trees - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T09:19:12Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/treesDiscovering Cork (in Portugal, Not the Irish City)https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/algarve-portugal-cork2021-02-01T22:00:00.000Z2021-02-01T22:00:00.000ZKeith Kelletthttps://tripatini.com/members/KeithKellett<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009506270,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009506270,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009506270?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p>When we booked the "<strong>Algarve</strong> jeep safari," they promised a tour to the interior to show there was more to <strong>Portugal</strong>'s southernmost region than beaches, bars and golf courses. We passed through remote villages; stopped off at a couple of out-of-the-way places for a coffee break and lunch; visited a distillery; and finally stopped in a cork oak grove, where Tomás our guide gave an interesting presentation.</p><p><br /> At home, I usually drink wine in a screwtop bottle. I know there’s a bit of controversy about it, but for me the wine is just the same. The main advantage is that if you don’t drink all the wine at one go, you can put the cap back on and stick it back in the fridge or wine rack.</p><p></p><p>The cork still has its place, though. That is, corks made out of actual cork (in my view, the plastic cork is the invention of the Devil - and which by the way should be disposed of responsibly, rather than crushing it contemptuously underfoot as it deserves).</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009505675,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009505675,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009505675?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p>Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak <em>(Quercus suber),</em> which can be removed without harming the tree. Indeed, in Portugal, it’s illegal to fell a cork oak. New bark will eventually be formed, making it a sustainable resource. The quality of the cork increases with each "harvesting". The first "cut", when the tree is about 25 years old, produces the lowest quality, which is used for notice boards and such. Thereafter, the cork can be harvested every ten or so years. In its 200-year life span, a tree is usually good for up to 12 harvests. The third and subsequent harvests can be used for wine bottles; anything before that goes for other purposes; Tomás mentioned lifebelts, but I think most are made from plastic nowadays?</p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009507052,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009507052,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009507052?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p>Or fishing floats (for non anglers, these are used to suspend lines from the water's surface)! I remember we sometimes "recycled" corks from bottles as such; the shop-bought ones used usually to be made of cork, too. With my "environmental hat" on, it wouldn’t be a bad idea if they were once more used in fishing.</p><p>A couple of days later, in Lagos (the Portuguese one, not the Nigerian one, obviously) we came upon a stall which sold nothing but products made from cork. They included pretty much everything that's usually made from leather - handbags, wallets, belts, and the like. We didn’t buy anything, but I couldn’t help wondering how long a belt made of cork would last...</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p></div>In Carlsbad, California - Oh, Christmas Tree!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/christmas-tree-park-hyatt-aviara-carlsbard-california2017-12-01T18:52:39.000Z2017-12-01T18:52:39.000ZM'Liss Hinshawhttps://tripatini.com/members/MLissHinshaw<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009223466,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009223466,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="650" class="align-full" alt="9009223466?profile=original" /></a></p><p><br /> Just wait until Santa’s elves show off the magnificent nine-foot tall decorated tree at the Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, just a half hour up the coast from San Diego. The human elves are busily stacking, piping and contouring gingerbread, chocolate, and sugar icicles to make the fantasy tree. These three helpers are no ordinary assistants for Santa, they just happen to have recently won the Food Network’s Halloween Wars as Team Ghoul’d. Each has their own crafty skills, and jumped on board to make this a most spectacular tree.</p><p></p><p>Executive pastry chef Christophe Rull received his culinary training in France and has won numerous awards for his chocolate showpieces; Liz Marek is an elaborate cake designer from Oregon; and Mike Brown from Missouri, is a top pumpkin carver - more like a sculptor. Now their winning talents have been reunited for the holiday splendor at this luxurious Carlsbad resort. </p><p></p><p>They work in harmony to prepare the tree which will be displayed in the front entrance of the lobby. Each concentrates on his or her own task, and in-between there is a bit of talk how to improve on the piece. Thankfully, it’s not near as stressful as producing winning Halloween creations for the TV show (though in the long run, that was worth it, as they walked away with the $50,000 prize money). This go around of long days and many hours to construct the holiday chocolate tree will be holiday merriment which is a different type of prize. </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009222884,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009222884,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="650" class="align-full" alt="9009222884?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p>Now Rull, Marek, and Brown busily mold and shape 50 pounds of chocolate, 40 pounds of modeling chocolate, 30 pounds of rice treats and 15 pounds of marshmallows. They let the fun of the season direct the tree design and all that goes with it. Santa’s workshop will have wrapped gifts and colorful ornaments. Months ago, they began designing the holiday display by sending sketches back and forth in messages. When they agreed on the concept, the resort knew this year’s display would be magical.</p><p></p><p>Emily Koch, marketing manager for the resort, said locals and visitors can stop in and see the festival display for free. The hotel’s decorations will also include decking the halls with themed Christmas trees and wreaths to benefit the Semper Fi Fund. I saw the trees last year and can say this year’s display is even more impressive.