From The Desk Of Bill Varga
Does your mind race ahead of your mouth on occasion, or in my case, outdistancing the pen? So, I better put my feelings for Dwarf False Indigo in print quick! Dwarf False Indigo, ‘Baptisia australis var. minor’, is native to the central U.S. but its preference for limestone soils and overall toughness makes it a natural for intermountain gardens. And no, Baptisia has no religious significance. Its name origin comes from the Greek ‘Bapto’ meaning ‘To Dye’. Yes, our early east coast ancestors used the large plant native there to extract a blue dye. Not quite up to true indigo (Genus: Indigoifera), but available and when the latter was often in short supply, it actually proved to be a valued crop. In our day and age, Baptisia’s value is mostly ornamental, and it can be a long lasting addition in your landscape. Although, it is somewhat slow to develop to 2 feet by 2 feet, it’s extensive deep root system enables water efficiency. Actually, the plant can be mistaken for its relative, the Lupine. The plant can be pruned after flowering to maintain a season long shrub-like appearance, but take care to leave some of the developing fruit! The mature seed pods darken to almost black and provide late season interest. These 2-3” long inflated fruit can be cut and provide an interesting curiosity as rattles for small children. Adults with a penchant for dried arrangements may also use these fruit clusters. Dive in! Take a chance and add Baptisia to your garden this year.
Amazingly Simply Home Remedies:
- If you are choking on an ice cube, don’t panic, simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat and presto! The blockage will be almost instantly removed.
- Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.
- You can avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat just by using the sink.
- For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use an egg timer.
- A mouse trap placed on top of your alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.
- If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives. Then you will be afraid to cough.
- Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget all about the toothache.
- Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are:
In life, you only need two tools – WD-40 and Duct Tape
If it doesn’t move but should, use the WD-40
If it should not move and does, use the duct tape
- Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them
10) Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom
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