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Gardening

Desert Landscaping: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating a Thriving Oasis

by Keira
written by Keira

Desert Landscaping: A Guide to Creating a Stunning and Sustainable Oasis

Understanding Desert Landscaping

Desert landscaping is a specialized approach to gardening that takes into account the unique challenges and opportunities presented by arid environments. Key considerations include:

  • Selecting drought-tolerant and temperature-hardy plants
  • Utilizing hardscaping and gravel planting beds
  • Conserving water through efficient irrigation and plant spacing

Desert-Friendly Plant Choices

Cacti and succulents are iconic desert plants, known for their ability to store water and withstand extreme heat. Other drought-tolerant plants include:

  • Russian sage
  • Sedums
  • Agastache
  • Fountain grass
  • Mediterranean herbs (e.g., rosemary, lavender)
  • Salvias

Hardscaping and Drainage

Hardscaping elements, such as gravel pathways and dry stream beds, help improve drainage and conserve water. Dry stream beds can also prevent erosion and add visual interest to the landscape.

Color Palette and Accents

Desert gardens may not have the lush greens of traditional landscapes, but they offer a unique palette of muted colors, including:

  • Earthy tones (e.g., terra cotta, sandy hues)
  • Cool blues, grays, greens, and purples (found in succulents and cacti)

Terra cotta pots and glazed ceramic containers can add bright accents and enhance the natural colors of desert plants.

Mulch and Soil

Natural mulch, such as cedar or pine, can help insulate plant roots and retain moisture. In sandy soils, consider adding soil amendments to improve drainage and fertility.

Gravel and Stone

Gravel and stone are excellent substitutes for mulch in desert gardens. They allow rainwater to penetrate the soil and prevent runoff. Larger stones can create attractive accents and contrast with the pointed shapes of succulents.

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is a low-maintenance alternative to traditional lawns, conserving water and reducing the need for mowing.

Native Wildflowers

Adding native wildflowers to your desert garden brings vibrant colors and attracts pollinators. Some popular choices include:

  • Coral plant
  • Mexican gold poppies
  • Desert mallow
  • Desert rose

Shaping and Symmetry

Desert plants often display striking shapes and textures. By arranging them thoughtfully, you can create dramatic visual effects, even with minimalist designs.

Water Conservation Techniques

Conserving water is crucial in desert landscaping. Techniques include:

  • Planting closely spaced to minimize evaporation
  • Choosing native plants adapted to low rainfall
  • Utilizing efficient irrigation systems (e.g., drip irrigation)

Mediterranean Influenced Gardens

Mediterranean plants, such as lavender and rosemary, can thrive in desert climates and add a touch of European elegance to your landscape.

Vertical Gardening

Raised beds are a great way to grow vegetables in desert gardens, providing improved drainage and water retention.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Enhance your desert garden with outdoor living spaces such as:

  • Pergolas for shade and privacy
  • Firepits for warmth and ambiance

Yucca and Boulders

Yucca plants, with their striking foliage and intermittent blooms, add a touch of drama to the desert landscape. Incorporating large boulders into your design can mimic the natural surroundings and create focal points.

Working with the Environment

Respect the natural landscape and use its features to your advantage. Large boulders and sloping hills can become unique design elements, inspiring dynamic and sustainable desert gardens.

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Gardening

32 Rock Garden Ideas to Enhance Your Landscape’s Beauty and Functionality

by Keira
written by Keira

Rock Garden Ideas: Transform Your Landscape with Beauty and Functionality

Rock gardens are a versatile and low-maintenance landscaping option that can enhance the visual appeal of your home while conserving water and reducing maintenance. Here are 32 inspiring rock garden ideas to suit any style and size yard:

Variety of Landscaping Rocks

Create interest by incorporating a mix of rocks in different sizes and colors. Desert-inspired gardens can feature large boulders and gravel, while front yards may benefit from raised rock garden beds that suppress weeds and retain topsoil.

