July Meeting

16th July 2013

Topic - Salvias

Presenter - Lyndi Garnet

Members were treated to a very informative hands on presentation on Salvias. With lots of cutting handed around the room everybody got the opportunity to feel the texture of the leaves and to view the flowers. Salvias make a very large group of plants and are suitable for the garden and in pots. Lyndi had plants in pots for sale and information sheets for members to take home.

The Betty Knox Award (Best Exhibit)

Meng with 3 stems of "Cymbidium Orchids" took out the best exhibit on the show bench. Most cymbidium orchids grown in Melbourne are grown in pots. Once established they'll grow and flower for years. They require 50% shade during the hot summer months, and lots of full sun in the winter. They are grown in course bark with a yearly feed of complete fertiliser pellets in spring. Good drainage, shade in summer and sun in winter are the keys to successful flowering.

Popular Vote Award

Mary with a very nice exhibit of "Chinese Lantern" took out the members' choice. A shrub that grows to 1.5 metres and flowers for months. A good plant to have in the garden. Little maintenance required.