Friday, 14 December 2007
AMARYLLIS
AMARYLLIS BULB
That amaryllis bulb (Hippeastrum) you received as a gift this Christmas is an easy bulb to coax into flower.
Many gift bulbs come complete with pot and potting mix. If not included, plant in a pot that is one inch bigger all around than the bulb. Set the bulb only half way into the soil, and use a light potting mix to firm in. Water well, and set in a sunny window. Inadequate light will cause the flower stalk to stretch. Keep moist but not wet and wait for the show - amaryllis blooms are spectacular. When the flowers fade, remove them, but do not cut down the stalk until it shrivels. Grow as a houseplant, fertilizing once a month with a flowering houseplant fertilizer. When summer arrives, you can move it outside, even plant it in garden soil. In September, bring it back inside, put in a cool dark place such as the basement, and withhold water to induce dormancy. If new growth does not appear by the second week in November, water the bulb. When new growth appears, move to a sunny location and you should have holiday blooms again. Bulbs that are well cared for and fertilized can produce blooms for years.
That amaryllis bulb (Hippeastrum) you received as a gift this Christmas is an easy bulb to coax into flower.
Many gift bulbs come complete with pot and potting mix. If not included, plant in a pot that is one inch bigger all around than the bulb. Set the bulb only half way into the soil, and use a light potting mix to firm in. Water well, and set in a sunny window. Inadequate light will cause the flower stalk to stretch. Keep moist but not wet and wait for the show - amaryllis blooms are spectacular. When the flowers fade, remove them, but do not cut down the stalk until it shrivels. Grow as a houseplant, fertilizing once a month with a flowering houseplant fertilizer. When summer arrives, you can move it outside, even plant it in garden soil. In September, bring it back inside, put in a cool dark place such as the basement, and withhold water to induce dormancy. If new growth does not appear by the second week in November, water the bulb. When new growth appears, move to a sunny location and you should have holiday blooms again. Bulbs that are well cared for and fertilized can produce blooms for years.
GARDEN DELIGHT FOR CHARITY
Most of us don’t really do much in the garden at this time of year. One Buncrana couple however, have been hard at work. Carmel and Jim Bonner on the Cockhill road have transformed their winter patch into a winter wonderland. As night falls their garden is transformed into a wonderful grotto, all in the aid of charity. “Decorating the garden has become part of our Christmas and we add new features every year” Carmel said.
Over the years, Carmel and Jim have raised thousands of euro for local charities, last year they raised €4300 for the Buncrana Nursing unit. This year they hope to raise as much, if not more, for Cashal na Cor Resource Centre on the Carndonagh road. Crana Interiors and Watson Hire are sponsoring the spectacle. Drop in and show your support for this worthy cause and brilliant use of the garden in the darker days of winter!
Over the years, Carmel and Jim have raised thousands of euro for local charities, last year they raised €4300 for the Buncrana Nursing unit. This year they hope to raise as much, if not more, for Cashal na Cor Resource Centre on the Carndonagh road. Crana Interiors and Watson Hire are sponsoring the spectacle. Drop in and show your support for this worthy cause and brilliant use of the garden in the darker days of winter!
The lights will be burning brightly until January the 6th, which gives you plenty of time to pop in.
Maybe you will be passing on the way to See Santa at Doagh Island
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