TURNIP NEWSM A S T E R G A R D E N E R - P R I N C E W I L L I A M C O U N T Y

Community Gardensby Paul Gibson, Master Gardener Volunteer

Inside this Issue

-1-

Februar

y

2011

Edited by Cathy Barosky

About the Virginia Master Gardeners and Virginia Cooperative Extension: Virginia Master Gardeners are volunteer educators who work within their communities to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscape management, education and training. As an educational program of the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Master Gardeners bring the resources of Virginia’s land- grant universities, Virginia Tech and Virginia State Univ., to the people of the Commonwealth.

Growing Sprouts

Community Gardens by Paul Gibson

1-8

Weather Prognosticators by Ed Rishell

9-12

Note from Paul 13

Notes from NancyBerlin

14-18

Christmas Cactus by Abbie & Vincent Panettierre

19-24

So, you love gardening, growing your own vegetables, and maybe some flowers in your own little piece of ground, but you don’t have the space. Maybe your land is all shady and woodsy so you don’t get enough sun. Maybe you’re in a condo or apartment and don’t have a place to garden. Maybe the covenants of your Homeowner’s Association don’t allow it. Or, the soil you can call your own is just too bad: no topsoil, just cinder, shale, hard clay. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could rent a small plot of ground for a nominal price, not too far from home,

26-27

Private community gardens in an urban setting, Boston, MA

where you could grow your vegetables and flowers? You could bring home the fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, squash, beans and basil, and have the satisfaction of preparing the healthy fruits of your efforts for dinner, with a vase of fresh cut zinnias on the table. Just a dream or is it possible? In a perfect world, and the real world as well, there’s a solution to the problem; it’s called -- community gardens.

What a great idea! But it depends on where you live. In the villages of England, garden plots are practically a citizen’s birthright; you just check in with the local council and ask for your “allotment,” or get on the waiting list if one isn’t immediately available. In Back Bay and South Boston, where the urban density is high with block after block of high rise residences, you’ll find examples of some of the most beautiful and idyllic expanses of community gardens in the country! Some are public and some are private. If you live in Blacksburg, VA, you can go to the Y (traditionally, the YMCA or YWCA) Community Gardens and put in your request for a community garden plot; they even have one of the world’s most innovative passive solar greenhouses in the garden community! But let’s face it: Boston, Blacksburg, and the UK are all out of reach. You want something here.

“Allotment Gardens” in Woolhampton England

-2-

The “Y” (YMCA) Community Gardens in Blacksburg, VA 2010

Also Y community gardens, in it’s first year, one of the tours during Master Gardener College at VA Tech June 2010.

-3-

Closer to home, there are community gardens in Arlington County, Fairfax County, Reston (Golf Course Island Community Garden), Leesburg, and Round Hill, according to Washington Gardener magazine, which maintains a spread sheet of community gardens all across the greater Washington area. Some are under sponsorship of municipal Parks and Recreation Departments while others are more independent. The American Community Gardening Association listed another not too far away in Culpeper.

• Arlington County has overall regulations for its Community Garden Program which operates at 8 sites with over 200 plots. Each site is organized as an individual association with its own rules and a Chief Gardener.

• The Fairfax County Park Authority has more than 650 garden plots in 9 county parks for residents. Most plots are 20’ x 30’; some are 10’ x 20’. Large plots rent for $65 per year and smaller ones for $60.

• Golf Course Island is the largest of 4 community gardens in Reston. It is

an organic community garden containing 124 garden plots ranging from 10 by 10 feet to 20 by 20 feet. Plots are rented on an annual basis. A Garden Coordinator maintains communication between gardeners and the Reston Association and makes sure that gardeners are using totally organic methods. Excess produce is exchanged between the gardeners or

-4-

is donated to Reston Interfaith which provides food for the elderly, poor and indigent.

• The Town of Leesburg Parks and Recreation manages community garden plots at Ida Lee park.

• Round Hill Community Garden is a neighborhood garden with a purpose: “We believe that a Community Garden is a first, easy step in adjusting to a world in which easy, cheap food is not guaranteed, citizens are disconnected from their neighbors, and our children are deprived of valuable connections to the natural world which supports us.” It contains 30 plots in a rural setting.

• “Culpeper Community Garden is a collaboration between the Virginia Cooperative Extension Family Nutrition Program, Master Gardeners, and a local business, CFC Farm and Home Center (the Location). We currently have 30, 15/15' foot plots. Our participants are Culpeper residents. Plots are assigned on a first come first served basis with disabled and low income families receiving priority.”

