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Daffodils not just a native Northerner's memory |
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Gardening
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By Anne-Marie Conard on
10/27/2006
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One of the first things I learned when we moved to Central Florida was to forget having fields of daffodils.
In fact I told my friends Sue and Jerry Milks that I personally wouldn't plant the spent bulbs from forced potted arrangements you can purchase locally each spring. However, if they wanted to try, go ahead. I was sure they would be disappointed.
Well, those bulbs made a liar out of me because the daffies not only thrived but s ...
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Native azaleas are like swans in waiting |
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Gardening
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By Anne-Marie Conard on
10/20/2006
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This is a story about an ugly duckling. Not fauna, but flora. This ugly duckling can be found at a few local nurseries right now looking like dead sticks with a few crummy looking leaves. In early spring, however, this ugly duckling will have the most magnificent flowers, smell heavenly, and is a native to boot!
I hope I've caught your attention because I am now going to explain why this is the best time of year to plant native azaleas. They may not be as easy to find ...
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Secrets to longevity |
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Wellness
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By Munroe Medical Center on
10/13/2006
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First, the bad news. The secrets to longevity aren't exciting. In fact, "they're very boring," says Dr. Robert Butler, president and CEO of the International Longevity Center-USA in New York City.
The good news is that we're learning how to live longer - and better.
Indeed, today there are more than 50,000 centenarians in the United States. To live longer, experts say, you can toss out the fad diets, forget the latest magic pills and sa ...
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This plant is an environmentally destructive beauty |
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Gardening
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By Anne-Marie Conard on
10/13/2006
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I have a beautiful arrangement of live plants on my lanai. They were a Father's Day gift to my husband from his nieces this year. They reminded me of another gift several years ago containing a beautiful little plant that grew and grew, bloomed, and presented with a multitude of bright red berries. Getting quite large, I r ...
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Raise vegetables in a raised bed |
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Gardening
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By Anne-Marie Conard on
9/29/2006
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There are times I miss a vegetable garden in my own yard. However, I am lucky to know some dedicated vegetable gardeners through the Marion County Master Gardener program. One in particular, Carol Ann Baldwin, has not only been in charge of the demonstration vegetable garden for the last 8 years but is also the expert I turned to when deciding to write about growing vegetables through the winter.
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Tips for finding your stress comfort zone |
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Wellness
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By Munroe Medical Center on
9/29/2006
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Psychologists find that the photographs amusement parks sell to roller coaster patrons can be a useful tool. The photos demonstrate that people react differently to stress.
For every wide-eyed passenger sitting at the front of the roller coaster, there's one toward the back, white-knuckling the safety bar and looking very uncomfortable.
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Annual checkups are worth the time |
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Wellness
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By Munroe Medical Center on
8/18/2006
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You may service your automobile regularly, make home repairs promptly and even take your pets for shots as needed. But are regular medical checkups on your list of things to do? For most adults, an annual checkup is worth the effort.
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Vines need support, pruning |
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Gardening
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By Anne-Marie Conard on
8/18/2006
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What group of plants sleep the first year, creep the second and leap the third? Vines. With central Florida's long growing season, annual vines grow rapidly until frost. Deciduous and evergreen vines thrive. Picking the right vine depends on your goals.
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How’s your brain health? |
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Wellness
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By Munroe Medical Center on
8/2/2006
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The strength and well-being of the brain are vital to a long, healthy life. Yet, proper brain maintenance, including how to sharpen memory and invigorate motor skills, is often overlooked.
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Hurricane season calls for wind-tolerant plants |
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Gardening
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By Anne-Marie Conard on
8/2/2006
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August is finally here, and we’ve all been instructed on how to prepare for hurricanes. Landscaping for wind damage from hurricanes is actually something we can do now. Our landscape choices may either save or destroy property.
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