entire bed of them and am amazed at the beauty of the blooms en mass. Gorgeous. <br />
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I utilize aloe medicinally many ways. When I cut my skin I cut off part of a leaf and take it inside. I peel away part of the leaf to expose the gooey center, and apply that to the cut. I try to do it morning and night. Sometimes I apply it to my face before bedtime as a healthy skin treatment. Other times I take a teaspoon of the gel, add it in the blender with some juice and drink it as a tonic. <br />
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Aloe should be a plant in everyone's house or garden. In my horticultural therapy classes we grow it at every facility I work at. <br />
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In South Florida, most of the native pineland areas have been bulldozed for development. They are not protected. I found these trees growing in back of a nursing home and senior living facility. <br />
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The trick to getting nice pine cones is to hunt before landscapers come and cut the grass. The mowers shred the cones beyond recognition. The next obstacle are squirrels. They enjoy feasting on the pinecones. <br />
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The squirrels just leave the core. It looks like an ear of corn after we eat them. Just the corn cob remains. When I go pine cone picking, I need hundreds of them. I have to go to a couple of areas to get all I need for the holidays. Often areas are picked clean before I get there from other crafty people.<br />
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I take a small cloth bag and fill it up. Then I walk back to the car and fill up a big garbage back up with the booty.<br />
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To make your very own pine cone turkeys, you will need a glue gun, feathers, felt and pipe cleaners. Cut the pipe cleaner into three pieces. This creates the head and neck. Make a fish hook out of one end, about 1/4 an inch long. Bend it into the pipe cleaner and roll it a bit down. Bend the neck a bit and place the end into the pointed part of the pinecone. Keep the pine cone horizontal. Cut two small triangle shapes for the bird beak. Place a few feathers at the flat end of the pine cone. Make sure you do not place the turkey head into its bottom. (That always gets a chuckle from one of my alert seniors.) I let the seniors do all the work, and then I use the glue gun to finish it all off. <br />
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They love being creative and enjoy taking something back to their rooms after class. They enjoy sharing their crafts with family. Many take pride in telling me their turkey was a decoration at their Thanksgiving dinner.<br />
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<br />Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-87205885774559889122014-10-27T21:46:00.000-04:002017-06-06T22:36:02.525-04:00My First Rain ChainHave you ever had a rain chain? They are amazing. Originally from Japan, they are utilized instead of a gutter downspout. There are many variations to choose from. Little cups hang down and rain water drains from cup to cup until it reaches a barrel to collect water or is distributed to the ground where it waters the garden.<br />
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In Japan they are very common in households, temples and other buildings. They are a welcome addition to any garden anywhere, and I recently was contacted to try one out. Clayton from <a href="http://www.rainchainsdirect.com/" target="_blank">Rain Chain Direct</a> offered me one to experiment with and write about here on my blog. It was super easy to install and comes with instructions. I had a light rain and enjoyed watching the water flow down the cups and enjoyed the sound. I am looking forward to a heavy rain to get another experience. <br />
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I had my parents over and my father (so practical, as all fathers are) pointed out I should not keep this in the front yard. The copper ornament is visible from the street, and its like having money hanging down for everyone to see. The high price of copper has created a new market and thieves are stealing copper from air conditioning units, plumbing fixtures and anything else made of copper is fair game. I did not want to have my new feature stolen before I even got the pleasure of using it, so I moved the rain chain to the backyard garden. <br />
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Over time the copper will change color and it will age to a beautiful finish. I am very happy to enhance my garden with this rain chain and advice my readers to purchase one or give as gifts to friends and family.<br />
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Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-69577835619163400772014-10-17T22:32:00.001-04:002017-06-06T22:36:49.079-04:00American Horticultural Therapy Association Annual Conference 2014Every year the <a href="http://ahta.org/event/ahta-national-conference" target="_blank">American Horticultural Therapy Association</a> hosts an amazing conference in North America. This years event was at the Ace Hotel in Lafayette Hill, a suburb of Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Horticultural Therapy is the use of plants an plant related materials to improve the mind body and spirit. It is utilized in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, senior living facilities, childrens programs, drug and alcohol programs, women's eating disorder programs, prisons, ARC facilities, mental health facilities, VA hospitals and rehabilitation centers, Alzheimer Units, Cardiac Units, Intensive care units, Vocational Rehab centers, special education schools and day programs, and so on. <br />
