Apr

25

My Favorite Cameras

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Several people have asked me what camera I use to take the photos I post here at Squidoo, and at The Virtual Garden at Squidoo, I have two cameras. When I am feeling serious about my pictures, and I need to get some special shots I use this camera: Nikon D70S 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-70mm Nikkor Lens This is a great camera if you are trying to achieve special effects, or you need to use special lenses to get that perfect shot. I am not a technical camera person, with all the techno jargon. I just know I love this camera, and I can use it to get some great shots.

My other favorite toy, which I just got for Christmas last year is the Canon PowerShot A540 6MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom . I love this camera because it fits in my purse! I have it with me everywhere I go. I don’t have to miss a shot because I didn’t want to carry a big bulky camera along. It is easy to use, and takes beautiful pictures. Another thing I like about this camera is, it only needs two AA batteries to operate. It also doesn’t eat batteries as fast as some of the digital cameras I had in the past. I highly recommend this camera to anyone.

Mar

7

Participate in a Plant Swap

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Have you ever participated in a local plant swap? If you haven’t you are missing out on a wonderful opportunity to trade some of the flowers, herbs and plants that are taking over your garden (or at least you have an abundance of), for some new plants you have been dying to get a start from. Many garden clubs, or community groups, have plant swaps in April or May. These swaps allow gardeners in the community to come together, and trade extras. It is also a great way to get a good start, on a new garden, with little or no cash.

Here’s how it works. Everyone brings their extra plants, or seeds to share with others. Do you have a couple starts off of your Hostas, Mint, Lillies, Irises, or Raspberries you could share with others? Do you have a bunch of prize winning tomato, hollyhock, or pepper seeds you saved from last summers crop? Do you have an over abundance of young plants you started this spring that you would love to share with others? Find a plant swap in your area to share these garden treasures. While you are there you can pick up some items you may be missing in your own garden, such as a start of lemon thyme, or garlic chives. Maybe you will spot the double-blooming White Irises you have been ogling at the garden center but didn’t want to shell out the cash for.

Can’t locate a swap in your area? Set one up yourself. Check with your local library, community center, or park to see if they would be willing to host your plant swap. You could ask for a small donation from participants to give to the hosting location. Set a date and call your local newspaper to see if they would post the information under community news. Ask a couple gardening friends to help you set up a couple tables, and help with clean up afterward.

Ask everyone to bring at least one plant to share. Don’t forget to have everyone label their plants, and to indicate whether the plant prefers sun, or shade. Let them know that they may take home as many plants as they bring. You may want to start the swap by letting everyone who brings something pick one thing, and draw numbers to see who goes first. If it is a free for all some people may end up with slim pickings, while others have hoarded all the good stuff.

Participating in a plant swap is a fun and rewarding experience. You can get some great new additions for your garden, and find new homes for unwanted extras you may have. Someone may be very excited to have a start of your Variegated Zebra Grass, or Red Bee Balm. It will also give you a great feeling to share.