• And one of our organic gardening friends works, and journals from, a community garden plot in Vienna, VA. http://vakitchengarden.livejournal.com/

-5-

What about the Prince William County area? Not aware of any, I used a search engine to see look in PWC, Manassas and Manassas Park. There were only two hits.

• The first is a “community garden” at Grace United Methodist Church the purpose of which is connecting members - and friends - with the community vegetable garden at Grace UMC, Manassas, VA. I assume this is a garden grown by the church community rather than individuals planting their own gardens, but I may be wrong. Produce harvested from the garden is donated to the community through their "Caring and Sharing" mission.

• The only other mention of community gardens in PWC is on the county website in the FAQ section:“Does the Park Authority offer community gardens? “Answer: Prince William County Park Authority does not have designated areas for garden plots, rented or otherwise. Other organizations in Prince William County offer opportunities that are similar to community gardens, but community gardens are not offered through the Park Authority. Prince William County Community Services offers a Horticultural Therapy Program. Their contact telephone number is (703) 792-4998.Virginia Cooperative Extension, which is a division of Prince William County Public Works, offers garden programs. Their contact telephone number is (703) 792-7747.There is a community garden near Veterans Park (which is a Park Authority park) in Woodbridge; however, it is not located on Park Authority property nor is it Park Authority operated.” As you can see, the short answer is not really, at least not yet. However, recent discussion has taken place with PWC Parks to identify sites at either end of the county that might be good community garden sites. It is very preliminary however, and will require serious discussion and eventual action on behalf of both parties to carry it out.

Community gardens can exist anywhere the demand for them, the resources, and the desire to make the dream reality, are great enough. The key requirements are include:

• A suitable, accessible place to garden and a water supply• People who want to garden and need plots

-6-

• A form of governance with a set of rules• An entity to administer operations

The references at the end of the article provide examples of successful community gardening to help get started.

Though there are not many local examples to point to, recent informal discussions indicate that there is definitely interest in the area. Possibilities might include the PWC Park Authority, the City of Manassas community development, and various community associations and groups. Perhaps, given this growing interest, we as Master Gardeners may be able to encourage real progress assist with establishing community gardens right here at home. REFERENCES1. http://www.communitygarden.org/ The American Community Gardening Association, ACGA, is “an organization of professionals, volunteers and supporters of community greening in urban and rural communities.” Their site provides resources and action plans for starting a community garden, as well as a database of community gardens in the United States and Canada. They have a broad definition of community gardens: “Any piece of land gardened by a group of people. . . . It can be urban, suburban, or rural. It can grow flowers, vegetables or community. It can be one community plot, or can be many individual plots. It can be at a school, hospital, or in a neighborhood. It can also be a series of plots dedicated to "urban agriculture" where the produce is grown for a market.” According to this definition, the Teaching Garden at Linton Hall is a form of community garden and could seek membership in ACGA.

2. http://www.washingtongardener.com/index_files/CommunityGardens.htm

3. http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/ParksRecreation/scripts/facilities/ParksRecreationScriptsFacilitiesCommunityGardens.aspx Arlington

4. http://acga.localharvest.org/garden/M1818 Golf Course Island Community Garden Reston

5. http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=99 Leesburg

-7-

6. http://acga.localharvest.org/garden/M2162 Round Hill Community Garden

7. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/PARKS/gsgp/plots.htm Fairfax CountyThe Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) provides Fairfax County residents the opportunity to participate in a positive community gardening experience through the Community Garden Plot program. More than 650 garden plots in nine County parks are rented on an annual basis. Most plots are 30’x20’; 18 plots at Grist Mill Park are 10’x20’. Beginning April 1, large plots will rent for $65 and smaller plots will rent for $60.The 2010 Garden Plot Rules & Guidelines took effect January 1, 2010. Read the 2010 Rules & Guidelines to make sure that your garden plot complies by the established deadlines. If you are a current garden plot renter and would like to be part of a volunteer effort to monitor and remove trees from your community park, contact our office via email or at 703-642-0128. Office hours are from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Arcimboldo's 'Vegetable Gardener' at National

Gallery of Art: no prank at all

By Adrian Higgins

The lowly vegetable gardener now occupies a place of high honor in a

world that sees profound virtue in homegrown food, but that wasn't

always the case. Years ago, the gardener was forgotten. Centuries ago,

he was the butt of a particularly biting caricature by a masterful artist.

Click the link for the story.

-8-

Weather Prognosticatorsby Ed Rishell

After heavy wet snows, threats of ice storms, etc., you may be asking “When will this miserable weather ever end?” Well, if you delve in the art/science of weather prognostication you may have an answer (or many answers). As I write this, the much respected Punxsutawney Phil has just predicted an early spring for 2011 instead of 6 more weeks of wintery weather (http://www.groundhog.org/).