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Until we get insurance companies to reimburse us for our expertise, we will not have enough job opportunities for our young students graduating with degrees in horticultural therapy.<br />
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We had AHTA members and non members attending from 37 states and 9 different countries. There were a multitude of speakers and the hardest decision is choosing who to listen to when there were concurrent sessions. The key note speaker was <a href="http://environment.yale.edu/profile/kellert/" target="_blank">Stephen Kellert, PhD </a>of Yale. <a href="http://www.burpee.com/vegetables/about-george-ball-burpee-chairman-and-ceo-article10473.html" target="_blank">George Ball </a>the CEO of Burpee Seed Co spoke on Sunday. Both men are brilliant and understand the value and necessity of Horticultural Therapy. <br />
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Yours truly spoke on Saturday. The discussion was titled "How to start your own Horticultural Therapy Business." The goal was to motivate others to create a career in Horticultural Therapy and a plan to achieve financial independence as well. This was a lofty goal for just an hour presentation. Luckily the session went very well and was well received. <br />
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It is always marvelous meeting your peers, learning from each other and making new friends as well. Next year the conference will be in Portland Oregon at the exemplary of program <a href="file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/TeresiaHazenBio%20(1).pdf" target="_blank">Teresia Hazen</a> of Legacy Healthcare. Not to be missed!<br />
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<br />Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-78579700392106340652014-08-22T22:30:00.001-04:002014-08-22T22:37:57.572-04:00All About Oncidium Orchids Confession time. I thought for years I did not care for Oncidium orchids. I would buy them and then after a while they would simply decline and die. Oh and worse, never flower. I much rather preferred Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums, Cattleyas and Vanda orchids. They seemed to be more hearty and likely to re flower every year.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Well the times have changed and now they are beloved as the group above. I purchased some Oncidiums from someone who was moving and downsizing this spring. They were not in flower at the time. Now in August they both bloomed. Their cascading flowers are simply spectacular. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIKnZObEbCygUCseQiZbJZAAybNQVbDtBVgHKzvUNjhB4EYOczyXQyw4vaN-mIWlCk1N4Nng0dRhkXYvXG9Uri3q42TMKWRl_pds-cfK3xz4LvYvQfX0Wmz1ZGqVVwyc-FCs78hRzl0Bo/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIKnZObEbCygUCseQiZbJZAAybNQVbDtBVgHKzvUNjhB4EYOczyXQyw4vaN-mIWlCk1N4Nng0dRhkXYvXG9Uri3q42TMKWRl_pds-cfK3xz4LvYvQfX0Wmz1ZGqVVwyc-FCs78hRzl0Bo/s1600/009.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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The above and below photographs are the more unusual chocolate orchid, also known as Sharry Baby Oncidium. To me their scent is very mild, so mild I do not detect a chocolate scent. However, the blooms are breathtaking enough for me even without the added scent. <br />
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This Oncidium below is the more common of the two, this yellow flowering species is spectacular due to the brilliance of the profuse yellow blossoms. <br />
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Now the reality has set in that yes indeed I can have success with Oncidiums, I wonder what genus will be the next to have success with? Only time will tell my dear readers, only time will tell. <br />
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<br />Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-27166199206669338152014-07-09T23:27:00.001-04:002014-07-09T23:31:52.321-04:00Tribute to horticulturist and teacher David Mclean David Mclean passed away while I was on vacation. It is a sad time for all horticulturists in South Florida. He was a ubiquitous fixture in everything to do with plants. Until recently was a guest speaker at most plant groups, library chats, park gardening series and more. He sold plants at most plant shows all over the tri county area. <br />
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While teaching horticulture at Broward College for over 40 years, he created a monthly plant group opened to the public as well as college students. There was always a great speaker, a plant auction and upon completion a dessert buffet supplied by the attendees. The group met at the Broward County Extension Office for years and then later at the site of his nursery at Trinity Church in downtown Fort Lauderdale.<br />
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He was a brilliant horticulturist, who had a passion for teaching and sharing his everlasting curiosity of plants. He had a sharp sense of humor, was opinionated and blunt. Never boring.<br />
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Over the years I purchased plants from his nursery. I had a wonderful potted allspice tree for years. Upon returning from my vacation, the allspice tree was dead. It had lasted for years on all my other vacations.<br />
