Jim’s Notebook December 6, 2007
Christmas is the season best suited for contortionists. I mean, just think how perfect those skills would be for all the twisting, bending and stretching that’s necessary for hanging decorations or sticking that illuminated angel on the tip of a tree that’s one bough too tall for you and your ladder. Since I’m one or two double joints shy of that skill set, I’ve developed a tool that’s saved my body from irreparable damage. It’s an extension pole (the kind used by window washers) with an adjustable wrench duct-taped to the end of it. It’s amazing how good that tool is for hanging a variety of decorations in the house. Yeah, I know…Red Green would be proud.
Hits & Misses
Hit: Reader feedback
Back in April, I posted an article I wrote about an interesting bulb called the rat poison plant (Urginea maritime or red squill) . Well, I’m happy to report that a pair of readers e-mailed to tell us they grew this novel plant and had great success with it. Their secret? Neglect. They grew the bulb in almost pure sand in a pot outside and gave it no supplemental watering. The flower spike that developed this summer was stunning. They moved the pot indoors to their sunroom, and while they were away this fall the heating in their home failed. The resulting cool conditions forced the bulb to produce lush foliage. Have a look at the images they sent us.
Miss: Lost Time
I’ve talked to a few people who missed getting their tulips into the ground this fall and now wonder what to do with them. Well, these bulbs needn’t go to waste. Plant them in a container filled with regular potting soil, water them and keep them in a warm indoor spot for about three weeks or until they root. Once they are rooted (you can tip the pot and check), give them a cold treatment by sticking the pot in a cold garage or shed for a few months (freezing or a few degrees below is ideal). Then, come spring, place the pot in a cool, bright outdoor spot and, viola, you’ll have a nice container of flowering tulips to enjoy.
Question of the Week
How do I keep my poinsettia looking healthy?
The secret to keeping a poinsettia looking healthy isn’t really much of a secret. Simply putting it in the right environment and watering it properly is all that’s required. What it really comes down to is recognizing that you don’t need to grow the plant—you need only to maintain it. What I mean is that a holiday plant is on holiday. It has spent months working and growing to its peak of perfection, and now all it has to do is retain its beauty. It does take a bit of effort and patience on your part, but no more than it does being nice to well-meaning friends or relatives who overstay their holiday welcome.
Tips
1. Keep poinsettias away from cold drafts and heat registers.
2. Don’t fertilize.
3. Place the poinsettias near a sunny window during the day to prevent leaf drop. At night simply move them to their ‘decorator’ locations.
4. Prevent root rot by never letting poinsettias sit in saucers or catch trays filled with water.
Science & Technology
Smells like plant pests
Researchers at UBC are investigating the use of a ‘gas chromatograph’ to sniff for plant pests. Apparently, each pest causes the release of a spectrum of chemicals specific to the pest and the plant it’s attacking. With this piece of equipment, pests can be more easily detected and, hopefully, controlled.
Trend Spotting
Bruce: Image of bonsai from Nov.13 What’s New, please.
If you’re looking for something unique, you’re not alone. Bonsai are quickly becoming a favourite indoor plant. For best results, water plants faithfully and provide them with a bright, indirect light source.
Did You Know?
The ethylene gas given off by apples can cause the leaves to fall off your holly plant if the two are stored together. Bottom line? Apples and holly aren’t great roommates.
“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.”
–Hal Borland
