Too Big To Fail
July 31, 2008
In last week's Sunday New York Times Magazine, an interesting article appeared that made me think of much of the agricultural policy work I've done over the past two years. The article- written by Roger Lowenstein- had nothing to do with agriculture or rural communities per se. Rather, it concerned Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and it discussed the recent bailout:
The Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury have lately widened the federal safety net more quickly and more aggressively than at any time since the New Deal era. Indeed, a recent front-page headline in this newspaper, “Confidence Ebbs for Bank Sector and Stocks Fall,” had distinctly Depression overtones. (You could almost envision the next line: “Hoover Urges Calm.”) And not since the Depression (under the Reconstruction Finance Corporation) has the government bought significant equity in private firms, as the Treasury has sought the authority to do in the case of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. At least during the 1930s, legislation followed months of deliberation and public hearings. The proffered fixes to today’s fast-moving crises are worked out hastily and in private.
More broadly, the article made me think of one of the guiding principles of the Center for Rural Affairs- that we're all better off if the assets of our country are held in many hands; if we have many small businesses and not a few large ones.
A corollary to that principle is a recognition that market forces, left to their own devices, eventually work to concentrate wealth and power into the hands of the few. Therefore, we need proper government policy to regulate markets (and their ill effects, when necessary) in order to ensure the well-being of society. Not only that, but markets where wealth and power are extremely concentrated actually cease to be markets at all, with long-term devastating economic consequences.
This,
of course, is one of the reasons we have antitrust law and various
other regulations designed to limit the power of any single business.
But effective enforcement of antitrust law has largely disappeared in
the past 27 years, and various other checks on corporate power have
also been eviscerated (Glass-Steagall, etc). And since that sort of
regulation and enforcement have disappeared, we have an enormous
problem hidden in plain sight, one that Lowenstein accurately diagnoses:
What failed this time were markets. The lenders who were supposed to regulate mortgage borrowing — and the credit-rating firms who monitored them — failed utterly. The investors whose job it was to monitor the capital of financial institutions were asleep at the switch... [But] It is not really that simple, because investors were encouraged by the creeping government doctrine of “too big to fail.”
Too big to fail. Those might just be the scariest four words in the
English language today. Because the reason companies like Fannie Mae
and Freddie Mac are too big to fail is simply the first two words of
that phrase- they're too big, and we let them get that way. In fact, what
should be said is they're too big to continue in their current form.
Why, you may ask, is this relevant for agriculture? Because we're
approaching the point the "too big to fail" conundrum will apply to
large parts of the agriculture sector. Meatpacking is the most obvious
industry. Almost certainly, three companies will soon control over 70%
of the beef processing capacity in the U.S. Smithfield is an enormous
hog producer that owns 1.1 million sows or so. Smithfield buys
somewhere in the neighborhood of 90% of the hogs produced in North
Carolina. What do you think would happen if Smithfield were to
threaten bankruptcy and liquidation? I can tell you just about every
single hog farmer in North Carolina would scream for a government
bailout, because if Smithfield went out, they would have nowhere to
sell their hogs. And Smithfield would be happy to point to all the
"family farm hog producers" in an effort to get some federal money (or,
say, in an effort to get ethanol mandates repealed).
It's no different when it comes to the seeds farmers must plant every
year. Monsanto and DuPont control an enormous share of the seed
market, and you can just imagine the cries for a bailout if either one
of them was on shaky financial footing.
And we're headed toward the "too big to fail" dilemma in grain production. Previously, we had to support the farmer through farm programs to save rural communities. Given the structure of farm programs, that was always a farce, one that is now nearly impossible to maintain. Today we need farm programs to "assure our food supply" and 50 years from now it will be to prop up the 10,000 acre + farms that are "too big to fail".
Why should the sustainable agriculture community care? Because the
inherent unsustainable paradoxes of our industrial food system will
perpetuate themselves- forever- if the "too big to fail" model is
applied to vast sectors of agriculture. There is a quiet assumption
among many that industrial ag will topple as a result of its own
ecological hubris and monoculture business model that allows for
little diversification of risk. But if industrial ag is "too big to
fail" and the feds will always step in, sustainable ag will have an
incredibly difficult time ever being more than a bit player on the
agricultural scene.
