Sunday, June 20, 2010
How to Fit In at a New Company |Dodging Landmines
"Don't come in swinging!" suggests Starla Sireno, executive coach at Fearlessness Inc. Instead, start by asking questions and observing. Look to the top level executives for clues about the corporate culture. Are they very informal, or do things seem more rigid? Be especially careful when changing industries. Everything, down to the way coworkers communicate, can be different.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Teamwork Don'ts |Leila's House of Corrections
High-functioning teams don't usually happen easily or naturally. Learn how to tie a diverse team together by giving everyone time to get to know each other, recognizing that people think differently, and remembering that conflict can actually create new ideas and better results.
Bonsai Wiring Basics
Wrapping aluminum or copper wires around the trunk or branches of bonsai trees in order to give them the intended profile is known as wiring. In order to produce basic bonsai styles, you will need to wrap the trunk and branches with the correct thickness and length of wire. The formal upright style involves no wrapping, but the cascade shape involves a few months of careful wiring.
You should be very careful when you’re applying wire to the trunk or branches of a bonsai tree due to the stress it causes. Doing it the wrong way can mean, if worse comes to worst, a dead tree, or more often a cracked branch. Another mistake is to wrap in too constricting a fashion or in the wrong season. This can cause lasting damage to the tree, or might even kill it outright.
Prior to actually wiring your bonsai, use a stick or pole to practice. This will help you in getting a feel for the wire and will help you develop the suppleness necessary to wrap a branch while holding it. When you feel like you’ve gotten the entire process mastered through your practice sessions, and you aren’t moving anything that you shouldn’t be, then you can try the same thing with the bonsai tree.
Step one is picking the most appropriate wire for the project. Copper and aluminum are the two favorite choices, although copper is thought to be more attractive throughout the extended training period. When wrapping a bonsai, use annealed copper only, as steel wire is toxic to a few species. Aluminum is a lot more flexible, so it’s easier to use for someone who is new at this kind of project. Although copper is stiffer, it might scar the tree if it is not applied properly. Using wire that’s one third as thick as the branch it’s going to wrap is a basic rule with which to begin.
Well placed little stresses along the tree trunk or branch are what allows the wire to change the shape of the tree. So, in order for the tree to change its shape and not the wire, the wire needs to be stronger than the branch or trunk.
Try wrapping branches from comparable trees to improve your skill and dexterity. Test different thicknesses of wire on branches of a similar species and size before using it on the bonsai. A variety of widths will be needed in order to wire the entire tree so try working with all of them in advance.
To master the delicate skill of bonsai wiring, patience is required. Do not be discouraged, though, because if you’re prepared to take the time you can learn how to do this, and you’ll be so happy with the results.
You should be very careful when you’re applying wire to the trunk or branches of a bonsai tree due to the stress it causes. Doing it the wrong way can mean, if worse comes to worst, a dead tree, or more often a cracked branch. Another mistake is to wrap in too constricting a fashion or in the wrong season. This can cause lasting damage to the tree, or might even kill it outright.
Prior to actually wiring your bonsai, use a stick or pole to practice. This will help you in getting a feel for the wire and will help you develop the suppleness necessary to wrap a branch while holding it. When you feel like you’ve gotten the entire process mastered through your practice sessions, and you aren’t moving anything that you shouldn’t be, then you can try the same thing with the bonsai tree.
Step one is picking the most appropriate wire for the project. Copper and aluminum are the two favorite choices, although copper is thought to be more attractive throughout the extended training period. When wrapping a bonsai, use annealed copper only, as steel wire is toxic to a few species. Aluminum is a lot more flexible, so it’s easier to use for someone who is new at this kind of project. Although copper is stiffer, it might scar the tree if it is not applied properly. Using wire that’s one third as thick as the branch it’s going to wrap is a basic rule with which to begin.
Well placed little stresses along the tree trunk or branch are what allows the wire to change the shape of the tree. So, in order for the tree to change its shape and not the wire, the wire needs to be stronger than the branch or trunk.
Try wrapping branches from comparable trees to improve your skill and dexterity. Test different thicknesses of wire on branches of a similar species and size before using it on the bonsai. A variety of widths will be needed in order to wire the entire tree so try working with all of them in advance.
To master the delicate skill of bonsai wiring, patience is required. Do not be discouraged, though, because if you’re prepared to take the time you can learn how to do this, and you’ll be so happy with the results.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Easy Ways to Create a Beautiful Bonsai Garden
Even if you already own one bonsai tree, you might want to add a few more to create a bonsai garden in a few easy steps. This is the way to quickly start a garden created especially with your plants and personal style in mind.
