#ClubBouquet\The Harmony Returns!\

January 09, 2019\\
California, USA\\

Here's the latest from the Garden\

As a garden beginner, this was tough. I bought this plant and it was beautiful but then, it withered away and for months it was just a pot of dirt. via Instagram

This the first time I've dealt with an annual, a plant that disappears and returns every year. I spend a lot of time worrying about underwatering, then, overwatering and then trying to compensate for the ridiculous SoCal summer heat. It hasn't been all success, I tell you.

However, here this one is. So, celebrate!

You can get a look at the full sized photo of this and more from the Patron Exclusive Photo Gallery on the Blog\ https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-23881979

Catch more from the Garden, here\ www.ClubBouquet.artscience84.com


Here's a few more of the Harmony Anemone on Instagram.

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A post shared by Photo\ Josh (@artscience84) on Mar 7, 2018 at 4:49pm PST

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A post shared by Photo\ Josh (@artscience84) on Mar 5, 2018 at 8:33am PST

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A post shared by Photo\ Josh (@artscience84) on Feb 26, 2018 at 4:59pm PST

Check out the #clubbouquet hashtag for original garden and flower photography

Cheers,
Josh\ #84Culture
www.artscience84.com

3 Facts About The Mosquito Plant | #clubbouquet #science

This is Citronella, aka the Mosquito Plant

It's widely believed that it repels mosquitos with a "soapy" scent. If you have one of those outdoor repelling candles it's probably made of this plant. For one, I had no idea that this plant produces flowers. Second, I've had some of my best propagation results with this plant. However, I've read conflicting reports that the plant itself doesn't repel, in fact, some mosquitoes actually land right on it.

So, I decided to do some research and I found these interesting facts:

#1: IT'S EDIBLE 

One of my awesome followers on Instagram (Champagne Tastes) commented with recipe for a simple syrup made from citronella. It makes a great sweetener for your summer drinks.
Check it out here

#2: THERE ARE TWO VARIETIES

Although known as "The Mosquito Plant", the Citronella GERANIUM isn't the variety used in those backyard candles you may be familiar with. It is a leafier plant, like a lettuce and it also flowers.

When you use the repellant, though, you're using a product derived from the Citronella GRASS variety. As you may have guessed, it has long, thin blades produces an oil that is very effective at repelling mosquitos. It is not poisonous but, it can produce an allergic effect.

Don't worry, though. Both varieties are very distinct and it's not very likely that you will get them mixed up.

#3: IT HAS PRACTICAL HEALTH BENEFITS

The GRASS, anyway, has lots of homeopathic uses such as mosquito repellant, aromatherapy, anti-inflammation, fever reduction and deodorant! Whether, you burn it, apply it or ingest it, the grass variety is very beneficial in many ways.

The GERANIUM is also believed to repel mosquitos but is more useful as an edible sweetener and even the dried leaves can make a nice potpourri

Read more at PracticalGardenPlants.com

#84Bing Search of the Day: corneal cross-linking | #science #keratoconus

Bing Search of the Day:

Corneal Cross-Linking

PHOTO: From the American Optometric Association

Keratoconus is a degenerative eye disease that causes the cornea to grow abnormally, distorting the light received by the retina and causing multiple or blurry images.

There is currently no cure for keratoconus but, there are several treatments to slow down the effects and restore vision. Unfortunately, they do not include LASIK and some extreme cases, glasses are also ineffective.

One option on the table is a corneal transplant. Surgery, especially on the eye is extremely invasive. Doctors have been gradually improving technique and seeing positive results. Even still, it is not a solution to freedom from corrective eyewear.

Perhaps the most advanced technique in treating keratoconus, today is corneal cross-linking. It was approved by the FDA in 2016 and even earlier in Europe. The procedure involves saturating the cornea in riboflavin (Vitamin B2, which occurs naturally in the eye) and applying UV Light in order to strengthen the cornea and slow are stop the progression of abnormal growth on the surface of the eye.

YOUTUBE: Corneal Crosslinking Procedure

Do you, or someone you know, deal with this issue?

Have they tried any of these treatments?

How did it go?

Leave a comment.

Cheers,

Josh