Thankfully, Lowenstein briefly suggests a solution: break these
companies up. Just as we did with AT&T (and came damn close to
doing with Microsoft), we can do with the industrial ag behemoths of
today. Smithfield should be busted into smaller meatpacking companies,
etc. We don't have to force them out of business, not at all. But if
we sit around and wait for the subprime crisis of agriculture, you can
be sure the calls for government intervention will sound the loudest
from those who despise government regulation today.
Guidelines for Deer Stands
July 31, 2008
Nearly all deer hunters are now hunting from tree stands. If you are a novice deer hunter, or if you are an experienced hunter but have yet to use this method, you should think about using a tree stand. Staying out of the deer’s range of view, keeping your scent hidden from the deer, and increasing the range of your view are just some of the benefits for using a tree stand. You do need to take certain precautions, however, to make a point of protecting yourself.
There are many types of stands and almost all are safe to use. Some of these include ladder-type stands, climbing stands, and lock-on stands. You can also nail boards to a tree. No matter what type of stand you are using, acknowledge that accidents can happen. If a stand seems unsafe to you, do not use it. If you are toying with using a new tree stand and you are far from your home or from people in general, wait. You would be not able to notify anyone if you were injured. Do not take using a tree stand lightly.
It is helpful to become familiar with some of the ways by which hunters injure themselves on or around tree stands. Accidents happen when hunters doze off. It happens a great deal more than you would imagine. Hunters also get injured when they fall while climbing in or out of a tree stand. You cannot ward off things like excess moisture on your boot, or an exceptionally damp step. The third way by which hunters suffer injury using tree stands is having a part of equipment break. Nothing is 100% dependable. The best way to avoid a dangerous injury from these unfortunate events is to wear a safety harness.
Many hunters know the danger of not using a safety harness, but they still use tree stands without one. Your safety harness will only serve you if you wear it. It is not good sufficient to put on the harness after you have settled into your stand. In fact, climbing into or out of your stand is when you are most probable to be hurt, so you need to be wearing it before you begin ascending your tree stand. It only takes a bit to secure and is well worth the hassle. A fall with a safety harness has minimal damage compared to one without a safety harness. The safety harness could mean the difference between a few bruises and a premature death.
There are a few other steps you need to consider while preparing to use a tree stand for the first time. Tree steps and tie-on ladders are two favorite methods used by hunters. Some also use threaded steel steps for climbing. If you are looking to cut down costs, go with the steel steps. They are more affordable than the ladders. Test the steel step to make sure that it is strong, steady, and secure. Use threaded steel steps that will amply support your weight. If the threaded steps bend, hunters slip and injure themselves. Use a drill to make pilot holes for the steps. Some hunters favor using climbing stands instead of threaded steps, but they are cost more and limit you to certain trees.
Consider using a tree stand as you hunt. It is an competent way to catch your prey off-guard. Both your body and your scent are above the deer’s vicinity. It also allows for a fuller view as you analyze the landscape. Tree stands do cause accidents, though. Take all of the essential steps to prevent any major injuries. Use a safety harness to reduce the distance of your fall. Be sure that the steps you use to climb the tree are safe. Following these guidelines for using a tree stand assures a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.
Daylilies: A Gorgeous and Low Maintenance Flower to Brighten Any Garden
July 31, 2008
A common misconception is that if flowers look particularly elegant or exotic, it means they are finicky and difficult to care for. Hemerocallis, or daylilies are a perfect example of flowers that are both delicate looking and hardy at the same time, requiring very little care to thrive in nearly all conditions.
Daylilies come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes, and are easy to grow. The perennials are not true bulbs, but grow from clump-forming tuberous roots. Although daylilies prefer well drained soil with plenty of organic material and lots of direct sunlight, they will tolerate much less favorable conditions such as extremely damp to dry sandy soil. If planted in heavy shade, hemerocallis usually respond by producing more foliage and fewer flowers.
Daylilies are perfect for a varied garden because the different varieties range in height from 8 inches to 5 feet, and flower size can be as small as 2 inches or as large as 8 inches. The spectrum of colors and shapes also adds distinction and variety to your flowerbed. Unlike some more fastidious flowers, hemerocallis usually bloom the same year they are planted, though they take three to four years to reach mature size, and can live for a very long time if given even moderate care.
