The study of the cycle of life throughout the year and the events that take place, charting the growth and development of a tree is known as ‘Phenology’, and if we choose to observe and follow this series of events, we can learn to further appreciate the wonder of trees! The Annual Cycle · Breaking Dormancy · Vernal Growth · Completion of Primary Growth · Secondary Growth · Completion of Flowering · Fruiting · Senescence · Dormancy So let us begin in following this life cycle in early spring, a time when our tree awakes from the winter period of arrested growth and its stores of carbohydrates and food energy are abundant. These carbohydrates are used to initiate a new growth of root hairs, increasing the surface area of tree roots and kick starting the processes of water and nutrient uptake, preparing our tree for its first flush of buds. This cycle period is known as ‘Breaking Dormancy’, and soon enough, as the spring season continues, new soft tissue will begin to form and buds will burst in to life! This period of ‘Vernal Growth’ provides our tree with its first leaves, which will then begin to photosynthesise, supplying more food energy and furthering the processes of ‘Primary Growth’, whereby the apical meristems in shoots elongate, until all the winter buds have flushed out their leaves. We may see further signs of new growth, known as ‘Adventitious Growth’, a little later in the year, around July/August, to counter any spring leaves that may have been eaten by greedy insects! It is especially important at this time that we understand the outside influences that may have a negative effect on our tree. For instance, now is not the time to consider pruning. Being that all of its energy reserves have been used in flushing out spring growth, by pruning and leaving not enough new growth to provide more energy, we’re effectively starving our tree! The following stage in the phenological cycle of our tree is termed as a period of ‘Secondary Growth’, the result of activity within the Vascular Cambium that increases stem thickness. So as our tree grows up, it also grows out! Some trees, termed as ‘Dioecious’, may have distinct male and female plants within the same species, producing either male or female catkins and flowers. Other trees, being ‘Monoecious’, for instance 'Quercus robur' (English Oak) produce both male catkins and female flowers. During the period of spring leafing, we’ll generally begin to notice the long and drooping form of male catkins loaded with pollen grains. Being wind pollinated, the catkins hang in such a manner so as to catch the wind, releasing pollen with the intent of cross pollinating another species member. Soon after, in the period known as ‘Fruiting’, female flowers form at the base of new leaves and open to display pollen receptive stigma and ovules. In following, the process of seed development continues... Join us again as the seasons change and we further explore the phenological cycle!

Scott - Wirral Garden Services 

Want to see the latest news and events in the ever evolving province of Buriram Thailand? 

Look at Buriram's leading news site and see what sort of interesting place the town and province of Buriram has become. Once a rural backwater that everybody left for Bangkok unless they were a rice farmer, Buriram is now booming.

Buriram News

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Secretly, the Thai's have invented an outdoor microwave. 

Not to be outdone by modern technology, these clever chaps have been baking chicken in a makeshift microwave for decades.

Their cunning device is constructed using only a metal box, a glass bottle (filled with water), and some dried grass. 

Buriram Microwave

Announced yesterday at an exclusive invitation only press conference, the name Buriram International Race Circuit is no more.

After the main sponsor Chang Beer, the prestigious track is to be called "Chang International Circuit" from now on.

Kun Newin spoke last and at great length. He said that he had been working eight days a week for some considerable time to realize his motor racing dream. That's without the small side issue of Buriram United!

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If you didn't know already, the name Buri Ram actually means city of happiness.

Located in the North East area of Thailand, Buriram province is affectionately known as Isaan.

One of the Provinces most famous attractions is the awe inspiring Phanom Rung temple.

It's Thailand's equivalent to Stonehenge. With amazing astronomical alignments and a fascinatingly ancient history, it attracts visitors from all over Asia.

Having said that, Buriram province and especially Buriram city or 'Muang Buriram' are vibrant attractions in their own right.

Buriram is Isaan through and through - the people, the food, and the music all have distinct qualities that make people fall in love with the area.

Over the last few years the center of Buriram city has seen significant refurbishment . Elegant parks have been created and pretty pathways with blossom trees created around the waterways to produce a truly beautiful town center.

Investment is also being put into in infrastructure, hotels, racing tracks, and a water park; all aimed at bringing more people to the area. So Buriram is very much on the up.

Despite change happening, Buriram still retains its genuine Thai feel. It hasn't been altered in any significant way by western visitor influence. For sure there are foreign restaurants and bars, however, the city hasn't lost any of it's true Thai character.

Thai noodle shops serve delicious 'Moo Daeng' (Charsui pork) in the evening or day time and there are literally hundreds of little rustic restaurants to choose from. Whether you're looking for some spicy hot papaya salad, fried rice, barbecued chicken or any of your Thai favourites, you will never have to go far. 

Right in the city center there's a night food market serving just about any local Thai food you can imagine.

If you're a western food enthusiast, don't worry, there's plenty of that available also. A range of restaurants, resorts and bars more than adequately cater to the foreigner in town.

Many Thai activities are happening around the city also. Street carnivals and parades are often seen in different parts of the town.

Two major Thai festivals are celebrated to their fullest in the city center. The amazingly eye catching loy krathong fetsival, where thousands of lit up lanterns are released into the sky, happens right in the heart of the city.

Songkran festival (Thai new year) see's cars and pick up trucks bumper to bumper throughout the city. All the while water is being thrown, people are dancing and its all one big carnival atmosphere. You can pop up to i-moblie football stadium where a gigantic free party takes place for two full days.

Overall Buriram is a great place to live. It's moderising and increasing its facilities and infrastructure all the time. Never the less, while doing so, its holding on to its traditional values and keeping its feet firmly on the ground. 

 buriramtimes.com