Monday, December 13, 2010
Christmas Party is tonight!
The CCLGC Christmas Party is tonight at Billie Fontanas house - 26123 Timberstone Ct. We will be doing a “dirty Santa” gift if you would like to participate, please bring a wrapped gift. We look forward to seeing you there!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Annual Tour of Brookwood
Twelve Garden Club members with family and friends toured Brookwood Community’s Holiday and Open House on December 4, 2010. Brookwood has expanded their retail facilities since our tour in 2009. We found many holiday treasures including new plants for our gardens. It was a festive and fun tour filled with holiday laughter. We had a great lunch after at Saltgrass in Katy.
How to care for your farm grown fresh Christmas Tree
When a Christmas tree is cut, over half of its weight is water. With proper care, you can maintain the quality of your displayed trees. Below are a number of tips relating to the care of displayed trees:
* Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.
* Make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don't cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree.
* Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don't bruise the cut surface or get it dirty.
* If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.
* To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand.
* Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.
* Keep displayed trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
* The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.
* Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.
* Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water uptake.
* Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.
* Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.
* Do not overload electrical circuits.
* Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
* Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.
* Go to www.realchristmastrees.org and type in your ZIP code to find a recycling program near you.
* Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.
Thanks once again to Houston Plants & Garden World for providing this information!
* Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.
* Make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don't cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree.
* Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don't bruise the cut surface or get it dirty.
* If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.
* To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand.
* Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.
* Keep displayed trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
* The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.
* Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.
* Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water uptake.
* Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.
* Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.
* Do not overload electrical circuits.
* Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
* Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.
* Go to www.realchristmastrees.org and type in your ZIP code to find a recycling program near you.
* Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.
Thanks once again to Houston Plants & Garden World for providing this information!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Caring for your Poinsettia
Holiday Poinsettia Plant Care
Poinsettia care begins with proper light, water, and temperature conditions. During the holidays, while in full bloom, they typically enjoy semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture. Poinsettia plants should be watered thoroughly; taking care not to drown them by ensuring adequate drainage is available. Likewise, avoid letting them sit in water-filled saucers, which can lead to root rot. Adding plants nearby can help increase humidity levels in dry rooms, as will humidifiers.
Once flower bracts have fallen, you have the option of discarding the plant or keeping it an additional year. For those choosing to continue with poinsettia care, decrease regular watering to allow the plant to dry out some. However, don't let it dry out completely. Also, relocate the poinsettia plant to a cool, dark area until spring or around April.
Fertilizing Poinsettia Plants
Fertilizing poinsettia plants is never recommended while they're still in bloom. Fertilize poinsettias only if keeping them after the holiday season. Apply fertilizer every two weeks or once monthly using a complete houseplant fertilizer. Provided the poinsettia plant is given the proper environmental conditions, it should begin to regrow within weeks.
Poinsettia Care After the Holidays
In spring, return the plant to a sunny area and water well. Cut back all canes (branches) to about six inches from the pot's rim. It may also be a good idea to repot the poinsettia using the same type of soil. While poinsettias can be kept indoors throughout summer, many people choose to move them outdoors in a sunny, but protected, area of the flower garden by sinking the pot into the ground. Either way is fine.
After new growth has reached between six to ten inches, pinch out the tips to encourage branching. This can be done once a month until the middle of August. Once nights become longer in fall, bring the poinsettia indoors.
From about September through November light becomes crucial in poinsettia plant care. In order to encourage blooming, poinsettia plants require long periods of darkness at night (about 12 hours). Therefore, move the poinsettia to a location where it will not receive any nighttime light or cover it with a box. Allow plenty of light during the day so the plant can absorb enough energy for flowering. Warmer days (65-70 degrees F.) and cooler nights (55-60 degrees F.) are also recommended. Provide semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture once blooming occurs.
