So how do you grow a pineapple?

To grow a pineapple, purchase a whole one at your local grocery. Cut off top, making sure your cut contains some of fruit. Let this dry in sun for a couple of days. When this plug has “hardened off”, plant top fruit side down. Cover plug only enough to make sure it is firmly seated in your pot. Water plant weekly until it is established; then water only when sand is dry to your touch.

One of interesting parts of growing pineapple plants is that they absorb nutrients and moisture through their leaves more than through their roots. When you water a pineapple plant, pour water into vase-like center of leaves. Alternatively, you can mist leaves with a spray bottle, concentrating spray near center of plant, but continuing until surrounding sand is damp.

Linda is an author of Gardening Tips Tricks and Howto's  of Gardening Guides and the Lawn Care section of the Lawnmower Guide.

Hibiscus flower extract has been used in many folk remedies for liver disorders and high blood pressure. Hibiscus - Relieves stomach problems, sweetens breath and soothes nerves. Said to be an aphrodisiac. Cholesterol / Heart Disease - a study at Chung Shan University in Taiwan involving rats on high cholesterol diets demonstrated that an extract of hibiscus flower significantly lowered cholesterol content in blood serum and prevented oxidation of LDL, "bad", cholesterol. "Experiments have shown that compounds extracted from red wine and tea reduce cholesterol and lipid build-up in arteries of rats.

"This is first study to show that Hibiscus extract has same effect."

- Dr. Chau-Jong Wang, lead researcher

Hypertension - in one study individuals with hypertension were given hibiscus tea once daily for 12 days. Members of control group lowered their blood pressure by 11% versus 4% for control group.

Liver Disorder - hibiscus is thought to help with liver disorders, though no studies to this effect have been done. It act as an antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cholagogue, demulcent, digestive, diuretic, emollient, purgative, refrigerant, resolvent, sedative, stomachic, and tonic.

Roselle is a folk remedy for abscesses, bilious conditions, cancer, cough, debility, dyspepsia, dysuria, fever, hangover, heart ailments, hypertension, neurosis, scurvy, and strangury. Uses include an aphrodisiac; soothes nerves; antispasmodic; itchy skin; stomach problems; sweeten breath; attract love/lust; divination; dreams. Bunga Raya, is known for its medicinal properties. The roots of plant are used as a cure for fever and other ailments, while juice obtained from leaves and roots is said to be effective in relieving skin eruptions and glandular troubles. Also, petals were commonly used as cosmetics to darken and highlight women's eyebrows.

Rose of Sharon was not so much a specific earthly flower as it was a symbol of Perfect Bride, & Perfect Bride symbolized fruitfulness & beauty of Earth (or Earthmother) when She was at peace & in harmony with God. "Sharon" means "Fruitful," a word that Torah associates with good pasturage for sheep.