Daylilies will bloom from late spring until autumn and many varieties have more than one flowering period. Because of the entangled clump-root system of daylilies, they provide excellent ground covers on slopes and are recommended for erosion control.
Daylilies are also particularly effective for blending in structures with the natural terrain. They have a naturalizing effect to blend fences, decks, steps, statues, driveways or shrubbery with the surrounding landscape.
The planting process itself is probably the most rigorous phase of caring for your Hemerocallis. To ensure that they take root properly you should water plants thoroughly after planting, and deep soak them every three or four days until established. If you ordered the plants rather than purchasing them in a garden store they may have become dried out during shipment from a supplier. If this happens, soak well for at least 15 minutes before planting. Although daylilies are drought-tolerant once established, consistent watering while budding and flowering will produce better-quality flowers.
For absolute best results daylily gardens should be mulched well with peat or compost in spring. Waiting until the plant is established to fertilize will encourage initial root growth. Add manure or other organic fertilizer in the early spring just as signs of new growth appear, and again in midsummer.
Very few pests and diseases are enough to harm the resilient hemerocallis, slugs and snails being the major exceptions. Daylilies are not bothered by lily beetle or any other problems of bulbous lilies. Root-knot nematodes could also pose a problem if you are planting on former cropland especially soybean and tobacco land.
About the Author
Perennial Place http://www.perennialplace.com/carries a wide variety of gorgeous daylilies to make your garden beautiful. Art Gibb is a freelance writer.
Article Source: Content for Reprint
Has The Grain Market Caught A Bad Case Of Volatility?
July 30, 2008
You would think that anyone who spent a half million dollars to buy a seat on the Chicago Board of Trade would assume that a seat belt was included. Anyone who has marketed grain in the past year probably wishes they had one, also. Seat belts are mandatory in motor vehicles, and may soon be necessary in grain marketing. There is nothing worse than to hurtle through buy-stop signs on a plummeting futures contract. With that in mind, let’s look at volatility in the commodities markets.
If you think that grain markets have hit the accelerator pedal, you may be correct. They have risen farther and faster than in many years, and within a short period of time. In just the past two years most grain commodity prices have at least doubled, and in the case of corn and beans, tripled in values. But with the higher prices, come other challenges. It is like mountain climbing and the higher the mountain, the farther the fall.
Ohio State University economists Carl Zulauf and Matt Roberts explored grain market volatility for corn, wheat and soybeans. The looked at various period from 1989 to 2007, and used two different statistical yardsticks to measure the volatility.
1) One yardstick was the coefficient of variation of monthly US cash prices, and measured historical cash price variability.
2) The second yardstick is the average of daily implied volatilities for the new crop futures contract over the course of a year. Zulauf and Roberts say this is a measure of the market’s expectation of price variability during the year.
Their findings and calculations indicate a rather slow upward trend from 1989 to 2003 for all three commodities, regardless of the yardstick. However, substantial changes occurred the past several years. Corn market volatility jumped from about 25% to nearly 35%. Soybean market volatility jumped from about 20% to nearly 35%. Wheat market volatility jumped to more than 40% from its prior points in the 20% range.
Zulauf and Roberts also computed the change in volatility between the periods of 1989 to 1991 and 2003 to 2006. While the historical corn variability was only 1%, its implied volatility—what the futures market expects—was 41%. Both beans and wheat recorded historical variability in the low 30% range and implied volatility above 40%.
Then the economists looked at the change from the three year period of 2003 to 2006 with 2007. They say while the increase in price variability in 2007 is larger, the increase prior to 2007 is also substantial. Their findings indicated:
1) Price variability has increased during the 2007 crop year, but,
2) This increase is part of a longer term trend of higher price variability.
The average crop year price volatility increased 32% in the period beginning in 1989 and ending in 2003. However it increased 50% between the 3 year period beginning in 2003 with 2007.
Zulauf and Roberts say the volatility increase suggests long term structural changes are responsible for the change, such as declining world stocks and increasing world demand. And if so, that means volatility could be higher in the future. The impact would be greater costs for managing risk, such as more costly crop insurance premiums, higher option premiums, and greater margins for hedging commodities. And if a farmer has to pay those costs, prices must increase, and that puts more pressure on processors and higher food prices.
