Geranium – the Flower Named after a Bird’s Beak

The bird in question here is a crane and the Geranium is also known as cranesbill primarily because the seeds are dispersed from a capsule that looks distinctly like the bill of a crane. Depending on the species of flower, such a beak like seed capsule can be seen only in a few of them. Geranium is a very hardy flower and most gardeners love it simply because it is very versatile.

There are over four hundred species of geranium plants which can be found in almost all parts of the world. They come in brilliant colors such as pink, blue, red and white and are known by various names and species such as:

·         Red cutting type

·         Martha Washington

·         Geranium clarkei

·         Geranium maderense

·         Cherry Blossom which is a pink geranium and

·         Lone Ranger

Even if you talk about the widely used term cranesbill for this flower there are few distinct species as well:

·         Geranium sylvaticum

·         Geranium endressii

·         Geranium macrorrhizum

·         Geranium renardii and so on

There are also different hybrid species of geranium.

Interestingly, the flower is associated with friendship and amiability. In fact, according to the Japanese, the Geranium is a sociable plant. 

How to grow geranium

Geraniums normally come alive in late spring and with a bit of care can blossom until the winter frost sets in. You can either choose to grow them from seeds or go in for saplings. If you choose to grow a geranium from a seed then look for specific species that are known as seed propagated. Examples are Ringo, Lone Ranger and Bandit.

Ideally, you could choose to plant the seeds or saplings in or around May. Choose soil that is well drained and receives a healthy amount of sunshine. A geranium is also pretty versatile and fact is that it can be either an annual plant or a perennial one. Some species can also be indoor plants. 

Tending to a geranium

Normally it is enough to ensure that you have planted the seed or the sapling or the cutting in soil that is well moisturized and well drained too. You can also use liquid fertilizer to ensure that the plant is getting enough nourishment. Normally these flowers are not too vulnerable to attacks from different types of pests but you can always use an organic pesticide to give it an additional layer of protection.

In case you want to propagate the Geranium every year, then you should be able to take some cuttings towards the end of August and go in for rooting. You will have to balance such cuttings with an ideal mix of moisture and dry soil. 

Uses

The most common use of geranium is as a garden plant. Some of the species which have trailing stems, such as the Ivy Leaf geraniums are great for indoor decoration as well.

Another use for the geranium flower is in essential oils and scented sachets for clothes cupboards. Some people also believe that white geraniums have the capability to scare away snakes. Growing them in the garden might help if you are scared of reptiles!

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A Guide to Wire and Cable

What are the main types of wire and cable that you’ll find in your home? Most wiring and cabling will involve Twin and Earth connections for residential homes, which provide a way of supplying electricity to lighting and different forms of electrical appliances. When deciding on the best wire and cable solutions for your home, you’ll need to think about how much voltage you’ll require, as well as about different safety requirements that need to be met if you want to avoid hazards.

Wiring represents single strand conductors in bare or protected sheaths, while cables include two or more conductors that are insulated, and can be twisted together - you can find single and multi conductors, twisted pairs, and coaxial cables. Twisted pair cables involve conductors twisted together, with cables more typically used for distributing telephone lines and Internet, with wiring more used for electricity.

Wiring and cabling is typically run through electrical connections within a breaker panel or fuse box, which also contains shutdown and flip switches. Moreover, wiring and cabling is often run behind walls, and includes conducting and safety connections that should, in the UK, align with IEE regulations. How much voltage each wire and cable can handle will depend on its size and level of insulation - copper wiring is typically the most common option for buildings, and is defined by its voltage rating and size gauge. Earthing wires are green and yellow, neutrals are blue, while live wires are brown, black, and grey.

Different gauges are also available for wiring and cabling - 14 gauge wires and cables can typically handle 15 amps, and a max voltage of 120, making them best for lights and basic power points; 12 gauge wires and cables go up to between 120 and 240 volts, and can be employed for smaller appliances and lighting. 10 gauge wires and cables can handle 30 amps, go up to 240 volts, and are often used for larger appliances; 8 gauge wire and cables are larger and can handle 240 volts, while 6 gauge cables and wires go up to 240 volts, and are used for the largest power sources.

Twin and Earth cables are among the most popular in a home, and are commonly used for lights and appliances; this cable configuration consists of two insulated conductors for live and neutral, with an earthing conductor for safety. The twin core wiring conductors are sheathed in PVC, with the complete cable often run behind walls, or trimmed to be used for shorter circuits. While used in average sized homes and buildings, Twin and Earth cables can also be combined with three core mains flexes, used for two way lighting in multi-unit buildings.

One of the most popular examples of Twin and Earth cabling is the 6242Y designation, which is used for both dry and damp premises, and is designed in the UK around a standard BS6004 rating - this type of Twin and Earth cable can typically handle up to about 300 to 500 volts, and is commonly used around the home. When selecting the right wires and cables for your home, always make sure that live wire conductors are properly insulated, and that cables are grounded.