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009223883,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009223883,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="650" class="align-full" alt="9009223883?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p>Chef Rull told me he likes creations such as this because it brings out emotions in people. Most people agree, it’s hard to look at the lights and colors of the season and not feel a sense of wonderment. </p><p></p><p>And when you bring the family for a photo in the lobby, look for the chocolate clock to keep track of time. </p><p></p><p>The tree will be on display November 30 through December 27, 2017.</p><p></p><p>Park Hyatt Aviara</p><p>7100 Aviara Resort Drive</p><p>Carlsbad, California</p><p></p><p></p><p>760.448.1234</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.parkhyattaviara.com/">www.parkhyattaviara.com</a> </p><p></p><p>Nothing says the holidays like a tree reflecting the spirit of the season. </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009223466,original{{/staticFileLink}}"> </a></p></div>Festive ideas for Christmas plants from Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/festive-ideas-for-christmas-plants-from-costa-rica2014-12-14T21:33:12.000Z2014-12-14T21:33:12.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008905880,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008905880,original{{/staticFileLink}}" height="411" alt="9008905880?profile=original" /></a>To your holiday decorations this year, <b>add some pretty <a href="http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/christmas-plants-flowers.htm" target="_blank">Christmas plants</a></b> for a living touch of good cheer. Surprisingly, <b>many holiday plants are tropical</b> in origin, which means that you care for them like a houseplant if you live in a cold climate.</p><p> </p><p>The <b><a href="http://www.elsegarden.com/" target="_blank">Else Kientzler Botanical Garden</a> in <a href="http://www.elsegarden.com/en/sitemap/how-to-arrive" target="_blank">Sarchi, Costa Rica</a></b>, has several <b>fun</b> <b>ideas for traditional and novel Christmas plants</b> to decorate your home this holiday season. They recommend <b>using decorative planters in different levels</b>, along with <b>hanging baskets</b>, for <b>Christmassy colored plants</b>. Or, create a small <b>thematic “island garden”</b> where you rotate plants that are in season.</p><p> </p><p>“We have a little garden at the entrance to our reception that right now is all Christmas plants,” noted Ovido Esquivel, director of the Else Kientzler Botanical Garden<b>.</b></p><p> </p><p><strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poinsettia" target="_blank">Poinsettia</a></strong> (<em>Euphorbia pulcherrima</em>): Native to Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia is perhaps the most recognizable Christmas plant. In English, it is named after the first U.S. minister to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, who introduced the plant into the USA in 1825. The colored leaves on the plant – red, white, pink and dark green – look like flowers, even though they are really leaves. While in full bloom, poinsettias like semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture and adequate drainage; you don’t want to drown them or have them sit in water-filled saucers, which can produce root rot. If you live in a warmer climate, you can plant your poinsettia after Christmas in a sunny area and it will grow into a shrub or small tree.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008906253,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008906253,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008906253?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><b><a href="http://www.finegardening.com/euphorbia-diamond-frost" target="_blank">Euphorbia Diamond Frost</a>:</b> This very pretty plant in the poinsettia family grows a cloud of tiny, delicate white flowers and small, rounded green leaves. “They are very beautiful to decorate the house with Christmas colors. They are easy to plant and maintain in baskets, planters and home gardens,” said Esquivel.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008906275,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008906275,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="382" alt="9008906275?profile=original" /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://northamericanfarmer.com/flower-patch/growing-torenia.aspx" target="_blank">Torenia</a></strong> (<i>torenia fournieri</i>): Also called wishbone flower or bluewings, this beautiful flower comes in many shades of blue, rose, yellow, pink, purple or white; but most have purple blue flowers with a yellow throat. It is native to Africa and Asia and loves hot and humid weather; it grows well in semi-shade and can be put in a basket or a planter. The purple variety is good for Christmas color, noted Esquivel. He suggests planting Torenia with Euphorbia Diamond Frost for pretty Christmas colors.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008906652,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008906652,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="319" alt="9008906652?profile=original" /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.kientzler.eu/en/summer-container.php" target="_blank">GoGo Scarlet and GoGo Purple</a></strong> (<i>Salvia</i>): With bright scarlet red and bright purple flowers, these two varietals are another pretty possibility for your holiday garden. Plant them together in large stair-step planters for spectacular decoration.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008906453,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="350" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008906453,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008906453?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupressus_sempervirens" target="_blank">Mediterranean cypress tree</a></strong> (<i>Cupressus sempervirens)</i>: The cypress tree is the traditional Christmas tree in Costa Rica. The evergreen conifer gives off a wonderful aroma, which fills the houses in Costa Rica from both trees and wreaths during the holidays.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008906665,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="350" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008906665,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008906665?