One of the most visually appealing bonsai garden types is the rock garden. The plants are secured underneath beautiful rocks, and the amount of water and care you give your trees will determine how long the garden will last. For this type of setting you should choose plants that have strong roots and small leaves. To start off a rock bonsai garden, many folks pick a Ficus or an Oriental Bittersweet plant, which are available at many plant stores.
After choosing your desired botanical specimen, begin incorporating rocks into the dirt. The best place to look for rocks would be construction sites, or you can purchase a bag from the hardware store. The rocks you choose should be hard and strong, to ensure your tree gets the proper shape. You will also need to choose rocks that are somewhat damaged because you will want to put dirt and water in between the ridges. With this method you are giving the impression that the tree has grown right out of the rock, an interesting method of growth for the average garden or living space.
You may choose to start a bonsai garden with container plants you already own. Rock fountains or other decorative items like pillars will help show off the bonsai garden. Depending on the amount of space you have, you may also opt to create a man-made pond in the middle of your garden.
It is also ideal to have several types of trees in the garden. You can choose a tiny pine tree to be a part of the decorations, along with a cherry tree that has blossomed and grown cherries. When decorating, utilize the fact that different bonsai trees can be paired together, even if they don’t normally coexist in the same environments.
One of the most visually appealing bonsai garden types is the rock garden. The plants are secured underneath beautiful rocks, and the amount of water and care you give your trees will determine how long the garden will last. For this type of setting you should choose plants that have strong roots and small leaves. To start off a rock bonsai garden, many folks pick a Ficus or an Oriental Bittersweet plant, which are available at many plant stores.
After choosing your desired botanical specimen, begin incorporating rocks into the dirt. The best place to look for rocks would be construction sites, or you can purchase a bag from the hardware store. The rocks you choose should be hard and strong, to ensure your tree gets the proper shape. You will also need to choose rocks that are somewhat damaged because you will want to put dirt and water in between the ridges. With this method you are giving the impression that the tree has grown right out of the rock, an interesting method of growth for the average garden or living space.
You may choose to start a bonsai garden with container plants you already own. Rock fountains or other decorative items like pillars will help show off the bonsai garden. Depending on the amount of space you have, you may also opt to create a man-made pond in the middle of your garden.
It is also ideal to have several types of trees in the garden. You can choose a tiny pine tree to be a part of the decorations, along with a cherry tree that has blossomed and grown cherries. When decorating, utilize the fact that different bonsai trees can be paired together, even if they don’t normally coexist in the same environments.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
How to Grow a Bonsai Tree That Will Flourish
Once you purchase a bonsai tree, or the seeds to plant it, you’ll definitely want all the information you can get when it comes to growing bonsai. You’ll need to know how often to water your plant, which fertilizer is best, and how to prune your plant regularly in order to make sure your tree grows to be extremely healthy. Here are some tips that will help you to get started.
If you are growing your bonsai tree indoors, you’ll need to make sure that it is getting enough sunlight, since dark areas in your home could shorten the life of your plant. Keep your plant near the window so that it can get direct sunlight, and make sure that you keep your house at about 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime, since your tree will need to be in a warm climate. Humidity is also ideal, since this type of air is part of the environment that these plants naturally flourish in.
In order for a bonsai tree to maintain its appearance, you’ll have to give it regular trimmings and spray the leaves to maintain the color. However, be careful not to spray the leaves in spring and summer months since the leaves can be damaged from the humidity. As well, you need to carefully monitor the water levels of your plant. Both under watering and over watering can be harmful to your delicate tree.
In order to maintain the look and health of the tree when you’re growing bonsai, you’ll need to make sure that the tree is groomed or clipped, as well as fed the best nutrients. You can use a potent multivitamin to accomplish this; every few weeks you can place two pills in the soil so that the nutrients can dissolve into the fertilizer. Each season, you will have to inspect the roots of the tree and trim them if necessary.
It’s also very important to re-pot your tree every couple of years. The ideal season for re-potting is spring, since the weather will be fairly neutral (not too hot, not too cold) and it is more likely that your plant will develop faster in the new soil. This is also a good time to prune the roots, but be sure not to cut too much–only about one third from the tip of the root should be sufficient. If you want your plant to grow in the same shape or at the same pace, you should re-pot in a pot with a similar shape.
If you are growing your bonsai tree indoors, you’ll need to make sure that it is getting enough sunlight, since dark areas in your home could shorten the life of your plant. Keep your plant near the window so that it can get direct sunlight, and make sure that you keep your house at about 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime, since your tree will need to be in a warm climate. Humidity is also ideal, since this type of air is part of the environment that these plants naturally flourish in.
In order for a bonsai tree to maintain its appearance, you’ll have to give it regular trimmings and spray the leaves to maintain the color. However, be careful not to spray the leaves in spring and summer months since the leaves can be damaged from the humidity. As well, you need to carefully monitor the water levels of your plant. Both under watering and over watering can be harmful to your delicate tree.