I grew up about 13 miles from Punxsutawney and have actually seen Phil (or one of his relatives) in a display window in downtown Punxsutawney. You can only imagine the excitement… Actually, while Phil is a big deal in Punxsutawney and has drawn crowds of over 30,000 people, I do not know anyone from outside Punxsy (as the locals call it) that ever got up at O’dark thirty to see Phil make his predictions. Where I come from groundhogs are,

-9-

at best, to be eaten and, more often, are considered pests - not meteorologists.

Groundhogs as prognosticators are actually a result of European settlers coming to the New World and bringing a tradition of consulting the shadows of hedgehogs on Candlemas Day (the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem 40 days after his birth). Groundhogs, which they thought resembled hedgehogs, were considered the most intelligent and sensible of animals and thus chosen for the important duty of predicting if they were in store for another 6 weeks of winter.

Another weather predictor is the “goose bone method” which is based on the wishbone of a Thanksgiving turkey. After consuming the turkey, the wishbone was put on a shelf to dry. If the bone turned dark, a cold winter was on its way, if it turned white, a mild winter (http://www.almanac.com/content/predicting-weather-ol-goose-bone-method).

And who can forget the wooly bear caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella or the Isabella tiger moth caterpillar)? The North American Indians believed that the darkness, width and density of the colored bands at the ends of the caterpillar were, depending on your source, proportional to the severity of the coming winter. Evidently the consensus in nearby Maryland is that it will be a severe winter this year (http://www.almanack.com/wooley.asp).

-10-

Fortunately, today we have much more up-to-date ways of predicting the weather (ha!). The Farmer’s Almanac predicts very cold weather with average precipitation for our area of the US this winter (http://www.farmersalmanac.com/weather/2010/08/29/2011-winter-outlook-the-wait-is-over/) . The National Weather Service wimps out and says we will have an equal chance of temperatures and precipitation above, below or normal for our area for the next 3 months (http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/). It appears the more we know, the less we want to put our predictions on the line.

What does this mean for us for the next several weeks? Well, here are a couple quotes to put things in perspective from a lawn and garden point of view:

-11-

“There's one good thing about snow, it makes your lawn look as nice as your neighbor's.” - Clyde Moore

“Weather means more when you have a garden. There's nothing like listening to a shower and thinking how it is soaking in around your green beans.” - Marcelene Cox

PS. Our own resident Teaching Garden groundhog no doubt has the good sense to stay in hibernation. She (he?) doesn’t care about the weather while she is tucked under our cozy shed protected from whatever nature may bring. As long as Paul Gibson plants plenty of good treats for the spring, she’ll be happy.

http://eponline.com/articles/2011

/01/05/us-

sees-massive-drop-in-bumble-b

ees.aspx

U.S. Sees Massive Drop in Bumble Bees

Bumble bees are vitally important pollinators of wild plants and agricultural crops

worldwide.

Click the link for the story.

-12-

A note from Paul Gibson

-13-

To help you start warming up for the year's garden activity, here are some tips for the month of January courtesy of the University of Maryland extension activity: Decide on a good site for a new vegetable garden: sunny, level, accessible to water.Make a garden plan. Put your plan in a notebook or garden journal and start recording ideas, notes from reading or websites.Purchase a high-low thermometer, to track weather patterns throughout the year.Order catalogs and seeds, especially if you want to start slow-growing, unusual or heirloom varieties indoors under lights. (See HG #70 "Recommended Vegetable Cultivars for Maryland Home Gardens"- on the Grow It Eat It web site).Test viability of saved or leftover seeds by placing 20 on a moist paper towel; roll up and put in perforated plastic bag. Set bag on top of refrigerator; in 7 days, count sprouted seeds. If less than 70 percent, toss out and buy new seed. Looking forward to seeing you all in the coming gardening year,Paul GibsonMaster Gardener Volunteer

Help us go GREEN and save a tree! For free lawn, landscape and garden updates, register at www.pwcgov.org/eservices/enotifications to receive notifications via email.