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Goodbye David and goodbye allspice tree. You will be missed. <br />
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Penny Bullard, his wife still operates an amazing restaurant on the grounds of the church. David created the edible landscape at the restaurant and I wrote about it. Here is a link to the article.<br />
<a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/edible-gardens-made-easy-11th-street-annex-restaurant" target="_blank">11th Street Annex Restaurant </a><br />
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Here is a link to his obituary from the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel.<br />
<a href="http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2014-06-05/news/fl-david-mclean-obit-20140605_1_fort-lauderdale-garden-club-plant-collector-bechard-butman" target="_blank">Obituary for David Mclean </a><br />
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Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-53053556631010289822014-03-01T23:37:00.000-05:002014-03-01T23:45:28.799-05:00Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society Show and Sale 2014Every year the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society hosts an amazing show and sale. The displays are absolutely spectacular. Orchid growers and orchid societies haul in a vast array of accoutrements to present their orchids. Gigantic foliage plants, huge berms, lights, music, mulch, rock and so much more are artistically arranged to create mini paradises. There are throngs of photographers taking selfies, their friends, or just the displays. The show is judged and there are many awarded orchids to view.<br />
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Having been going on and off for over thirty years, and feeling a bit under the weather, I was not planning on attending this year. A receptionist and orchid enthusiast at one of the nursing homes I practice Horticultural Therapy at asked me if I was going this year. I told her no, and she said, "It is going to be great and you are buying a ticket now." <br />
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None of my friends were interested in going for a multitude of reasons, so I attended myself. I went to Holiday Park, where it was held and was surprised not not see crowds leaving the auditorium with shopping bags full of orchids. At every show, no one leaves empty handed. People walking in did not look happy or as well dressed as the orchid enthusiasts of years past. There was a negative energy flowing. As I walked there was a sign stating it said if you buy a ticket to get in you get a free pass for another gun show. Something seemed weird and sure enough, I had the wrong week, and it was a gun show. No wonder no one was smiling. <br />
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I went back the next weekend and sure enough there was excitement in the air. People were smiling, carrying their beautiful orchids and looking refreshed and invigorated as they left the hall. The show did not disappoint and I naturally had to buy some orchids. I walked around, toured the show, chatted here and there with strangers, met a few acquaintances. The president and board members of the show came up to me and said hello. I hate going to events alone so it was nice to see some familiar faces.<br />
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I had a marvelous time at the show and was happy to attend as always. I felt happy and refreshed leaving the event. That day I came home and shot a video of the baby bare root orchids I bought and how to plant them in a container. After the video a few weeks later I added some lava rocks to keep them in place so they would not fall out.<br />
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<br />Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-28736549092305300502014-01-12T15:18:00.001-05:002014-01-12T15:18:46.393-05:00Healing herbs and old fashioned remedies Many of my seniors at work remember old fashioned remedies their parents or grandparents gave them when they were children. Depending on where they were born and what plants were readily available determined what cures they remember. Here is a link about a special herbal tea. <a href="http://robertstropicalparadisegarden.blogspot.com/2013/05/cerasee-tea-for-health.html">http://robertstropicalparadisegarden.blogspot.com/2013/05/cerasee-tea-for-health.html</a><br />
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Many cultures reminisce of the curative powers of Aloe vera for wounds to the skin, Others recall given aloe as a drink to aid digestion and a cleanse internal organs. Eastern europeans recall camomile tea utilized for colds, stomach aches and as a hair rinse. Seniors from the Caribbean Islands recall cerasee tea for cleansing the blood. Here is a link to great island remedies. <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/linette-s-herbal-remedy-garden">http://www.examiner.com/article/linette-s-herbal-remedy-garden</a><br />
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An epsom salt foot bath soothed tired, sore feet. A hot tottie was given for a cold before bed. A hot tottie could have been a whisky shot, or an elaborate concoction of warm milk, and egg and whisky. <br />
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Some seniors recall bonkes, or cupping. Small glasses were used with a candle or match and applied to the back. The suction would irritate the skin, bringing blood to the area. This was used to heal a cough or a cold. Here is a link to an article about how to make your own herbal teas. <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/how-to-create-herbal-teas-from-your-garden">http://www.examiner.com/article/how-to-create-herbal-teas-from-your-garden</a><br />