Functional Landscaping Rocks

Functional rock gardens go beyond aesthetics. They can help suffocate weeds in plant beds and improve drainage in sloping yards. Larger boulders can also serve as natural retaining walls, adding both visual interest and structural support.

Beautiful Boulder Garden

Large boulders can create a striking focal point in your rock garden. Combine them with colorful blooms and lush greenery for a natural and earthy look.

A Quaint, Low-Maintenance Backyard

Gravel is a budget-friendly and low-maintenance choice for backyard rock gardens. Pair it with drought-tolerant plants like agave and olive trees for a relaxing oasis.

Perennials in a Rock Garden

Succulents aren’t the only plants that thrive in rock gardens. Colorful perennials can add vibrant pops of color, especially when planted in tiered gardens adjacent to pools or patios.

Eye-Catching Retaining Walls

Retaining walls made of rocks can provide both texture and visual interest to your garden. Fill them with wild shrubs, flowers, and ornamental grasses to create year-round beauty.

Gravel Front Yard and Driveway

Gravel extends beyond rock gardens to create a seamless and cohesive look for your front yard and driveway. Its texture adds depth to minimalist exteriors while contrasting beautifully with plants and trees.

A Rock Garden and Porch

Even small yards can benefit from a rock garden that doubles as a makeshift porch. Surround landscaping rocks with plants to create a welcoming and functional space.

Low-Maintenance Rock Garden

Succulents are ideal for rock gardens due to their low water requirements. They thrive in desert climates and require minimal care, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful garden with less effort.

A Simple Front Yard

Complement your home’s natural surroundings with a simple rock garden featuring succulents and landscaping rocks. This low-maintenance option enhances the natural beauty of your property.

Pebble Garden Border

A smooth pebble border adds contrast to dark garden mulch. Its flexibility allows you to easily adjust its size and shape, creating a unique and eye-catching feature.

Rock Garden Art

Patterned rock gardens featuring a variety of landscape rocks in varying shades can become works of art in your yard. Their visual appeal adds a touch of whimsy and creativity.

A Hassle-Free Front Garden

Surround your home with natural stone, from the backyard mound to the front yard landscaping. Succulents nestled in beds of rocks offer a low-maintenance alternative to traditional gardens.

Boulders for a Sloped Yard

Sloped front yards provide an opportunity for stunning rock gardens. Large boulders help level the ground and create a focal point, transforming a challenging space into a beautiful asset.

Combination of Rocks and Mulch

Contrast landscaping rocks with garden mulch in a small circular patch to create a minimalist yet impactful front yard. This low-maintenance design complements modern home exteriors.

A Tropical Rock Garden

Bring a touch of the tropics to your front yard with a rock garden featuring tropical plants in pots. Place them on either side of your door to create a warm and welcoming entrance.

Top Layer of Rocks

Elevate the look of your garden beds by topping them off with a layer of multicolored gravel. This durable material lasts longer than mulch, reducing maintenance and adding visual interest.

A Rock Garden With Dimension

Add depth and dimension to your rock bed with river rocks and larger stones. They provide a backdrop for colorful blooms and enhance the overall aesthetic of your garden.

A Rock Garden With Curb Appeal

Enhance the curb appeal of your home with a nontraditional rock garden. Combine rocks with succulents to create a low-maintenance and visually stunning focal point.

A Welcoming Entryway

Draw attention to your front door by lining your walkway with small shrubs in rock beds. This inviting design provides a beautiful entrance while maintaining the focus on your home’s entrance.

All-Gravel Yard

Take your rock garden to the next level by covering your entire front yard in gravel. This zero-maintenance option is cost-effective and provides a perfect backdrop for native plants and fire pits.

Hillside Rock Garden

Tiered rock gardens are ideal for sloping yards on hillsides. They create eye-catching front entrances while reducing water needs and maintenance requirements.

An Outdoor Dining Room

Create a lush backdrop for your outdoor dining area with landscaping rocks. They complement natural surroundings and provide a beautiful and functional addition to your backyard.

