Underhill's Tips & FAQ's

Gingko Trees Can Boost Your Brains

The 200 million year old gingko tree is the oldest tree species on earth, and is also one of the most popular naturopathic supplements used today. Gingko is commonly used for its perceived benefits to the brain and circulation.

How does it work? Well, in pharmacy circles, gingko biloba is known as a vasodilator which improves blood circulation, and is also an antioxidant that can fight free radicals.

But, a Gingko Tree can also be an excellent addition to your landscape. The fan shaped leaves are very unique, and turn a bright yellow in the fall. Gingko is a great choice for city plantings, because of its pollution, pest and disease resistance properties.

The Colorful History of the Tulip

Some 400 years ago, European travelers brought news of a "red lily" back from Constantantinopole. When the first bulbs came from the east, the Dutch thought they were a type of onion and stewed them in broth.

By the beginning of the 17th century, the tulip became an immediate status symbol and a form of currency. A thriving brewery in France was once traded for a single bulb called "Tulipe Brasserie", and one bride's dowry consisted of a single bulb, aptly named "Marriage de Ma Fille". Later, in the 1700's, Sultan Ahmed III of Turkey imported millions of bulbs from Holland for his imperial gardens.

Today, thousands of tulip varieties brighten our spring months across the globe.

Grass-Cycling is Good For Your Lawn

Believe it or not, grass is 85% water! And if your lawn is cut regularly, taking off no more than one third of the grass blade, then clippings left on the lawn will quickly decompose, returning valuable nutrients back to the soil, without increasing thatch build-up.

Proper mowing is the key to effective grass-cycling. Mulching mowers make grass-cycling easy by chopping clippings into tiny pieces. Lawns mowed with mulching mowers will be greener and healthier.

Three Quick Tips For Clear Pond Water

Does your pond water turn into green "pea-soup" as the summer progresses? Well it doesn't have to be that way. Follow these three tips and you too can enjoy CLEAR pond water all summer long;

Make sure that 70-80% of the water surface is covered with floating plants. This will sufficiently shade the water to reduce algae growth. Don't forget your submerged oxygenating plants!
Scoop out any leaves or other organic debris to avoid these decomposing in the pond water. Better yet, use a filtration system that has a skimmer system similar to a pool.
Add natural beneficial bacteria to the water throughout the season. Products like Bacta-Pur Klear will help improve the efficiency of your filter and keep your water clear all season long.

Jewel Beetles Are Attracted To Forest Fires

Most creatures flee forest fires, but strange little bugs, known as "Jewel Beetles", seek them out. The beetle's grubs can only develop in the wood of trees freshly killed by fire, and the adults have evolved the ability to detect the smell of burning wood from 50 kilometers away. Scientists have found that these beetles are equipped with antennae that are super sensitive to smoke. Freshly roasted bugs anyone???

Transplanting Trees & Shrubs --The Right Way?

Do you have a shrub in your landscape that has grown very nicely over the years, but is getting a little too big for the space it occupies. Well, rather than cut it down, we can re-locate it for you. By properly digging up and protecting the root ball, by ensuring the soil in the new planting location is well prepared, and most importantly, by knowing what time of year different plants can be moved, most plants can be safely moved to a new spot in your garden. Of course, the right fertilization, mulching and regular watering are also needed to ensure a successful transplant.