If you are a serious gardener, you spend lots of time outdoors. And, for sure, you would rather be tending your plants than swatting mosquitoes.

While there are many things you can do to keep mosquitoes away, there are some plants that will beautify your yard and help repel mosquitoes.

As one more way to keep mosquitoes away from you and your yard, try planting these attractive plants.

HORSEMINT

Horsemint has a scent similar to citronella. Horsemint grows wild in most of the Eastern United States, from Mexico, Texas up to Minnesota to Vermont. It is partial to sandy soils and will grow in USDA Zones 5-10. Native Americans used it as a treatment for colds and flu. It has natural fungicidal and bacterial retardant properties because it’s essential oils are high in thymol.

ROSEMARY

This wonderful herb we use for seasoning is also a great, natural mosquito repellant. It has been used for centuries to keep pesky mosquitoes away. Rosemary is a native of the Mediterranean, so it likes hot, dry weather and well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10, and must be grown as a pot plant in colder climates. If you happen to live in a part of the country where rosemary does not grow, you can get a good quality rosemary essential oil; mix 4 drops with cup olive oil. Store in a cool, dry place. When it comes to fresh plant oils as natural mosquito repellants, there is every reason to have the plant in your yard, if they will grow in your area. It is an inexpensive and attractive way to boost the appearance of the landscape and have natural mosquito repellants on hand as well.

MARIGOLDS

Organic gardeners have used marigolds as companion plants to keep aphids away. Mosquitoes don’t like its scent any better (and some humans feel the same way). Marigolds are sun-loving annuals that come in a variety of shapes and sizes for almost any landscape. They are quite easy to grow from seed.

AGERATUM

This charming little bedding plant contains coumarin, and mosquitoes detest the smell. It is used in the perfume industry and is even in some commercial mosquito repellants. Don’t rub ageratum on your skin, though. It has some other less desirable elements that you don’t want to keep on your skin in quantity. Ageratums are annuals, and the come in a muted blue and white that compliments most other plantings.

MOSQUITO PLANTS

There are two types of plants that are called mosquito plants. One is a member of the geranium family that was genetically engineered to incorporate the properties of citronella. Citronella only grows in tropical places, but it is a well known repellant for mosquitoes. This plant was created to bring the repellant properties of citronella into a hardier plant. It will grow where any geranium will thrive. Many have questioned its usefulness as a mosquito repellant, but it is attractive enough to warrant planting for it’s ornamental value.

The other kind of mosquito plant is agastache cana. Its common names include Texas hummingbird mint, bubblegum mint, giant hyssop, or giant hummingbird mint. As you might guess, hummingbirds are quite attracted to it.

It is a New Mexico native, also found in parts of Texas. It is, in fact, a member of the mint family and its leaves do have a pungent aroma when crushed. In its native habitat, it is perennial, and is usually hardy in USDA Zones 5a-9a. It blooms late summer to early fall, so it catches hummingbirds on their annual migration. The long, medium pink flowers reel in butterflies as well.

CATNIP

One of the most powerful mosquito repellant plants is ordinary catnip. Recent studies have shown that it is ten times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. It is a short lived perennial throughout most of the United States. It is easy to grow from seed, and quickly reseeds. Aside from its intoxicating effects on cats, the leaves make a very soothing tea.

With all of these plants, the leaves must be crushed to release the aroma. Otherwise mosquitoes can’t smell them. And, with rosemary and catnip, you can simply crush a few leaves and rub on your skin and clothing to enhance the effect.

So, next time you are revising your plantings, consider using some of these attractive plants to do more than just enhance the landscape. You can have pretty ornamentals that also drive mosquitoes away.

About The Author

Scottie Johnson is a life long mosquito warrior and freelance writer dedicated to eliminating mosquitoes from her life. She is also an organic gardener. For more information about mosquito control in your home and yard, visit her website at http://www.mosquito-kill-net.com. Copyright 2004 All rights reserved. Copies of this article may be used on websites and in e-zines provided the resource biography and URL are not removed prior to reproduction.

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Fifes and drums festivals are among the many top tourist attractions to watch out for when visiting historic colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. The military band follows the tradition begun in 1775, when colonists battled the British in a war for American independence. Fifers and drummers ages ten to eighteen were recruited to boost the morale of marching soldiers. To this day, members of the Fifes and Drums Corps, both girls and boys, start practicing at age ten and stay on the course until they are eighteen.

The town has successfully preserved many historic buildings. The restored and reconstructed buildings account for most of the important sites in Virginian historymore than 500 of them. The work was facilitated by hundreds of archaeologists, historians, and researchers. Much of the investment came from the government and generous wealthy benefactors. And this is to be expected, as Williamsburg played an important role in the shaping of the nation’s history and the values it upholds to this day.

With fully-restored houses, hotels, and parks, Williamsburg has gained back its colonial landscape that attracts tourists interested in the beginnings of American history and democracy. The tours are authenticated programs, ensuring that historical facts are preserved and passed on.

But colonial Williamsburg is not only a destination for tourists on historical trips. Williamsburg is also a great dining and shopping destination. The popular Historic Triangle is one of the best hubs of the local economy.

The next time you plan a vacation, head to colonial Williamsburg and travel back in time to see how the great founding fathers lived. Experience how history unfolded through the town’s many festivals, plays, and tour packages of historic sites. Lodging can be easily arranged through online or phone reservations.

One repeated source of financial stress and anxiety for many people is the monthly payment of their bills. A friend of mine refers to his monthly dilemma as having too much month at the end of his money. I also know couples that refer to bill paying days as fight night because of the tension and strain it can add to a relationship. As it turns out, most of the anxiety associated with paying your bills is primarily a result of being reactive instead of prepared for your incoming bills. Developing a process or system to organize and pay your bills can actually be pretty simple if youre realistic about what you hope to accomplish and allow yourself the appropriate time to get comfortable using your new approach. Here are five ways to help you better manage your monthly bills:

1) Location, Location. Location:

Identify a specific place in the house where all financial related papers will be located. Ideally youll want to purchase a file box or cabinet, but if finances are tight and youre just looking for a starting point, a kitchen drawer, folder, or shoebox will work for now. Remember, just as the rule goes in real estate, location is a critical factor so make sure you choose a location that is accessible and close to where you open your mail.

2) Use Your Scout Training:

Be prepared! The famous motto of the Boys and Girls Scouts of America is a great way to combat bill anxiety. Have return labels, stamps, envelopes, a letter opener, calculator, and any other bill paying essentials available and ready for use.

3) Practice Makes Perfect

Develop a daily routine for opening mail at or near the area you designated to store your financial papers and supplies. When you open your mail remove the clutter that often comes with your bills and just keep the bill and return envelope. Then group your bills based on due dates. After using your approach for a couple weeks, review your progress and make adjustments as necessary.

4) K.I.S.S.

Youre probably familiar with this acronym and for the purpose of better managing your bills, consider this simple twist Keep It Simple & Specific. Establish regular days and times to pay your bills. Consider identifying 3 to 4 days per month that you can designate to sit down and pay your bills. Try the 5th, 15th, and 25th to start.

5) Extra Credit:

When you sit down to pay your bills, take a moment to review your records for any discrepancies or fraud. Develop a list of your regular bills that will allow you to record your payment amounts, payment date, payment type, and any follow up that may be necessary. After paying a bill, write on the invoice the date you wrote the check and the check number used. Also include account numbers on your check

Its important to remember that developing methods to reduce financial stress and anxiety is simple and inexpensive way to feel better about your financial future. Its a sign of financial maturity and a key ingredient in the quest for true financial success.

Find more great articles at http://militaryfinances.com a great online source for finance information.