Human Hair Needed for Louisiana Oil Spill

You read correctly, human hair is needed to soak up the oil off the Mississippi River Delta. Scientists proved that hair is more effective at soaking up oil and containing it than plastic buoys. Tell your hairdresser or barber to send washed, clipped hair to Matter of Trust. This organization also takes donations of fur and animal hair, but studies have shown that human hair works best. Who couldn't benefit from a shampoo and trim? And you would indirectly help clean up the Louisiana Gulf Coast environmental spill.

New Tulip Variety

Hybrid flowers have a tendency to revert to their original strain after a while. That's what must be happening to my red tulip. It usually just has yellow at the base of each petal. The photo shows the daring tulip with the yellow swash. Hope it comes back next year.

Sowing Peas Today

After a weekend of rain in southeastern Michigan, I decided it was a good day to sow peas into the soil. This year I selected Burpee's, "Wando" variety. The company claims it is cold and heat tolerant. You never know what Michigan's weather will deliver. That's why I planted these peas. I'll plant more next week and then the following week so I'll get a steady crop. Sometime in late July, I'll sow more seeds for a fall harvest. Let's hope the rabbits stay away from my yard.

Rain Water Collection

I have been looking at getting a rain barrel. The Apartment Therapy blog featured a terrific version called the, "Rain Hog". These collection vessels can be placed horizontally - think between deck joists or vertically and use a small footprint to hold a large amount of water. Take a look.

Paper Lawn and Leaf Bag Deal in Metro Detroit

How would you like to get paper lawn and leaf bags for 24 cents each. It's possible. Vince and Joe's markets in Clinton Township and Shelby Township have the bags on sale this week. you have to purchase 50 bags to get this great price. Let's face it, if you are already buying these refuse bags, why not stock up. The price is $12.00 for 50 bags. Click on the weekly specials link to view the pdf. Consider stores that price match if Vince and Joe's is too far of a destination.

Paper Mache Bird

I neglected to include the bird I made to go with the wild birdhouse. Here it is!

Home Tweet Home Birdhouse

The Master Gardener's banquet requested members bring a birdhouse to decorate the festivities. Rather than buy one, I decided to make a birdhouse out of paper mache. Looks like something Diego Rivera would have designed.

Hawaiian Birdhouse

At a Master Gardener banquet, participants were encouraged to bring birdhouses they had made or purchased. My friend brought this lovely little version that would fit in nicely in a tropical paradise. The exterior has pebbles that adhere to a wood cylinder and is outlined with shells. The top looks like a thatched hut. And the flowers on the roof are a nice touch to this lovely home for birds.

Hailing in Michigan

Had to share some photos of hail that landed in my yard. The pieces averaged 1-2 inches and looked like abstract sculptures. What was unique was the hail stayed intact in my yard while the ice formations melted in my neighbor's yard.