A Granite Rock Wall

A sturdy granite rock wall and stairs leading to a fire pit can define different zones in your backyard. Combine it with lush native plants for a serene and inviting atmosphere.

Raised Rock Beds

Transform your front yard into a maintenance-free paradise with raised rock beds. Large succulents and garden features like cement raised beds and boulders add visual interest without the hassle.

Poolside Rock Garden

Even if your backyard is dominated by a pool, you can still incorporate a rock garden. Plant succulents or cacti in a rock bed along one side of the pool and add modern planters on the other to create a balanced and stylish look.

Rock Garden and Stairs

Elevate the visual appeal of your backyard with wood steps that extend into a low-maintenance rock garden. Complement the rocks with native plants and an outdoor mural for a unique and eye-catching design.

A Colorful Backyard

Combine rocks with bright colors to create a vibrant backyard. Plant succulents and other lush native plants in rock gardens surrounding a brightly painted patio for a fun and unexpected focal point.

A Charming Side Garden

Add a touch of drama to your side yard with a bed of rocks adjacent to your patio. Tropical plants will add color and interest, creating a charming and inviting space.

A Rustic-Style Boulder Wall

Create a dramatic retaining wall in your spacious backyard with large-scale boulders. Their rustic charm complements lush farmhouse-style patio areas and adds a touch of natural beauty.

A Raised Rock Garden Bed

Enhance the entrance of your home with a raised rock garden bed featuring ornamental grasses. This unique and welcoming design will make a lasting impression on visitors.

Stacked Stone Retaining Wall

Carry the colors of your home’s exterior into your backyard with a stacked stone retaining wall. Its timeless design seamlessly blends with your lush green yard, creating a polished and inviting outdoor space.

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Gardening

Create a Stunning Garden Border with Minimal Effort: Low-Maintenance Ideas for Every Yard

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

Low-Maintenance Garden Border Ideas for Any Yard

Choosing Plants for Low-Maintenance Garden Borders

When selecting plants for low-maintenance garden borders, consider the following factors:

  • Color: Choose plants with complementary colors that will create a visually appealing border.
  • Texture: Vary the textures of plants to add interest and depth to your border.
  • Bloom time: Plant a mix of plants with different bloom times to ensure year-round color.
  • Placement: Consider the size and shape of plants when placing them in your border, ensuring taller plants are in the back and shorter plants in the front.

Types of Low-Maintenance Border Plants

Perennial Plants: Perennials are plants that come back year after year, making them a low-maintenance choice for garden borders. Some popular perennials for borders include:

  • Coneflowers
  • Daylilies
  • Hostas
  • Irises
  • Sedums

Annuals: Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season. They can add a burst of color to your border and are a good choice for filling in gaps between perennials. Some popular annuals for borders include:

  • Petunias
  • Impatiens
  • Marigolds
  • Zinnias
  • Alyssum

Groundcovers: Groundcovers are low-growing plants that spread horizontally, creating a dense mat that suppresses weeds and erosion. Some popular groundcovers for borders include:

  • Creeping Jenny
  • Ivy
  • Pachysandra
  • Vinca
  • Liriope

Drought-Tolerant Plants: Drought-tolerant plants are a good choice for areas with limited rainfall or for those who want to conserve water. Some popular drought-tolerant plants for borders include:

  • Lavender
  • Rosemary
  • Salvia
  • Succulents
  • Yarrow

Design Ideas for Low-Maintenance Garden Borders

Color Blocks: Create a bold statement by planting large blocks of color in your border. This is a simple and effective way to add visual impact to your garden.

Spring Bulbs: Plant spring bulbs in the fall to enjoy a burst of color in early spring. Daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths are popular choices for spring borders.

Colorful Foliage: Plants with colorful foliage can add interest to your border even when they’re not in bloom. Some popular plants with colorful foliage for borders include:

  • Coleus
  • Heuchera
  • Japanese maple
  • Ornamental grasses
  • Variegated hostas

Shade Borders: Even shady areas can have colorful borders. Consider planting shade-tolerant plants such as:

  • Astilbe
  • Bleeding heart
  • Ferns
  • Hostas
  • Impatiens

Mediterranean Style: If you live in a warm climate, consider creating a Mediterranean-style border with fragrant herbs such as:

  • Lavender
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Basil

Height Variation: Add height and interest to your border by planting a mix of tall and short plants. Taller plants can provide a backdrop for shorter plants, while shorter plants can fill in the gaps and add color to the foreground.