Summary:
Grain market volatility has increased over the past 20 years, no matter how you measure it. Such volatility also seems to be increasing at a greater rate, and that means the structure of agriculture will be impacted, specifically, the management of risk and the cost of commodity trading. Farmers bearing those burdens will eventually see processors and the consumer sharing in that additional cost.
The Ultimate Guide to Extending the Life of Fresh Flowers
July 29, 2008
The problem is that fresh flowers dont last. But treating them properly can extend the vase-life.
Remember that cut flowers have been removed from their life support system, both the roots, their source of water, and the leaves of the plant, their source of food.
Whats the best way to preserve fresh flowers It sounds like a simple question. Yet if you go online to search for a simple answer, youll find dozens of answers, few of them simple. How do we sort all this information out and get to the truth about preserving fresh flowers
How to Extend the Vase-Life of Fresh Flowers
Research says that to preserve a long vase-life, flowers, youll
1 need to minimize stresses like temperature and microorganisms
2 need to supply sufficient water, and
3 need to supply sufficient sugars or carbohydrates
The first step is to treat fresh flowers well from the moment you receive them. Keep them cool and keep them in water. At the first opportunity draw a sink full of water, place the stems under the water and cut them back 1/2" to 1" at an angle. Use a very sharp knife not serrated or scissors. The angled cut serves several purposes. First it exposes more surface area, second, an angled cut makes it easier to stick the stem into florist foam. The purpose of cutting the stems is to eliminate any air bubbles in the stems. Air bubbles can block the uptake of water. Leave the flowers in the water to rehydrate.
In the meantime thoroughly clean the vase with a 10 bleach solution.
The next question is what solution to put in the vase to keep the flowers fresh as long as possible Suggested homemade preservative solutions range from aspirin, copper pennies, sugar, bleach, lemon juice, corn syrup, non-diet lemon-lime soda, vodka, and Listerine to rock salt. There is a grain of truth behind many, but not all, of the homegrown ingredients.
Research Says...
Research says acidic water works best for flowers. Why There are two reasons. First, flowers take up acidic water quicker, and second, acidic water slows the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can clog the stems. In the home brew solutions, the aspirin, or lemon juice, or lemon-lime soda supposedly provides acidity. But how much acidity is needed for how much water Research says that a pH of about 3.5 is about right. The research also says aspirin doesnt help.
Research says that flowers need carbohydrates in the form of sugars. In the homemade solutions, the sugar, corn syrup or lemon-lime soda provides the sugars the cut flowers need. The problem is that different cut flowers need different amounts of sugar. Some need very little, some really like it sweet
To slow the growth of microorganisms, some mixtures call for bleach, vodka, Listerine, or a penny to kill the microorganisms that can clog flower stems. According to the research, pennies arent any help.
If youd like to make your own fresh flower preservative solution, the University of Massachusetts offers two different formulas. Id recommend them over unproven formulas written by who knows who.
Magic Formulas You Can Trust
1 Add 1 can non-diet lemon-lime soda to 3 cans of water along with 1/4 teaspoon of household bleach.
2 Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lime or lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of bleach to 1 quart of water.
The Other Alternative
If youre not into the "Jerry Baker" do-it-yourself type formulas, use the packets of floral preservative that typically comes with fresh flowers. Most commercial preservatives contain the basic components of the life support system needed by the plant.
Whichever formula you decide on, mix it up and warm it to 100 - 110 degrees. Remove the flowers from the sink of water and place them directly into the vase of warm water. Then place the vase and flowers into a cool location for an hour or two.
Keep the flowers out of direct sun and as cool as possible. Change the preservative solution every other day. If there is enough stem on the flowers, snip 1/2 inch off when you change the water.
There you have it, the latest and greatest scientific techniques for extending the life of your fresh flowers. Pay no attention to what those other Websites say. You know better now.
About the Author
Charles Osborne is the owner of A-Bow-K Florist and Gifts, a leading Tampa florist. A-Bow-K is family owned and operated, and has been delivering flowers to Tampa and the surrounding communities for 25 successful years. Visit our website at http://www.a-bow-kflorist.com.
Article Source: Content for Reprint
Catching Up With The Wheat Market, As Harvest Plays Catch Up
July 29, 2008
US wheat stocks had practically been “the only game in town,” for the past year, forcing the world wheat consumer to shop at the US grocery store. Global stocks remain tight, but supplies are loosening up a bit with the northern hemisphere harvest well underway and wheat returning to the international pipeline. As we begin a new wheat marketing year, we’ll assess what is known.