Poinsettia Plant Leaves Are Falling Off
It's important to pinpoint the possible cause in the event that your poinsettia plant leaves are falling off, as in some cases, this can be easily fixed. Environmental factors, such as warm, dry conditions, are most often the reason for leaf drop. Stress can also be a factor. Keep the plant in a cool, draft-free area and provide plenty of water. If all else fails, the plant may need to be discarded.
Now that you know how do you take care of poinsettias you can keep these lovely plants year round. With proper poinsettia plant care, they will give you many years of beauty.
Thanks to Houston Plants & Garden World for this information.
Poinsettia care begins with proper light, water, and temperature conditions. During the holidays, while in full bloom, they typically enjoy semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture. Poinsettia plants should be watered thoroughly; taking care not to drown them by ensuring adequate drainage is available. Likewise, avoid letting them sit in water-filled saucers, which can lead to root rot. Adding plants nearby can help increase humidity levels in dry rooms, as will humidifiers.
Once flower bracts have fallen, you have the option of discarding the plant or keeping it an additional year. For those choosing to continue with poinsettia care, decrease regular watering to allow the plant to dry out some. However, don't let it dry out completely. Also, relocate the poinsettia plant to a cool, dark area until spring or around April.
Fertilizing Poinsettia Plants
Fertilizing poinsettia plants is never recommended while they're still in bloom. Fertilize poinsettias only if keeping them after the holiday season. Apply fertilizer every two weeks or once monthly using a complete houseplant fertilizer. Provided the poinsettia plant is given the proper environmental conditions, it should begin to regrow within weeks.
Poinsettia Care After the Holidays
In spring, return the plant to a sunny area and water well. Cut back all canes (branches) to about six inches from the pot's rim. It may also be a good idea to repot the poinsettia using the same type of soil. While poinsettias can be kept indoors throughout summer, many people choose to move them outdoors in a sunny, but protected, area of the flower garden by sinking the pot into the ground. Either way is fine.
After new growth has reached between six to ten inches, pinch out the tips to encourage branching. This can be done once a month until the middle of August. Once nights become longer in fall, bring the poinsettia indoors.
From about September through November light becomes crucial in poinsettia plant care. In order to encourage blooming, poinsettia plants require long periods of darkness at night (about 12 hours). Therefore, move the poinsettia to a location where it will not receive any nighttime light or cover it with a box. Allow plenty of light during the day so the plant can absorb enough energy for flowering. Warmer days (65-70 degrees F.) and cooler nights (55-60 degrees F.) are also recommended. Provide semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture once blooming occurs.
Poinsettia Plant Leaves Are Falling Off
It's important to pinpoint the possible cause in the event that your poinsettia plant leaves are falling off, as in some cases, this can be easily fixed. Environmental factors, such as warm, dry conditions, are most often the reason for leaf drop. Stress can also be a factor. Keep the plant in a cool, draft-free area and provide plenty of water. If all else fails, the plant may need to be discarded.
Now that you know how do you take care of poinsettias you can keep these lovely plants year round. With proper poinsettia plant care, they will give you many years of beauty.
Thanks to Houston Plants & Garden World for this information.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
November General Meeting
In our November meeting we learned about water gardens. Anita Nelson, of Nelson Water Gardens was our speaker. She showed us how almost anything can be used as a water feature -- small or large. There are many ways to add interest to your garden or yard. Did you know that you do not have to dig to have a stream in your yard?? Check out their website: Nelsonwatergardens.com. Thanks Anita for all the valuable information and the tote bags!
November 2010 Yard of the Month
Congratulations to Dale and Theresa Stasney for being selected as our November 2010 Yard of the Month. The Stasneys live at 27219 Windy Grove Ln.
Friday, November 5, 2010
November General Meeting
Our November General Meeting is this Monday, November 8, 2010 at 26811 Cascade Woods Ln from 7-9pm. Our speaker this month is Anita Nelson from Nelson Water Gardens and her topic is Putting Pizzazz in your Garden. We look forward to seeing you there!
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