Low Hedges: Low hedges can create a formal or informal border and help to define the space. Some popular plants for low hedges include:

  • Boxwood
  • Creeping juniper
  • Dwarf yaupon holly
  • Lavender
  • Rosemary

Perennial Mums: Perennial mums are a reliable source of late-season color. They come in a wide range of colors and bloom in the fall.

Drought-Tolerant Borders: If you live in a dry climate or simply want to conserve water, consider creating a drought-tolerant border with plants such as:

  • Lavender
  • Rosemary
  • Salvia
  • Succulents
  • Yarrow

Creeping Plants: Creeping plants can spill over the edge of your border and create an organic look. Some popular creeping plants for borders include:

  • Creeping Jenny
  • Ivy
  • Sedums
  • Vinca
  • Liriope

Uplifting Miniatures: Dwarf varieties of perennials can add a touch of whimsy to your border. Some popular dwarf perennials for borders include:

  • Dwarf irises
  • Dwarf daylilies
  • Dwarf sedums
  • Dwarf asters
  • Dwarf roses

Green Borders: A green border can be just as beautiful as a colorful border. Consider planting a variety of plants with different shades of green foliage, such as:

  • Hostas
  • Ferns
  • Variegated ivy
  • Japanese forest grass
  • Mondo grass
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Gardening

Growing and Caring for Sedum: A Comprehensive Guide to Varieties, Care, and Propagation

by Keira
written by Keira

Growing and Caring for Sedum: A Comprehensive Guide

Sedum Varieties and Characteristics

Sedum is a diverse genus of succulent plants with over 600 species and even more varieties. These plants come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors, making them popular choices for gardens and landscapes. Sedums are typically hardy and drought-tolerant, with thick, fleshy leaves that store water. They produce star-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including pink, red, yellow, and white.

Growing Conditions

Light: Most sedum varieties prefer full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Some varieties can tolerate partial shade, but they may not bloom as profusely or be as sturdy.

Soil: Sedums prefer loose, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils are ideal. Heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture can lead to root rot and fungal diseases.

Water: Sedums are drought-tolerant and do not require frequent watering. Water new plants regularly during the first year to establish their root systems. Once established, water only during periods of prolonged drought or extreme heat.

Propagation

Sedums can be propagated from stem cuttings, division, or seed.

Stem Cuttings:

  1. Take a 4- to 6-inch cutting from a healthy stem.
  2. Remove the bottom leaves.
  3. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix.
  4. Keep the soil moist and wait for new growth to appear.

Division:

  1. Dig up the sedum plant and divide it into smaller sections with a sharp knife or spade.
  2. Replant the sections in a new location at the same depth as the original plant.
  3. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.

Seed:

Most sedum varieties grown in home gardens are cultivars and their seeds will not produce plants that are true to the parent. Therefore, it is not recommended to use sedum seeds for propagation.

Pruning

Sedums do not require much pruning, but it can help to maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any broken or diseased stems. In cooler climates, remove dead plant parts in the early spring to make room for new growth. To prevent flowering, pinch off stem tips in early summer.

Pests and Diseases

Sedums are generally pest- and disease-free. However, they can occasionally be affected by slugs, snails, or crown rot in poorly drained soil.

Common Problems

  • Failure to bloom: This is usually due to lack of sunlight or overwatering.
  • Leggy growth: This can be caused by too much shade or nutrient-rich soil.
  • Root rot: This is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil.

Tips for Growing Sedum

  • Choose the right variety for your climate and growing conditions.
  • Plant in well-drained soil and provide adequate sunlight.
  • Water only when necessary and avoid overwatering.
  • Fertilize sparingly, if at all.
  • Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
  • Protect from pests and diseases by keeping the plants healthy and avoiding overwatering.