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><b>All of these plants</b> are growing in the <b><a href="http://www.elsegarden.com/en/the-garden/the-gardens" target="_blank">Else Kientzler Botanical Garden</a> in Costa Rica</b>, and are grown for export by their business, <b>Innovaplant</b>. The beautiful <a href="http://www.elsegarden.com/en/sitemap/garden-map" target="_blank">Costa Rica botanical garden</a> features more than <b>2,000 species of exotic tropical plants</b> from around the globe. The gardens are <a href="http://www.elsegarden.com/en/rate-and-schedule" target="_blank">open every day</a> from <b>8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.</b> <a href="http://www.elsegarden.com/en/what-do-we-do/horticulture-tour" target="_blank">Guided walks</a> are available in English, Spanish and German with advance reservations, or you can go on a <b>self-guided tour</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Article by <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ShannonFarley/posts" target="_blank">Shannon Farley</a><br /></b></p></div>The story behind the plants and trees of Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/the-story-behind-the-plants-and-trees-of-costa-rica2014-12-02T22:44:27.000Z2014-12-02T22:44:27.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008897296,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008897296,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008897296?profile=original" /></a>The <b>fascinating fact about </b><a href="http://www.elsegarden.com/en/the-garden/the-gardens" target="_blank">plants and trees in Costa Rica</a> is that each one has <b>a</b> <b>story, or a folk tradition or a specific use</b>. There is much more than meets the eye in this tropical paradise.</p><p> </p><p>Ovido Esquivel, director of the <a href="http://www.elsegarden.com/" target="_blank">Else Kientzler Botanical Garden</a> in <a href="http://www.elsegarden.com/en/sitemap/how-to-arrive" target="_blank">Sarchi, Costa Rica</a>, uncovered the <b>mystique of some of Costa Rica’s commonly found plants and trees,</b> which you will more than likely <b>see in your travels around Costa Rica</b>.</p><p> </p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008897687,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008897687,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008897687?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bougainvillea" target="_blank">Bougainvillea</a></strong>(<i>veranera</i> in Spanish): Native to South America, the vibrantly-colored thorny climbing bush is a favorite plant in Costa Rica gardens, and can be found in shades from purple to fuchsia, red, pink, orange, white, and a myriad of hues in between. “People like to grow these in their gardens because they produce flowers all year long,” noted Esquivel. “In rural areas on farms, chickens use bougainvillea vines to make nests to sleep up off the ground. My grandmother had a bougainvillea and it was always full of chickens.”</p><p> </p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296592287,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296592287,original{{/staticFileLink}}" height="400" alt="9296592287?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.photomazza.com/?Calathea-lutea" target="_blank">Cuban cigar plant</a></strong> (<i>Bijagua</i> in Spanish; scientific name: <i>Calathea lutea</i>):</p><p>In Costa Rica, this plant is very popular in gardens and it also grows frequently along roadsides, especially in the Caribbean region. The <i>Bijagua</i> plant is so common in Costa Rica, that the town of Bijagua de Upala in northern Costa Rica is named after it. “The indigenous used the leaves to wrap their tamales and to cook fish over coals,” said Esquivel. “Field workers in Costa Rica use the leaves to wrap up their lunch in a pouch and carry it to work.”</p><p> </p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008898086,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008898086,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="259" alt="9008898086?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tradescantia_zebrina" target="_blank">Wandering Jew</a></strong> (<i>cucaracha</i> in Spanish; scientific name: <i>Zebrina pendula</i>): This colorful and fast-growing plant grows wherever it touches soil. Wandering Jew can grow as a thick groundcover, or vertically on trellises or on the sides of buildings, or in hanging baskets. “Traditionally, grandmothers planted these in old buckets around the house, and used the leaves to regulate menstruation, for gastritis, or to cure cuts and skin rashes,” said Esquivel.</p><p> </p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008898480,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008898480,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008898480?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socratea_exorrhiza" target="_blank">Walking Palm</a></strong> (<i>palmera maquenque</i> or <i>palmito amargo</i> in Spanish; scientific name: <i>Socratea exorrhiza</i>): Native to Costa Rica, this palm tree produces a bitter fruit that traditionally was eaten during Easter Week, Esquivel noted. “It is very unique the wood of this tree,” he said. “It is super flexible and at the same time very hard and resistant. Indigenous people use this wood for their houses.”</p><p> </p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008898695,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008898695,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="293" alt="9008898695?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceiba_pentandra" target="_blank">Kapok tree</a></strong> (<i>Ceiba</i> in Spanish; scientific name: <i>Ceiba pentandra</i>):</p><p>This tree is considered one of the giants of the tropics. Kapok trees can grow up to 165 feet (50 meters) tall, and are popular for their shade and quick growth. “In the indigenous culture of Central America the tree is sacred; they believe that the first humans were conceived from the <i>Ceiba tree</i> from the womb of the immense trunk,” Esquivel explained.</p><p> </p><p>The <b><a href="http://www.elsegarden.com/en/the-garden/the-gardens" target="_blank">Else Kientzler Botanical Garden in Sarchi</a> is <a href="http://www.elsegarden.com/en/rate-and-schedule" target="_blank">open every day</a></b> from <b>8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.</b> <b>Guided walks</b> are available in English, Spanish and German with advance reservations, or you can go on a <b>self-guided tour</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Article by <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ShannonFarley/posts" target="_blank">Shannon Farley</a><br /></b></p></div>