The directors of the Yorkton and District Horticultural Society met recently for a high-level planning session; doesn’t that sound intriguing? It’s actually a meeting where our directors get together to discuss the past year, and make plans for speakers and projects for the coming year. The directors ask members if there is anything in particular that they would like to learn more about and if any suggestions are put forward they are considered from several angles. Have we had a similar speaker recently? Do we know of anyone who could speak to us on that topic? If they live out of town are they willing to drive in? There are many factors to consider. Once the plans are in place, you’ll hear all about them!
Thank you to those who did make suggestions about topics; it is a challenge to find a variety of subject matter that will appeal to everyone, and hearing what folks might be interested in is a big help. Otherwise, where to begin? With gardening topics, how can you choose only six or seven? There is so much that is interesting! Don’t worry—I’ll keep you posted!
The flowers of Christmas are becoming more varied, aren’t they? At one time, the poinsettia was the holiday flower of choice. While the bright red poinsettia brings color and staying power, there are so many other colors including white, beige, lime green, pinks, and variegated varieties.
In recent years, there have been new additions to the holiday flower list: amaryllis or paperwhites give an elegant beauty to holiday decorations. And now, the Christmas cactus is stepping into the spotlight in a variety of bright, bold colors.
If you have a Christmas cactus for the holidays, what is the best way to care for it? I did some homework and this is what I learned. The plants like it cool: if they were people they’d be turning down the thermostat at night, preferring temperatures around 55 or 60 degrees. They like moderate to filtered light, although they also enjoy direct light in the winter when it’s not as intense. We shouldn’t overwater them; keep the soil nicely moist, not wet, and we shouldn’t let the soil dry out because this could cause the little buds to drop off.
Once the plant has finished blooming, that is when things get a little more complicated for us gardeners. We are to keep the plants almost is a hibernating state by not watering them and keeping them in a cool location (about 50 degrees). This sounds scary but in time we will see new growth starting to appear. Once this happens, the plant will still want the cooler temperatures, but now it will want definite periods of light (about ten hours a day) and darkness (about 14 hours a day). We are supposed to keep up this routine for about six weeks, at which time hopefully new buds will appear, (the cool temperatures are what makes the plant produce buds) and then we can start caring for our plant the way we did when we just received it.
Mom used to have a beautiful Christmas cactus, in a deep pink color, and that plant was tough as nails. If a piece broke off, Mom tucked it into the soil and that was that. New growth!
Maybe the key is for us to forge ahead bravely and not be intimidated when a plant has a few extra requirements. It is usually worth the extra effort!
Visit us at www.yorktonhort.ca to see what’s new, and just because winter is here it doesn’t mean we still can’t exercise our green thumbs on some beautiful holiday plants!
Have a great week!