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The were astounded when a doctor prescribed garlic pills to lower blood pressure. What is old is new again. Old fashioned cures that were once considered old wives tales are now medically proven to be beneficial. Many cures are now available at the local drug store, from pharmaceutical grade olive oil pills to herbal teas and epsom salts. <br />
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<br />Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-24267763741773505082013-12-29T22:11:00.000-05:002013-12-29T22:16:30.043-05:00Christmas Holiday Winter Holiday Craft IdeasIts the most wonderful time of the year, so the song goes. Nature crafts sweeten our lives. Here are some ideas to brighten your holidays, give you something fun to do with the family, and provide some gift ideas. These activities can be done with people of all ages, although the ones I feature in photos are all conceived and executed by seniors I work with at nursing homes, assisted living and independent living facilities. <span id="goog_178638807"></span><span id="goog_178638808"></span><br />
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The first are door hanger decorations. My father cuts the shape out with recycled card board. You can use a can or bottle to use as a template for the circle. These collages can be created for many different holidays and seasons. Cutting, pasting, gluing may be easy for you, but difficult for my seniors. Diminished vision due to macular degeneration makes it hard to see the pictures. Arthritic hands makes it painful to utilize scissors to cut pictures. Alzheimers disease creates difficulty concentrating and focusing on completing tasks. With my assistance they are able work through their impairments to create wonderful holiday treasures. We utilized recycled magazines, advertisements and catalogues as a source of supplies.<br />
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Similar in concept but more difficult to do are the holiday wreaths. These can be a theme of holiday greenery, holiday foods or specific Christmas or Chanukah colors. I suggest the cutting around the inner circle and outer circle be after all the pictures are chosen and glued. This saves a great deal of time since the activity must be completed within an hour. The ones featured below are fall harvest vegetable wreaths. Old seed catalogues, newspaper flyers and magazines were the source of materials for this project.<br />
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Well I hope this gave you some inspiration to create beautiful decorative art with recycled materials. No two creations look alike, just as our thumb prints are all unique. <br />
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Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-37690871878960111302013-11-16T19:20:00.000-05:002013-11-16T19:23:22.100-05:00Touring Claude Monet's home and garden in Giverny, France. <br />
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I was surprised at the huge house Claude Monet had at Giverny. It is opened for viewing and some of the rooms are exactly as he had them before he died. His gardens were a great pleasure of his, as well as an inspiration for many of his later paintings. He liked to entertain and had a large kitchen. His artist studio was also a large room with a great deal of paintings on display. <br />
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The house and garden are on one side of the street while the water lily garden is across the street. Visiting these gardens was a dream come true, since on my other visits, I did not have the opportunity to visit. <br />
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These arbors are full of roses during the height of rose season in June. Since I was there in September, it gives me another reason to return in June at high rose time. Luckily there were some roses still in bloom. Some were bushes, some were standards while others were clipped way back after they bloomed in June.<br />
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Monet took great pride in his garden and enjoyed planting many varieties of flowers which he then included in his paintings. He liked to paint them at different times of the day. As the light and shade varied, this was reflected in the color variations of his paintings.<br />
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Well I hope you enjoyed this abbreviated tour of the gardens. I am still pinching myself to make sure it was not just a dream. I waited so long to see Monet's garden. I am happy to have photographs and videos to relive the memories. For more videos please visit and subscribe to my garden channel on YouTube. <br />
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Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-17728325580982406932013-10-10T23:31:00.001-04:002013-10-10T23:31:47.242-04:00Open letter to destroyed alzheimer horticultural therapy gardens<br />
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It has been a productive and joyous six years working with you, the residents and staff at the nursing home. As a recreation therapist you "get it" and understand the benefit of therapeutic engaging activities more than the average activity director at other facilities. The nursing home is fortunate to have you there. </div>
