And what fun we all had along the way
 |
Bonita Condon, Master Gardener since 2014, will speak on easy to grow houseplants and everything you’ll need to know to care for them throughout the year! She is an avid gardener and combats non-native invasive species in our parks and grassland as a Certified Weed Warrior and is an advisor on the Town of Kensington's Greenscape Committee. Her demo/ talk discusses some common houseplants with information on the tools required; the selection of plants, locations, and containers; the maintenance and propagation of plants; and the identification of common pests and diseases.
Light refreshments will be served.
According to Greek mythology, the amaryllis originated from the love Amaryllis had for Alteo. Amaryllis, a maiden, fell in love with the shepherd Alteo. He was strong and handsome, and had a passion for flowers. To learn how to win his affection, Amaryllis went to the Oracle of Delphi for advice.
On the Oracle’s orders, she stood in front of Alteo’s house for thirty nights piercing her heart with a golden arrow. On the thirtieth night, a beautiful flower grew from her blood and helped her win Alteo’s love. https://www.ftd.com/blog/amaryllis-meaning-and-symbolism
Today it is much easier to grow and bloom amaryllis, but the option to rebloom is a bit trickier. Here is one suggestion:
In order to get “amaryllis” to rebloom, they must be kept actively growing after they have finished blooming. Once the leaves start growing provide bright light, water regularly and fertilize monthly with a complete houseplant fertilizer (5-10-10 or 10-10-10) applied at the rate directed for houseplants (more than that, or a stronger fertilizer, can cause salts to build up and burn the roots). Once the danger of frost is past, the plant can be moved outside for the summer, first placing it in shade or indirect light. Gradually move it to an area where it will receive full sun for at least 6 hours daily. Keep it as a container plant on a patio or deck, or sink the whole pot in the ground; because the roots are brittle planting directly in the ground and digging it up later is not recommended.
In mid- to late summer the leaves may die back as the bulb begins to enter dormancy. Bring the containers indoors before any danger of frost and store them in a cool, dark place like a basement or closet (45-55ºF is ideal) and do not water. Wait until the leaves become dry and shriveled to remove them. When growth begins again, typically in late October or November, bring the plants into the light. If no new growth appears, they can be forced to bloom by bringing into the light and resuming watering. It typically takes 4-6 weeks for the bulbs to bloom after coming out of dormancy. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/amaryllis-hippeastrum/
The Sandy Spring Museum Garden Club is an activity group of the Sandy Spring Museum. Our activities can be found on the Garden Club webpage: https://www.sandyspringmuseum.org/programs-and-events/garden-club/.
Follow us on Facebook and in the monthly Newsletters on our blogspot.
