Dayton "Dirt" - February 7, 2014

The short reprieve from the cold last weekend gives way to cold - again! At the nursery new varieties of hydrangea are arriving from Michigan in order to be “forced” in the greenhouse for Mother’s Day. Forcing refers to forcing-into-bloom by the addition of heat. All but one of the plants bloom on old and new wood similar to Endless Summer but with unusual color patterns that I think will be a hit with anyone looking for a special gift for mom that will last for years to come. Another early potting is that of Calla lily bulbs that should be ready to bloom beginning the first week of May. Callas just love bottom heat from the heated rubber tubing in the greenhouse as the temperature of the root zone needs to be at least 68º - 70º F. This tropical bulb will multiply year after year as long as it is dug up and stored similar to a Canna or Dahlia. Another greenhouse chore consists of taking cuttings for rooting from various plants that are not patented for some of the 4" potted plants this spring. The patented plant varieties are just as easy to propagate but unfortunately the propagation of such plants is illegal and enforced by a visit from a company representative that checks for any “cheating”. This Saturday will mark our second seminar dealing with the vast array of tropical plants now used by just about all gardeners. Cynthia Drukenbrod from the Cleveland Botanical Garden will present the program on what is available and how to grow these flowering and not blooming-foliage rich tropicals. As always the seminars begin at 11 am on each Saturday morning with a two hour duration. Hope to see you there! Tom