Long-Tail Keyword-Specific Tips

  • How to grow sedum in containers: Use well-draining potting mix and choose a container with drainage holes. Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
  • How to prune sedum to promote flowering: Pinch off stem tips in early summer to prevent flowering and encourage bushier growth.
  • Best sedum varieties for ground cover: Choose low-growing varieties such as Sedum spurium or Sedum kamtschaticum. Space plants closely together to create a dense ground cover.
  • How to propagate sedum cuttings: Take stem cuttings in the spring or summer and plant them in well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and wait for new growth to appear.
  • How to overwinter sedum in cold climates: Protect plants from freezing temperatures by wrapping them in burlap or placing them in an unheated garage or shed. Reduce watering during the winter months.
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Gardening

Russian Sage: A Comprehensive Guide to Cultivation and Care

by Keira
written by Keira

Russian Sage: A Guide to Growing and Care

Overview

Russian sage (Salvia yangii), formerly known as Perovskia atriplicifolia, is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub prized for its airy, blue-purple flowers and silvery foliage. This versatile plant is well-suited to a wide range of climates and can be grown in both gardens and containers.

Cultivation

Hardiness Zones: Russian sage thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3a–9b, with some varieties surviving in zones 3 and 4 with winter protection.

Soil Requirements: This plant prefers well-drained soil, including sandy soil, but can tolerate a wide range of soil pH (6.5–8.0). It may develop root rot in dense, poorly drained conditions.

Sun Exposure: For optimal growth and flowering, plant Russian sage in full sun. Shady conditions can lead to leggy plants prone to collapse.

Water Requirements: Once established, Russian sage is very drought-tolerant and prefers medium to dry soil. It will do well in hot, dry areas of the garden. However, new transplants need regular watering to prevent drying out.

Planting: Plant Russian sage as a nursery-grown container plant in late spring when the soil is warm but before the weather becomes too hot and dry. If planting later, water frequently to keep the plants from drying out.

Care

Pruning: Many gardeners choose to prune Russian sage annually, even in regions where the plant is evergreen. Pruning encourages bushier growth and rejuvenates the plant. Hard pruning is mandatory in cold-winter zones where the plant dies back each year. Prune stems back to 8 to 12 inches in fall or early spring.

Fertilization: Russian sage does not require heavy fertilization. At most, you might provide a light layer of compost in the spring. Excessive fertilizing, especially with nitrogen, can compromise flowering.

Propagation:

Basal Cuttings: After the stems have been cut back in spring, watch for new growth around the edges of the root ball. Cut away a growing stem with a healthy section of roots. Plant the cutting in porous potting mix or its new garden location. Keep the cutting moist and in a well-lit location until new growth is visible.

Division: Full division of the plants by digging up the root ball and replanting should be done every four to six years to maintain the plant’s health.

Overwintering:

Cold Regions (Zones 3 and 4): Cover the plant crowns with a thick layer of mulch for the winter to protect the roots from freeze-thaw cycles. Remove the mulch promptly in spring to prevent moisture buildup around the roots.

Warm Regions (Zones 5 and above): No winter preparation is typically necessary, other than hard pruning if desired.

Common Problems

Leggy Stems: Too much fertilizer, too little sun, or sprawling varieties can lead to leggy, floppy stems. Consider withholding fertilizer, providing more sunlight, or using staking or support to keep the plants upright.

Pests and Diseases: Russian sage is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, root rot can occur in wet, poorly draining soil.

Using Russian Sage in the Landscape

Russian sage has an airy, see-through quality that works well in mass plantings or as an effective specimen plant in mixed borders. It complements pink and yellow perennials and can be used as an edging plant along pathways. The gray-green foliage provides a contrasting texture to darker greens.

Additional Tips

  • Russian sage may reproduce itself by natural layering, where stems that touch the ground may sprout roots and form new plants. These volunteers can be dug up and transplanted elsewhere.