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We have nurtured along four butterfly gardens, four vegetable gardens and four herb gardens. They have matured into very beautiful healing gardens where there was cement, fencing and empty beds.</div>
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I was shocked to visit the facility today and see most everything thrown away, hundreds of dollars of valuable plants as well as man hours of work gone. Residents and staff and family members at the units came up to me asking, what happened to the garden? They have grown to enjoy the therapeutic healing environment. When I suggested we can plant again, their response was a forlorn "What's the point?" </div>
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The garden cuts down stress, it gives them pleasure, and keeps employees happy at work. The garden also provided a quick snack (cherry tomatoes), healing herbal teas (rosemary, thyme and tarragon. The papayas gave a healthy nutritious snack. All of this is gone. Luckily the aloe remains. </div>
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Red poisonous mulch is in the beds, which I had removed in the past. This is an inappropriate mulch for a health facility. Often the recycled wood is used that is pressure treated with a copper arsenic solution. That is why it is banned from playgrounds. The red dye stains sidewalks, your hands and may be toxic as well. If the bad does not state "no recycled wood" it is dangerous. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The mulch was piled onto the base of all the shrubs, which can kill the plants. The agricultural extension office suggests keeping all mulch several inches from the base of plants. </div>
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All our cherry tomato plants are gone, they must have sprayed a toxic herbicide on the garden beds. </div>
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I know the administration would not intentionally do harm to the residents and staff and family members. Why no one was informed before is a mystery to me. It was a sad day at the nursing home this morning indeed. </div>
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Robert Bornstein</div>
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www.robbornstein.com </div>
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Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539511404686825064.post-13791201578775072692013-10-06T00:01:00.000-04:002013-10-06T00:03:32.501-04:00Top Gardens of Paris Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These gorgeous informal flower beds complement the formal gardens of Tuileries garden. It was nice seeing all the annuals that do not grow in South Florida. The color combinations, height variations and textures were beautifully designed. <br />
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<b>The Chateau Bagatelle on the grounds of the huge rambling garden bois de boulogne on the outskirts of Paris. </b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This rose garden has been on my bucket list ever since I saw an
Audrey Hepburn PBS show "Gardens of the World." In
one of the episodes devoted to roses, she toured this wonderful garden.
Although the ideal time for roses is June, there were some gorgeous ones
like the standard in the photo. I shot a video in the garden, here it is</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">.</span></span></b><br />
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Even the gardens near the Eiffel Tower were gorgeous. </div>
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The formal Luxembourg gardens were softened by a casual bed of flowers. There are many statues throughout this garden. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNKaj5eSNzWgQjxM1JTJkbWv3-BulWS4fd4JdzX71Lw-cDVF9jgv6rTHkpf0ydoJFUudLL0F_N7hODHphHofaFhLm2lS78dC8aaIfPQG6iVGPwarOkyfp8Hoxm2pHB9pU_rjVAwjmrPHk/s1600/507+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNKaj5eSNzWgQjxM1JTJkbWv3-BulWS4fd4JdzX71Lw-cDVF9jgv6rTHkpf0ydoJFUudLL0F_N7hODHphHofaFhLm2lS78dC8aaIfPQG6iVGPwarOkyfp8Hoxm2pHB9pU_rjVAwjmrPHk/s320/507+-+Copy.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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Walking all day long provided the opportunity to discover some amazing vertical gardens in the city. This was a small one as you can see I am standing there for scale.<br />
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Marie Antoinette's farm gardens were a treat to behold, so charming. There were veggie gardens, flower gardens and farm animals throughout this small cluster of homes. These are located on the grounds of Versaille. <br />
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The great history, the wonderful gardens, the delicious bakeries and food all combined to make this a wonderful vacation. </div>
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I just returned from a few weeks of touring these gardens. The annuals were in top form, the grass a luscious deep green, and the trees and shrubs were well maintained and healthy. My last trip to Paris was in the winter, so there is no comparison to late summer.<br />
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I also shot several garden videos for my youtube channel. They will be ready soon for viewing. <br />
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Thank you for stopping by my garden blog. You are welcome to subscribe and follow me on the other social sites as well.<br />
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Robert Bornsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039256663060028769noreply@blogger.com3