Author Bio

Jane Fonda is a keen DIY enthusiast and blogger about home renovation. She strongly believes in electrical safety and recommends 6242yh twin and earth cable for the home. When not renovation her home she spends the vast majority of her time advising friends and family!

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Embrace the Summer Season with these Exciting Color Trends

Summer is almost upon us and with the changing season comes the changing interior trends. If like me you change your home interior more than you change your wardrobe, you’ll love these exciting color trends, designed to add some summer lovin’ to your home interior!

Pastel Perfect

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Pastel colors are always a popular trend during the warmer months and this year is no different. It’s all about mixing and matching this summer 2013, and believe it or not, opposites do attract! Pastel shades and bright colors are a great combination and will certainly brighten up any room in the home. This trend in particular looks great in small kitchens and allows you to get really creative. Use sections of block colour on walls and even mismatch painted cupboard doors to embrace this interesting interior trend.

Keep it Neutral

For a simpler look, let the accessories do all the talking and keep your painted walls neutral in cream, ivory or champagne shades. Team these simple but stylish colors with printed sofas, elaborate chandeliers and mirrored furniture. 

Lavender Loveliness

We saw a lot of strong purple themes last year and this summer we’re going one step back in the purple color spectrum. Lavender shades offer the perfect palette for living rooms and create a relaxing atmosphere to unwind in. Combine lavenders with grey accents and strong prints to finish the look.

White Out!

It takes a very daring interior design enthusiast to take on this summery trend and needless to say this color theme isn’t suitable for households with pets or children. Go all white with your interior and just add bursts of color with a floral arrangement or pillow set. And when I say all white, I mean it - paint the walls and floors white, invest in a white sofa cover and go for modern, white furnishings! Neon accessories in pink and green look great with this particular color theme.

Feeling Blue?

They’ll be no need to feel blue if you embrace this color trend! Blue painted walls with gold and navy accessories provide a look that just screams luxury. If you’re feeling floral, don’t be afraid to introduce some discreet floral print in neutral colors to decorate your very stylish space.

This article comes from Brittany Moodie on behalf of www.localtraders.com. This UK-based home improvement platform aims to connect homeowners with qualified tradespeople for quality and affordable property upgrades.

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Getting the Most Out of Wood in Home Decoration

Wood is one of the most widely used building materials and has been since the dawn of time. This article explores how to get the most out of wood within home decoration, the types of wood available on the market and what wood to use where.

Wood has several unique properties which make it an incredibly versatile building material. It is easy to manipulate and build with and is also very hard wearing. Furthermore, it has aesthetic properties which people associate with both grand and rustic homesteads. It ages incredibly well, meaning that purchasing wooden surfaces is a great investment.

Using wood within the kitchen

One of the most important places to use wood for home decorations is within the kitchen. Having a large wooden table and solid wood worktops will give your kitchen a rustic look which will develop with time. As long as you treat the wood from regularly and do not leave it to get damp, it will last a very long time. There is a range of high quality wood which can be used for a worktop such as oak, beech, walnut, maple and cherry. What you choose really depends on the tone and design you are after. If you are unfortunate enough to burn a wooden worktop, you will often find this adds to the rustic character, unlike burnt vinyl or veneered worktops which often look messy. Most importantly, because the kitchen rarely contains soft furnishings, the insulating properties and dark tones of wood can often bring warmth into a room which can otherwise feel cold and sterile.

Wood in the living room

Most people overcrowd living rooms with soft furnishings, thick carpets and large curtains. Leaving some space for some wooden furniture, such as a great coffee table or some stools and chairs, can really take the 1950s grandma bedstead look away from a living room. It is good to use dark woods such as mahogany to bring warmth into a living room.

Exposing the wood

One of the easiest ways to add value to your house is to expose any old wooden beams, especially within the ceiling. This may not be possible with a modern house but the effect can be replicated. Having exposed wooden beams provides a lot of character to the home. Any other wooden structures on display, such as stairways and banisters should also be left unpainted and be made from high quality wood such as oak, beech, or maple.

Ornamentation
The interior decorations of a house brings thematic atmosphere into a home, but is ornamentation which gives a homestead its unique character. If you have a lot of wooden furnishings around the home, consider complimenting these with some wooden ornaments. There are a wide range of ornaments and decorations which are often made from wood and these can be used to enhance the flavour of your home.

AUTHOR BIO

Smith has been working in home decoration for over fifteen years and regularly writes articles for a range of magazines, newspapers and online media. Click here to find out more about how wood can be used to improve your home, the multiple types of wood available and how wooden tabletops and worktops can add value to your property.

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