Refreshing Dragon

This unique tropical fruit has many names. Some called it Pitaya or Pitahaya, some called it the strawberry pear, but many know this fruit as the Dragon Fruit. A fruit with light sweet taste, intense color and shape and outstanding flower, this refreshing fruit also boast a lot of water and other vital minerals with varied nutritional ingredients.

The dragon fruit offers many advantages to its lover. The carotene, fiber, protein, calcium, vitamin B2, B1, B3, C, phosphorus and phytoalbumins which contained inside this fruit can improve eye’s health, digestion, reduces fat, enhance body metabolism, aid in formation of healthy teeth, enhance the appearance if the skin, improve general metabolism and prevent the formation of free radicals. People who have high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity have attested to the fruit’s goodness.

The best part is, this fruit can be served in many ways, eat it fresh and raw, dried or make a healthy juice from it and the level of goodness still undisturbed.

Due to the temperature tolerance of this fruit, you can only find this fruit in tropical country where it is grow extensively, like in Central America, Vietnam and Malaysia. For hobbyist who wants to try to grow this fruit, there are certain things to be remembered. Rainfall; excessive rain could leads to flower drop and the fruits will rot. Light tolerance; In conditions that have excessive light intensity, it is advisable to provide shade. There are species that are susceptible to bleaching when exposed to high radiations. And temperature tolerance; Just like the rainfall, excessive temperature can damage the Pitahaya fruit. Optimal temperatures should be between 38-40 degrees Celsius.

Capturing the Beauty of Paris in Philadelphia

Everyone could agree how beautiful Paris in springtime is, so who would not want to go to Paris in the spring – especially after a windy winter? It’s not April, and it’s not Paris, but “Springtime in Paris”.

The Philadelphia Flower Show started in 1929 and now has become one of the biggest flower shows in the world. This 2011 Philadelphia International Flower Show runs from March 6 to 13 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. In the past, the show has introduced several unusual plants to the American public, including the poinsettia, the chrysanthemum, and the bird of paradise.

Featuring romantic and elegant scene of Paris which will include a giant model of the Eiffel Tower; "Opulent Paris," a garden exhibit in Belle Epoque–style; "Romantic Paris," featuring a wedding at Notre Dame; and additional exhibits that will reference Paris's café culture, the catacombs, Tour de France, a perfumerie, and more.

For those who have green thumbs, there are presentations of free gardening, as well as dozens of educational shows that study the latest trends in gardening. There are competitive classes for producers and gardeners from all over the world who will showcase their valuable plants and compete for prestigious awards. More than 580 artistic and horticultural classes will be on display more than 2000 entries in classes ranging from miniature setting pressed plants.

All proceeds from the flower show will benefit the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and will help fund the launch of Plant One Million campaign, a campaign to encourage planting one million trees in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, and City Harvest.

With all these excitements, 2011’s Philadelphia Flower Show, runs from March 6 to 13, is certainly not an event to be missed.