Recent Posts

• Soapnut February 7th, 2010 sheriannricherson

  Soapnuts are a great natural alternative laundry detergent that you can grow right in your yard if you live in USDA zone 6 or higher. Soapnuts come from the genus Sapindus which contains about twelve species of trees and shrubs.
  These plants, also called soapberry, are native to warm temperate to tropical regions. There are [...]

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• Attracting Beneficial Insects February 6th, 2010 sheriannricherson

  Just as birds, bees, and butterflies need the proper habitat in order to stay in the garden, so do beneficial insects. In addition to bad bugs and nectar-producing plants, shelter and a good water source are important. You can construct bughouses for beneficial insects; however, they are not necessary. Tall grass, thick shrubs, and lush [...]

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• Theobroma Cacao Videos February 5th, 2010 sheriannricherson

  Here are two videos by Sheri Ann Richerson. The first one was taken in her greenhouse, the second one was part of a presentaion she gave on Theobroma cacao.
  Enjoy!
  Greenhouse video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChkiYwXdSl4
  Presentation video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mfg23N5O5cw

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• Yarn Making Process February 4th, 2010 sheriannricherson

  The yarn I am spinning in this video is 50% mohair from Leonardo, the angora buck and 50% wool from Johnny, the Leicester Longwool ram.
  Leonardo is an angora goat and Johnny is a Leicester Longwool sheep. Both animals reside here at Exotic Gardening Farms & Wildlife Habitat.

  Sheri Ann Richerson spinning yarn – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHy_RYLStoQ
  The yarn making process requires [...]

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• Edible Flower Gifts February 3rd, 2010 sheriannricherson

  Pansies and violas are often some of the first flowers of spring. In mild winters you may have some varieties of pansies that make it though the winter.
  These beautiful flowers are easy to press for a multi-tude of floral crafts including book marks, candles, natural decorated lamp shades and potpourri. Besides being a popular craft [...]

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• Natural Perfume Recipes February 2nd, 2010 sheriannricherson

  Here is a basic recipe for creating a natural perfume.
  Natural Perfume Recipes
  2 cups distilled water
  3 tablespoons vodka – or a tincture that you made with vodka
  5 drops of an essential oil or fragrant tincture of your choice
  10 drops of an essential oil or fragrant tincture of your choice
  10 drops of an essential oil or fragrant [...]

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• Simple Distillation February 1st, 2010 sheriannricherson

  Each herb, seed, bark, root or flower has a certain temperature where the plant begins to release its essential oil. Knowing what that temperature is and the best method of distillation for the plant material you are trying to distill is essential. This takes a bit of research on your part.
  When bringing a still up [...]

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• Natural Household Cleaners January 31st, 2010 sheriannricherson

  Creamy Soft Scrub Cleanser – this is perfect for cleaning bathtubs and sinks.
  Ingredients:
  Baking Soda
  Vegetable Glycerin – optional
  Liquid Detergent
  Sponge
  Bowl
  Pour one-half cup of baking soda into a bowl. Add enough liquid detergent to make a texture like frosting. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge and wash the surface. This recipe rinses easily and doesn’t leave grit.  You [...]

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• Floral Water Picks January 30th, 2010 sheriannricherson

  Floral waters, or hydrosols are great for the skin. Hydrosols help tone, rehydrate and rebalance the pH of skin. Fruit or floral waters can be used in a number of ways. The first way is as a face toner or refresher. Simply dab an organic cotton ball with some of the hydrosol and wipe your [...]

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• Early Spring Vegetables: What To Plant In February January 29th, 2010 sheriannricherson

  February is almost here and gardeners who wish to get a head start on early spring vegetables will want to get out into the garden.
  Cold frames and tunnel houses are a must for protecting early spring vegetables and half-hardy annual flowers  in cold climates.
  Here is what can be done in the early spring garden in [...]

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