For our November meeting we welcomed Jeffrey Eleveld, “Jeff the Plant Guy” who entertained us with the Power Point presentation ” ‘Holiday Hat Trick’ – Poinsettia, Holiday Cactus and Amaryllis.”

 

Jeff shared with us the history of the Poinsettia, from a small farm stand Paul Ecke turned his Poinsettias into a world wide business.

We learned the difference between the Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Cacti, each of the three different holiday cacti have differently shaped stems. Thanksgiving cactus stem segments have two to four sharp points on each side, giving the stem a jagged-appearing edge. The stem segments on a Christmas and Easter Cacti have more rounded teardrop indentations.

We learned in order to have your Amaryllis bloom next year, store the dormant bulb in a cool, dark and dry place for a minimum of eight weeks; longer is fine. Then, about six to eight weeks before you want the amaryllis to flower again, repot the bulb in fresh potting soil and place it in bright, indirect light. Resume watering — sparingly at first. Once you see new growth, increase watering.

At the close of the presentation each member was given a curly spider plant from Jeff.  ⁦The Curly Spider Plant has the traditional green with white stripe variegation of the ‘Vittatum’ but with uniquely attractive leaves that curl and swirl. It is characterized by its rounded and compact plant habit. Flowering stalks are yellow and plantlets are as curly or curlier than the parent.

 

 

In preparation of next month’s Holiday Wreath decorating, Linda Hooper showed members how to make bows for the wreath that they will decorate.

Members had a table of ribbons to choose from, around the room members worked together providing encouragement, tips and compliments.

During the meeting Federated Garden Club President Karen Pyskaty presented a Federated Club Certificate of Appreciation to Diana and Rick Wehger for their energy, spirit and willingness to join in any project.

 

 

Olde Ripton Garden Club also received an Award of Excellence in Historic, Memorial and Public Gardens for the Herb Garden at the Shelton History Center.