  • Named cultivars of Russian sage may not produce seeds that “come true” to the parent plant, but pure species plants can be propagated from seeds sown at any time of year.

  • Russian sage is not considered invasive but may spread gradually through runners and rhizomes. Controlling its spread is not typically a major concern.

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Nature

Comprehensive Guide to Growing and Caring for Utah Juniper

by Peter
written by Peter

Growing and Caring for Utah Juniper: A Comprehensive Guide

Overview

Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) is a distinctive, drought-tolerant shrub native to the arid landscapes of the southwestern United States. Its resilience and adaptability make it a popular choice for xeriscaping and waterwise gardens. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on growing and caring for Utah juniper, from propagation techniques to disease management.

Growth Habits and Characteristics

Utah juniper is characterized by its short, tree-like form with bushy, upright growth. Its rough, green foliage and gnarled appearance add a unique charm to the landscape. It is slow-growing, often appearing stunted, especially in dry conditions. Despite its slow growth rate, Utah juniper can live for hundreds of years.

Planting and Care

Planting:

  • Select a planting site with full sun or partial shade, ensuring the tree has ample space to spread.
  • Choose a well-draining soil mix that is loose and inorganic.
  • Plant seedlings or saplings from a reputable nursery specializing in native plants.
  • Stake and protect the trunk of the tree during its early years to prevent wind damage.

Watering:

  • Water newly planted trees regularly to establish their root systems.
  • Mature Utah junipers are extremely drought-tolerant and require infrequent watering.
  • Water deeply during extended dry periods to prevent stress.

Fertilizing:

  • Utah junipers generally do not require fertilization.
  • If soil testing indicates acidic conditions, add amendments to increase alkalinity.

Light:

  • Utah juniper prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
  • It is well-adapted to harsh conditions, including extreme heat and intense sunlight.

Soil:

  • Loose, inorganic soils with neutral to slightly alkaline pH are ideal.
  • Sandy or gravelly mixtures are suitable for improving drainage.
  • Utah junipers are adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.

Pruning

  • Utah junipers require light pruning to remove dead material and maintain their shape.
  • Prune to avoid branching issues, such as double-header stems that can split the canopy.
  • Choose a main leader from the two branches and prune off the other.

Propagation

  • Propagating Utah juniper can be challenging due to its slow growth and infrequent seed production.
  • Cuttings are the most successful method, though the success rate is still relatively low.
  • Take cuttings in the autumn from a young stock tree.
  • Follow these steps for successful propagation:
    • Strip leaves from the bottom of a 4- to 6-inch cutting.
    • Create a wound at the bottom by stripping away 1/2 inch of bark.
    • Dip the stem into rooting powder.
    • Place the cutting in a pot with moist rooting substrate.
    • Keep the plant covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
    • Mist the cutting frequently.
    • Transplant the rooted cutting into its permanent home after four months.

Overwintering

  • Young Utah junipers may require protection during extremely dry winters.
  • Monitor the root ball and water if necessary to prevent desiccation.

Common Diseases and Pests

  • Utah junipers are generally resistant to diseases and pests.
  • Mistletoe, a parasitic plant, is a common but benign growth that does not significantly impact the tree’s health.
  • In recent years, Utah junipers have experienced dieback due to acute drought stress.

Long-Tail Keyword Optimization

Using Utah Juniper in Xeriscaping:

  • Utah juniper’s drought tolerance makes it an ideal choice for xeriscaping.
  • Its compact size and adaptability allow it to thrive in arid conditions.

Harvesting and Using Edible Berries:

  • Utah juniper berries are edible but have a bitter taste.
  • They are a popular food source for wildlife, including birds, jackrabbits, and coyotes.

The Medicinal Properties of Utah Juniper:

  • Native American cultures have traditionally used Utah juniper for medicinal purposes.
  • It is believed to have antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.

The Cultural Significance of Utah Juniper:

  • Utah juniper holds cultural significance for Native American tribes.
  • It is used in traditional ceremonies, rituals, and crafts.
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