The Garden Post By Kim Bius
Let Heaven and Nature Sing We thank our Creator for blessing gardeners with a varied palette of colors, plants, and the natural beauty of our environment to be our workplace…..wonders never cease! Now is the time, to plant trees and Now is an excellent time to see fall color at the nurseries before planting. Planting in late fall gives gardeners 6 months of cool rainy weather before the heat of summer returns. Planting now also allows for fewer “waterings” between rains, giving newly planted trees a higher probability of surviving if a consistent form of irrigation is not available. After planting, apply root stimulator by Fertilome. This is a great product that feeds the root system to encourage immediate growth, to help anchor the tree and begin sending nutrients upward…and is also a great product on ailing plants. The dosage of nitrogen is low, and you use 4 tablespoons per 3’ of plant height. This is a “must” on large trees over 3” caliber and transplanted trees and shrubs. Use on planting and again in 6 weeks. Yes, this can be applied in the winter months. This is also the best time to plant azaleas and camellias, for the same reasons. Both plants have “zero” drought tolerance and respond well to cooler temperatures and less intense heat. Camellias will do best if planted in a northern exposure, but will also do well when placed in an area that is shady after 1:00 pm. Camellias are available in two varieties: sasanqua and japonica. Sasanqua bloom November through January, with single to semi-double blooms with visible stamens. Japonica bloom from mid- February through early April and are more compact in growth, displaying full-double blooms that are so perfect, they do not seem real. Note: both varieties will show buds months before the plants go into bloom. We have many new folks moving into our area, and we have the privilege of teaching “Texas Gardening 101.” Southeast Texas has a 12-month planting season, although August and February can be a bit extreme in temperatures. Placing the plant in the correct sunlight, drainage, temperature, and water are the most important factors. Soil can be amended. It is a safe bet to say 85% of plant fatalities are caused by one of the above conditions not being met, and the remaining 15% is disease/infestation, which is easily cured with a bit of preventative care. No garden column in December would be complete without the proper care of poinsettias. Poinsettias are tropical plants, originally found in the tropical forest of north Mexico and brought into production in the USA as a remembrance of the Christmas miracle. The star shaped leaves represent the star of Bethlehem, and the red color represents the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Poinsettias are produced in a variety of colors and require high light, temperatures above 50 degrees, and do not allow to dry out or allow water to stand in a foil. In their native habitat, poinsettias will grow to 10’ tall and bloom From December through 30 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2021
Red Poinsettia
Debutante Camellia
Winter Rose Poinsettia February. Today, these beauties are force-bloomed in indoor growing facilities to be ready for market the week of Thanksgiving. Keep in mind, the center yellow brachts are the actual flower, and the red leaves are the foliage. Always choose closed or barely open brachts to keep the plant longer. Do not keep poinsettias in a dark area with no natural light; this will make them die off much quicker. A popular myth is that the milky substance of the plant is poisonous, but research shows the plant not to be fatally toxic, but can cause severe stomach irritation to small animals. ‘Tis the season of thanksgiving and miracles. Wishing you the merriest Christmas filled with love, laughter and health.
