Growing Tips
Index:
1. Staghorn Ferns
2. Tips on Florida Plants From Don at Dolin's.
3. Growing Florida Vegetables
1. STAGHORN FERNS
The garden workshop usually has a topic or plant that is researched and discussed informally at monthly meetings. In June Staghorn Ferns were the topic of conversation. CF Hawkins the leader of the group presented do and don'ts and methods of mounting these beautiful epiphytes.
In researching and after spending years of growing this beautiful tropical there are two points that stand out among all the rest.
> Most people over water their Staghorn
Given that these plants originated in Jungles of Africa and Madagascar and Australia it was very unlikely that there was someone to give them a drink from the hose. Staghorns like other epiphytes get their food and water from the air and the moisture in the air. This doesn't mean that you never have to water--it just means that if the humidity is high, and we are getting some rain, watering will not be necessary. The bigger the plant the longer it takes it to dry out, so keep that in mind. Place the plant in the dappled shade of an existing tree to replicate the sunlight in its homeland jungle and it should be very happy.
> Improper Mounting can shorten the life of your plant
In their natural setting Staghorns grow vertically. That is why potting in most incidences does not work for very long. The plant will stay too moist and the fronds will not develop properly. Creativity can be key when mounting your fern as long as the vertical element comes into play. After choosing which type of base you want to use-- whether it be a board, a wire basket, or something a little more unconventional like a fish basket or a antique mailbox, just make sure it is large enough. Staghorns can get very big within just a couple of years if the conditions are ideal, which they usually are here in St. Petersburg ( watch out for the occasional frost ). When you mount or remount your fern the plant should look too small for the vessel you choose. Sphagnum moss is the perfect medium to put with your fern. The moss will keep the newly "planted" fern from drying out too quickly and provide some extra nutrients. ( later when established a natural fertilizer like fish emulsion is the perfect balance for the established plant ) Besides thinking big to ensure a long life, think heavy and strong. A mature Staghorn can weigh a lot. After a rain it can double its weight so think ahead as to how you will secure the fern as it starts to mature. Another very important factor is how you secure it to your vessel in the first place. A strong fishing line or a chicken wire base is recommended. Although not the most attractive thing when first mounted --as the plant grows you will not be able to see what has been used to secure the plant.
Here is what can happen after many, many years:
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2. Don From Dolins Garden Center We had the pleasure of having Don from Dolins Garden Center speak to us at our last meeting. Don brought many plants for us and a lot of wisdom and fun! Our list of questions wasn't too long but Don gave us lots of information: From Carolyn: What is a good ground cover for a dry, sunny location that will look good all year long? Don: Blue Pacific Juniper - creeps / Peanut plant / Dwarf Jasmine /Beach Dune flowers / Cinderella Purslane From Kim: What can we do to help some plants (sage, lavender, gerber daises) survive the summer heat and rain? Don: Bloom booster / moderate water / shade From Tom: Is there a good, non-toxic, way to deal with nematodes? Also, how do I maximize the blooms on my Angel Wing Begonias? Don: Sesame oil is one remedy for nematodes. Don brought some fun plants. Look them up in Floridata! http://www.floridata.com/ Angelonia - white - blooms all summer - can be a perenial in our area Indian Summer Black-Eyed Susan - lovely yellow - good for cutting Dwarf Walters Viburnam is a medium scrub evergreen - white blooms with a nice fragrance. Picasso's Paint Brush Croton - lovely pencil thin leaves - much color – red, yellow and green leaves. Tonto Crype Myrtle - Semi-dwarf crape myrtle with bright fuschia / red flowers from July through September. Has very attractive cream to gray colored, peeling bark. Dark green foliage with dark bronze young leaves. Fall color is a very attractive bright maroon. Tonto is an excellent selection for those who want a decent sized crape myrtle, but space will not allow for the typical 15-20 ft sized varieties. Sweet Almond - sweet smelling bush that flowers white and makes a nice scrub. Some native flowers that are good for flowering: A red crimson mandevilla seems to take the summer better than the pink mandevilla. We had many more questions which Don discussed and we learned about lots of plants that Don has at Dolin's. Don is a really good source of information for planting and his selection of plants is very cool. Dolins Garden Center 801 62nd Ave N St. Petersburg, Fl. 33702 727-525-3434 OPEN DAILY - Monday - Saturday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
3. Growing Florida Vegetables Gardens in our Communities In a effort to promote gardens in our back yards: Are you planning a vegetable garden? If so, there are certain varieties of herbs and vegetables that are better suited to our climate and growing conditions. Suggested varieties for Florida are better adapted to our challenging weather patterns and more resistant to Florida pests and diseases. Here are a few popular vegetables and some suggested varieties for Florida:
For more information about vegetable gardening in Florida, including a complete list of suggested varieties, please download this fact sheet provided by the University of Florida Extension: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/VH/VH02100.pdf Contact Pinellas County Extension at 582-2100 for more information. |
If you have questions or would like to join a fun and exciting group of gardeners email us at HKgardens@msn.com
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