IS ANYONE out there interested in a little Wet Weather Gardening? I assume your answer is no, and I can’t say as I blame you. This is the worst part of gorgeous Indian Sum- mer: the wet end. If you were lucky, your garden didn't uproot itself and blow away to drier pastures. If you weren’t, get out there and set things right. Taking the time to stake newly planted trees and shrubs will reduce the risks of blow outs and/or the loosening of new roots. OK, I won’t ask you to don the rubber gear and brave the blustery elements to do any more yard work this week. In light of the up- coming holidays, I thought we could discuss some of the flower- ing plants found indoors at this time of year. The poinsettia (euphorbia pulcherrima) originally came to us from Mexico via Europe. Mexican legend holds that the plants are a memorial to a young and beautiful princess. The story tells us of her sacrifice during which her. blood was splashed upon the leaves. Most are surprised to find that the plant’s popularity. begins. as recently as 1918 when the modern forms were first hybridized. They , have more than made up for their. _ slow start by becoming the world’s: number-one seasonal flowering ‘plant. ‘The first thing you. should understand about these plants is their need for warm temperatures. I shudder when..I see the corner grocery -store with these tender 3 Section Wall System: plants exposed to December’s cold outdoor temperatures. Beware of those that are brought home from this type of environment. They may look good initially , but will surely have a greater risk of failure than those that have not been ex- posed in such a manner. Next, look at the little buds in the centre of the ‘flower’. These are the true flowers and the sur- rounding colored foliage is called the bract. These buds should ap- pear numerous and healthy. Those plants whose buds have fallen off or appear fully. open are closer to the end of their blooming cycle. The plants will sometimes look as though they plan to bloom right through until next Christmas. This is not so; again I remind you that the colored foliage is not the real flower. Soon after: the little buds have opened and fallen off, the plant will begin shedding its leaves and - develop a tattered look. ‘Do not feed the plants for at least four months. They were fed well before you got them. Water often enough to keep the plants ‘moist but definitely not wet. When they begin to take on that scruffy look, cut the branches back by 50 per'cent to slightly above the nearest leaf bud. Let the plants become almost dry between A okonses evatohle fx dart, pron, eet wile el 223 Phen, It farm fr exsy toes, thorough soakings and begin feeding when lush growth reap- pears. Putting them out in sheltered 23 ~ Friday, December 11, 1987 - North Shore News tention is the Christmas Cactus (zygocactus), a tropical plant from the tree tops of the Brazilian rain forests. over the garden gate by Geoff Tobiasson locations on warm summer days will be beneficial. Ease them into full sun over a two-week period. Even plants can get sun burns. The trick to getting them to bloom again the next year involves placing the plant in a totally dark area for 14 hours per day for September. and October. Once again, reduce the frequency of watering and feeding during this period until the flower buds ap- pear. : Another common Christmas plant that requires some special at- Its place of origin should also tell us how to treat it: warm temperatures, moderate to high humidity, bright, indirect light and sparse watering except when in . bloom, when it should be kept: evenly moist. Some tricks helpful in getting the best from this plant: include reducing the watering ‘and feeding . during; the two-month: dormancy, which follows the flowering period. Summer the plant in a sheltered location outside during August and “British Columbiz’s Biggest & Best Picture Framers!” Super Quali Helpful Staf- And a Big 7% ’ OFF July; a bright but lightly shaded area is best. Withhold water and fertilizer unti! the plant has ad- justed to the indoor environment in September. The indoor azaleas are always an intimidating treat at this time of year. So many of you have experi- “enced some difficulty with them. These plants require bright, cool locations with a comparatively high relative humidity. And, as with all of the plants mentioned here, do not be too heavy handed with the water. As with most Vancouverites, plants have learned to love moisture, but they do not wish to drown in it. One of the best tests is to pick up the pot and judge its weight. If it feels lighter than it looks as though it should, water it; if heavier, leave it alone. If, when: you do. attempt to water it, the water runs arond the outside of the root ball, try submerging the pot and all in the sink for five minutes, You can increase the relative humidity ‘around your plants by placing them ona large tray of pebbles which is kept half filled with water. ; Place your order this weekend, and we _ guarantee it will be ready in time for Xmas. , ALL CUSTOM CUT METAL ron AS From today until XMAS Lots of storage in the bottom cabinets. Adjustable shelves on all bookcase tops. Comes in’ walnut, teak, oak, white & pecan finishes. All 3 sections only. PRICE $31 7 Allow production time. _. CUSTOM ORDERS If you can't find that special size or shape you've been looking for, bringus your draw- - Ing. 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