Higher wheat prices were the driving force for the US producer last fall and spring and USDA reports an additional 3 million acres were produced, with harvested acreage at 56.6 million, and that is the largest since 1998. USDA’s Wheat Outlook says less wheat was abandoned this year than last because 2007 spring freezes destroyed more acreage than did flooding this year. But delayed maturity is putting harvest progress well behind 2007 rates.
For winter wheat, acreage was about 1 million below last year, but the harvested ratio will climb because of high prices for the new crop. In addition to flooding and slow maturity, rainfall increased the incidence of disease. Spring wheat acreage is also 1.4 million more than last year, but the crop maturity is significantly behind 2007 and the five year average.
Total production is estimated at 2.461 billion bushels, up 394 million from last year with a national average yield at 43.5 bushels per acre and that would be the most since 2003. USDA’s grain stocks estimate at the end of June put ending stocks at 306 million, up 52 million from last year. The average farmgate price was calculated at $6.48 per bushel which is a record high, nearly $2 above the 1995-96 season price of $4.55.
But that was last year and this is this year, and ending stocks for the 2008-2009 crop will be up, with consumption about even with the old crop. Projected use for the new crop will be 2.329 billion bushels, which reflects 271 million bushels more domestic use and 267 million bushels lower export demand. The export demand is weak because of high US prices and larger world production. US wheat, because of its feed value relative to corn, is expected to remain at a high market price supported by corn. Subsequently, USDA is expecting the 2008-2009 wheat crop to average $6.75 to $8.25 for the marketing year, all because producers made an abundance of early forward contract sales.
Global production will rise slightly, and about the same amount of increased US production, since production in other nations is flat. In the EU, acreage is up, but yields are down. In Australia, acreage is up, and some sheep pasture has also been planted to wheat. World wheat consumption is projected higher and should reach 647 million tons, compared to 664 million tons of production. Consumption will be up in part because high corn prices are forcing livestock producers to feed wheat instead of corn. The global wheat surplus, with ending stocks is 133 million tons.
Global wheat trade is estimated at more than 120 million bushels, boosted in part by less control in the European Union, where wheat exports had been curtailed last year to preserve stocks for domestic use.
Summary:
US wheat growers will not enjoy quite the “sellers market” which they had for old crop wheat, however, many of them took advantage of the higher prices of the past year and forward contracted a large portion of the 2008 crop as noted by the high USDA estimates for average market prices. Nevertheless, global wheat demand will remain high, as stocks remain at historic lows. US domestic consumption is expected to rise about as much as the export volume is expected to fall, leaving rather static stocks levels. US production this year suffered slightly from abandoned acreage from floods, but not as much compared to the 2007 Easter freeze that reduced harvested acreage last year.
Cheez−Whiz Recipe Make Your Own!
July 28, 2008
Cheez−Whiz
1 lb. cheddar cheese Read more
Cheesecake Factory Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe
July 28, 2008
Cheesecake Factory Key Lime Cheesecake
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs Read more
Making Money Feeding Cattle? You’re Kidding Aren’t You?
July 28, 2008
Livestock producers have been consuming a lot of red ink lately. Not that they want to corner the market on that commodity, but it has taken a lot to print their income statements, P & L sheets, cash flow projections and the like. In cattle country, the only person lonelier than the Maytag repairman is the fellow who sells black ink. We got to this point with high corn prices, but since they have backed off $2 from the June highs, let’s find out if any cowboys are having fun yet.
Read morePlanting and Growing an Organic Vegetable Garden
July 27, 2008
When starting an organic vegetable garden you must start from the ground up. Compost is the key to a lush, bountiful organic garden. If you dont already have your own compost, check with your local municipality. Most give away leaf compost for free. Some even deliver by the truckload to your home
Leaf compost is very rich in organic matter; however, it still needs a few amendments. Lime added to your compost will balance the Ph and Gypsum added about 5lbs. per 100 sq. ft. will keep the soil nice and loose, it also adds trace minerals such as calcium which is great for the soil. Adding these will also help plants intake the nutrients they need to thrive. Work this into the top 4-6 of soil.
