Hot Tub Parties

Filed under:The Gardening Way — posted on June 7, 2007 @ 7:04 am

Casual Hot Tub Parties

People are continually looking for fun, easy and relaxing ways of having a party or other gathering for their friends. Obviously, there are a whole host of ways in which a nice, fun party can be organized for friend and family.

Some people are particularly fond of hosting get-togethers and parties around swimming pools and hot tubs. Indeed, a hot tub party can be a most enjoyable and relaxing way of spending time with friends and family.

The first point to consider when contemplating pulling together a casual hot tub party is who should be on your invitation list. In the grand scheme of things, when it comes to a casual hot tub party, it is likely best and most appropriate to invite those people who you actually do know well.

There is a level of intimacy associated with a casual hot tub party — and we are not speaking of a romantic style gathering at this juncture. Rather, by the very nature of a hot tub party, men and women will be in a state of attire — swim wear — that can make strangers uncomfortable. Thus, again, when contemplating the guest list for a hot tub party, it is best to include only those friends and family members who you are close with. Likewise, your guests will be more comfortable if they generally know the other guests at the party. In the end, you will want your guests to be comfortable. Uneasy guests make for an uncomfortable party.

Another point to consider when contemplating pulling together a casual hot tub party is the need to have other activities available for some of your party guests. No matter what combination of people you invite to a casual hot tub party, there will always be some guests who simply do not want to sit in a hot tub at a social gathering. Thus, in order to be a good host or hostess, it is important for you to have other activities at a casual hot tub gathering for this group of guests. And, by activities, you can merely set up something as simple as a comfortable area in which your guests not interested in the hot tub can sit and visit in a relaxed manner.

Of course, as a final note, when it comes to a hot tub party, keep items made of glass to a minimum. You could invest in some accessories. Serve beverages in plastic tumblers, for example. And serve food on plastic or even heavy duty paper plates. One broken glass in or near a hot tub truly can bring a party to a grinding halt.

About the Author

Garry John has written several articles about gardening and home improvement subjects including hot tubs.

Caring for Orchids

Filed under:The Gardening Way — posted on June 5, 2007 @ 5:30 am

Orchids have an undeserved reputation for being difficult to
grow and care for in the home. This probably stems from the
early years of orchid cultivation when orchids imported from the
tropics died so frequently in English greenhouses that botanist
John Lindley referred to England as “a cemetery for orchids”.
While it is difficult to grow orchids from seed - it requires a
specialized growing medium and 3-4 years worth of patience -
once mature, most orchids are as easy to care for as any other
houseplant - and easier than most.

Growing Medium Most orchids are epiphytic - that is, they take
their nutrients from the air. They may grow on bark, sphagnum
moss, cork plaques or in gravel or charcoal. With very rare
exceptions, do NOT pot orchids in potting soil.

Watering The best rule of thumb is to mist plants every few days
with distilled water, and only water when the potting medium is
nearly dry. Because there are so many varieties of orchids, it’s
important to consult an orchid book or follow the plant’s
watering directions.orchid
care

Light A sunny windowsill is a good place for your orchids. In
winter or in northern states, natural sunlight may need to be
supplemented with gro-lights or other fluorescent lights to
ensure that your orchids get enough light. In midsummer or in
southern states, many orchids may require some protection from
the bright sun. Watch leaves for signs of sunburn or lack of
light and adjust accordingly.

Circulating Air is an often overlooked necessity for orchids.
Because most orchids take their nutrients directly from the air,
they do best when there is a steady, constant stream of air
around them. A small fan or an open window will provide enough
air flow to keep them happy.


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