Natural World

WONDERS OF NATURE

PITCHER PLAN

       

Pitcher plant grows in shallow areas where soil is poor in nitrogen. this plant has large leaves which are twisted by themselves to from a pitch shaped vessal with a lid. it attracts insects by its pitcher shaped leaves in which rainwater can accumulate. inside the wall of the pitcher there are hairs which are directed downwards so that whenan insect goes into the pitcher its gets trapped inside. although,it would struggle to come out,it has no escape.the hairs keep it entangled and the insect would die exhausted. ultimately,the insect is digested and absorbed by the plant. this is how the plant catches insect.

There’s a reason that decorating with fresh greenery and seasonal fruits, nuts and berries for the holidays has as much appeal today as it did in winter festivals of centuries past. Boughs from trees such as magnolia, garland of pine branches strung together and sprigs from rosemary and other fragrant herbs represent everlasting life and hope for the return of spring.

In the Southern United States, greenery has been used for decorations since colonial times. The practice didn't come into use in the North until the 1800s. Perhaps one of the best glimpses into traditional ways of using greenery to create effective holiday decorations can be seen by taking a Christmas-time stroll down Duke of Gloucester Street in restored Williamsburg, Va.

During the holidays, windows are decorated with greenery and wreaths on the doors are laden with apples, pineapples and other fruit. The natural decorations are a tradition historians believe the first settlers brought with them from England. While today’s decorations in Virginia’s colonial capital are more elaborate than those that would have been used 400 years ago, they are an inspiring guide to how we can make traditional wreaths, garlands and other decorations from the bounty of our gardens.

Where to find greenery

Start in your own garden. You won't find fresher greenery at a better price than the trees, bushes and vines outside your front or back door. And, if you are an avid gardener, the selection of unusual plants will likely be far better than you can find from a commercial vendor. Another bonus by making cuttings from your own garden is that the colors, forms and textures of today’s modern hybrids will reflect your tastes and personality.                    

Where to find greenery

Start in your own garden. You won't find fresher greenery at a better price than the trees, bushes and vines outside your front or back door. And, if you are an avid gardener, the selection of unusual plants will likely be far better than you can find from a commercial vendor. Another bonus by making cuttings from your own garden is that the colors, forms and textures of today’s modern hybrids will reflect your tastes and personality.

There are several things to remember when cutting your own garland and trimmings:

• Not all holiday greenery is true "green." The spikey foliage of Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), for example, may have a grey or blue cast with a slight bronzing of the tips in winter
• When removing limbs and stems, you are pruning the plants. Give careful consideration to what you cut and what you leave. The goal is to trim the plant in a manner that helps it keep its natural form.
• You may spot the bright red berries of nandina in a neighbor's yard. Or they may have a magnolia tree whose glossy green leaves would be perfect for decorating your mantle. Always ask permission before trimming someone else's plants!
• Don't cut greenery from parks or other public land, no matter how tempting.
• If you see specimens growing in other gardens you would like to use for holiday decorations, consider purchasing similar varieties for your garden next spring.