Another important key to growing organic veggies is sunlight. Take some time to watch the sun as it moves across your property throughout the day. Start your garden where it will get the maximum amount of sun and plant your rows from NE to SW. It is also important to water your garden in the early morning between the hours of 6 and 10 am. The will allow for good water absorption and any water left on the leaves will evaporate before the heat of mid-day. Watering in the middle of the day is not recommended because the water will evaporate before it has a chance to really soak in or you will have to water longer to get the same effect. The leaves of the plants may also burn as the water on the leaves heats up. Never, ever water your garden in the evening unless you want a tough battle with the evil fungus Let me explain. When you water in the evening it is cooler and dark. The ground will absorb the water well, however, the round will only suck up so much, and then the garden is left with water on the leaves and puddles even small ones around the stems. There is no sun to gently evaporate the excess. Water and air can carry fungus spores naturally. The water laying on the leaves and around the stems acts as a fertilizer to the evil fungus and it grows literally overnight. Before you know it you have black spots on your tomato and pepper plant and curling leaves on your cucumbers
Ok, once you have chosen your location, prepared the soil, and have placed your plants in rows, use your recycled newspaper as a weed preventer between the rows. Once the newspaper is wet, no weed can penetrate it.
Its not very pretty, do like I do and give it a covering of mulch. Newspaper and mulch also serve a dual purpose they help retain moisture around the plants. Just try to keep them away from the stems of your plants.
Pretty simple so far, huh There is a great misnomer about the word ORGANIC. Many people think that organic means work. Its just the opposite. Working with nature, and using simple principles is always easier and more successful than working against nature with harmful chemical based fertilizers and control products.
Beneficial insects in your garden are a must. Lady bugs and Preying Mantis will eat many unwanted insects. Bats are also great insect eaters. And no, they will not get stuck in your hair Install a bat box up in a tree and you will have less garden pests and mosquitoes in your yard. Bats are nocturnal so they wont bother you at all. They are actually great fun to watch at dusk, dancing in the moonlight.
If you do find yourself with a garden invasion of nasty little critters, there are a few easy tricks. If you only see a few insects, pick them off, put in a refuse bag and throw in the trash. If you have more than a few, a solution of soapy water generally will do the trick. Using recycled bath or dishwater works great. It also saves precious water. If your garden is too large to bucket the water from your sink or tub, pour some liquid dish soap in a hose end sprayer and spray the garden. A good soak of the plants is what you want. You can do this weekly all the way until harvest.
As for fertilizing your veggies, there is nothing better than Merrills When I find a product that works this well, I have to spread the word. Merrills Compost Fertilizer or Compost Tea a water soluble fertilizer is an All Natural Certified Organic Fertilizer. Your plants will love it They will grow bigger, and yield more veggies than any other fertilizer Ive ever used.
Ok, now let me tell you how to rid your garden of the EVIL FUNGUS. If you come across a plant particularly tomatoes that is curling or wilting with no other apparent signs of disease, and its been getting adequate water pull it our and dispose of it immediately. Throw it in the garbage do not put it in your compost bin
Do not replant in that spot again this season It could have Fusarium Wilt or some other disease that attacks the root system of the plant and can travel quickly from plant to plant. If you have Black Spot or Powdery Mildew, make sure you are only watering in the morning, and you can get an organic fungus control at greennationgardens.com or your local garden center.
Now that the gardening season is over, when breaking down your garden COMPOST IT Any newspaper and mulch can be placed in your compost to break down naturally to be added back into your garden next year. Plant stems unfortunately have to go into the garbage. They are fibrous and difficult to break down. You do not want any disease spores wintering over in your compost bin. Make sure to test the Ph and amend your soil yearly to replace the nutrients and trace minerals your veggies took from the soil. After all, the organic vegetables youll be growing the following growing season will be looking for those very same nutrients. Theyll thank you for it with a bountiful array of fresh organic produce, and your family will thank you for all the wonderful goodness you have provided them with no chemicals, and that is a wonderful thing
HAPPY ORGANIC GARDENING
About the Author
This article may be reproduced and/or distributed. Written by Vera Pappas, Owner of Green Nation Gardens , suppliers of unique and eco-friendly garden supplies. Visit GreenNationGardens.com , Today