In order to maintain the look and health of the tree when you’re growing bonsai, you’ll need to make sure that the tree is groomed or clipped, as well as fed the best nutrients. You can use a potent multivitamin to accomplish this; every few weeks you can place two pills in the soil so that the nutrients can dissolve into the fertilizer. Each season, you will have to inspect the roots of the tree and trim them if necessary.
It’s also very important to re-pot your tree every couple of years. The ideal season for re-potting is spring, since the weather will be fairly neutral (not too hot, not too cold) and it is more likely that your plant will develop faster in the new soil. This is also a good time to prune the roots, but be sure not to cut too much–only about one third from the tip of the root should be sufficient. If you want your plant to grow in the same shape or at the same pace, you should re-pot in a pot with a similar shape.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Helpful Hints For Bonsai Care
Lots of people wonder what all the fuss is about when it comes to growing a bonsai plant. They simply don’t understand exactly why it necessitates such a lot of watchful attention. However, the fact is, bonsai care is a skill requiring dedication and commitment. These tiny trees need loads of care and will soon die if they don’t receive it.
You need to keep in mind that you are dealing with a plant that is alive and growing, and that has to be painstakingly tended. Your tree requires environmental factors which are just right so it can grow healthily. Room temperature and lighting will have to be carefully watched, plus it’s essential that you give it the precise quantities of fertilizer and water. Here’s a look at several guidelines which will get you started on the road to a beautiful, flourishing bonsai tree.
1. Watering will have to be done cautiously so as to provide the roots precisely the quantity of moisture they need. The amount will depend on the variety you’re raising. You should also check to see that that your bonsai pot has good drainage, since water accumulating at the roots can destroy your plant.
2. Make sure that your indoor bonsai gets a suitable amount of light. Once again, this will differ by species. You will want to protect it from the direct sun when it’s at its brightest, typically between 11 am and 2 pm.
3. For a thriving tree, make certain it gets the vitamins and minerals it requires. Look for a fertilizer product that has been especially intended for indoor bonsai trees. It needs to be fed over the active growing stage only, not when it’s resting.
4. In order for your plant to remain healthy, you will need to transplant it to a new pot from time to time. Check the recommendations for the species you have to make sure you know how often to transplant it.
5. Tropical or subtropical bonsai plants have special requirements. Throughout the winter, you’ll need to keep them protected from freezing air. Make sure they’re located far away from exterior windows and doors that let in drafts.
6. Avoid the urge to over tend your bonsai tree when it’s becoming used to its new home. Otherwise stated, don’t take out the pruning shears and shaping wire too soon. During the first year, your focus must be on preventing the plant from dying and helping it to grow. All you need to do is make sure it receives enough fertilizer, water and light. Once you are able to handle its daily care, then you can start to teach yourself how to prune and shape it.
These plants are delicate and it’s not hard to kill them. But once you develop your bonsai care abilities, you will be able to enjoy your magnificent plant with satisfaction.
You need to keep in mind that you are dealing with a plant that is alive and growing, and that has to be painstakingly tended. Your tree requires environmental factors which are just right so it can grow healthily. Room temperature and lighting will have to be carefully watched, plus it’s essential that you give it the precise quantities of fertilizer and water. Here’s a look at several guidelines which will get you started on the road to a beautiful, flourishing bonsai tree.
1. Watering will have to be done cautiously so as to provide the roots precisely the quantity of moisture they need. The amount will depend on the variety you’re raising. You should also check to see that that your bonsai pot has good drainage, since water accumulating at the roots can destroy your plant.
2. Make sure that your indoor bonsai gets a suitable amount of light. Once again, this will differ by species. You will want to protect it from the direct sun when it’s at its brightest, typically between 11 am and 2 pm.
3. For a thriving tree, make certain it gets the vitamins and minerals it requires. Look for a fertilizer product that has been especially intended for indoor bonsai trees. It needs to be fed over the active growing stage only, not when it’s resting.
4. In order for your plant to remain healthy, you will need to transplant it to a new pot from time to time. Check the recommendations for the species you have to make sure you know how often to transplant it.
5. Tropical or subtropical bonsai plants have special requirements. Throughout the winter, you’ll need to keep them protected from freezing air. Make sure they’re located far away from exterior windows and doors that let in drafts.
6. Avoid the urge to over tend your bonsai tree when it’s becoming used to its new home. Otherwise stated, don’t take out the pruning shears and shaping wire too soon. During the first year, your focus must be on preventing the plant from dying and helping it to grow. All you need to do is make sure it receives enough fertilizer, water and light. Once you are able to handle its daily care, then you can start to teach yourself how to prune and shape it.
These plants are delicate and it’s not hard to kill them. But once you develop your bonsai care abilities, you will be able to enjoy your magnificent plant with satisfaction.
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