Notes From Nancy-Just  a  reminder,  if  you  purchased  MG  apparel  or  a  cobra  weeding  tool,  please        pick  up  in  the  office.            Please  save  these  dates  for  Teaching  Garden  workdays  to  get  the  gardens  ready:Saturday,  March  19   -­‐  9  am  –  12  noon  (please  come  for  all  or  part)  –  Leader  needed  to  communicate  task  list  to  volunteers.Tuesday  evening  workdays  begin  4/26/11  –  6pm  Gll  darkWed  evening  workdays  begin  4/6/11  –  9  am  –  12  noonSaturday,  April  2  –    9  am  –  12  –  Interns  meet  with  bed  leaders  10  amWorkdays  at  all  Saturday  in  the  Garden  programs  4/9,  5/14,  6/11,  7/9,  8/13,  9/10,  10/8  Volunteers  needed  -­‐  Please  let  me  know  if  you  can  assist.      Saturday,  3/26/11  –  10  am  -­‐11  am  -­‐  Lecturer  needed    for  “Right  Plant,  Wrong  Timing”  –  Southern  States  Manassas  10  am  –  11  am  help  with  preparaGon  provided  –  to  encourage  consumers  to  purchase  but  to  plant  at  the  appropriate  Gme.    Saturday,  3/26/11  –  10  am  –  12  noon  –  Special  plant  clinic  at  Southern  State  Manassas  –  2-­‐3  MG  needed  to  assist  customers  with  landscape  quesGons.      Saturday,  4/2/11  –  short  Lecture/hands  on  talk  for  children  –  “What  Lives  in  a  Meadow?”    -­‐  Bristow  BaQlefield  Historic  Site  –  Manassas  Saturday,  5/14/11  –  Rose  FesUval  –  Ben  Lomond  Historic  Site  -­‐  MGs  needed  to  staff  booth  with  general  gardening  informaGon  and/or  on  rose  care  and  maintenance.  Co-­‐coordinator  needed  for  Manassas  Farmer’s  Market  –  Saturday  clinics  –  assist  with  scheduling  volunteers,  transporGng  clinic  materials  –  Clinics  will  run  1st  and  3rd  Saturdays  –  May  –  October.    

-14-

Coordinator  needed  for  Manassas  Plant  A  Row  –  Saturday  Markets  -­‐  scheduling  volunteers,  providing  receipts  to  vendors,  greeGng/training  new  volunteers,  transporGng  crates  Co-­‐coordinator(s)  needed  for  Dale  City  Plant  A  Row  –  Sunday  Markets  –  scheduling  volunteers,  providing  receipts  to  vendors,  greeGng/training  new  volunteers,  transporGng  crates    ConUnuing  EducaUon

Thursday, February 3 – Sustainable Vegetable Gardening Pt. 1 – taught by Paul Gibson & Cooks Garden MGs– 7pm Chinn Library following the 6:30 pm MGPW meeting. Register 703-792-7747 or master_gardener@pwcgov.org - preparation of soil, best practices for tilling/cultivation

 Friday,  February  25  –  10  am  -­‐  Rose  pruning  workshop  –  Ben  Lomond  House-­‐  10321  Sudley  Manor  Dr.  Manassas    -­‐  Workshop  led  by  consulGng  Rosarian,  David  Maxwell,  Nick  Weber  &  Connie  Hilker.    This  is  a  hands-­‐  on,  outdoor  workshop  and  parGcipants  should  come  bring  pruners  &  gloves  and  dress  for  the  weather.    Register  at  703-­‐792-­‐7747  or  master_gardener@pwcgov.org      Friday,  Feb.  25  –  8:30  am  –  4pm  -­‐  Bed  Bug  Forum  -­‐  Park  West  Lions  Club,  8620  Sunnygate  Drive  ,  Manassas  20109  .    Target  audiences:  Apartment/mulG-­‐unit  housing  managers,  daycares,  shelters,  nursing homes,  assisted  living  communiGes,  hospitals,  urgent  care  faciliGes,  hotels  &  motels,  public  &  private  schools.    MG  aQendance  requested  to  assist  staff  with  educaGonal  seminars  for  local  residents

Saturday,  February  26  –  Advanced  Training  for  PWC  -­‐  MGS  “Soil  Biology  for  Landscapes”  taught  by  Duane  Mohr,  MG  -­‐  McCoy  Conference  Room  –  Sudley  North  Government  Building  –  10  am  -­‐12  noon  -­‐  parGcipants  will  receive  a  PWC  soil  survey.      Register  703-­‐792-­‐7747  or  master_gardener@pwcgov.org

-15-

Monday,  Feb  28  –  Sustainable  Vegetable  Gardening  Pt.  2  –  Paul  Gibson  and  Cook’s  Garden  MGs  –  7  pm  –  Chinn  Library,  register  703-­‐792-­‐7747  or  master_gardener@pwcgov.org

Monday,  March  14  –  Sustainable  Vegetable  Gardening  Pt.  3  –  Paul  Gibson  &  Cook’s  garden  MGs–  7pm  –  Chinn  Library  -­‐  Register  703-­‐792-­‐7747  or  master_gardener@pwcgov.org  Wed/Thursday,   March   30-­‐31   -­‐   PromoUng   Community   Integrated   Pest   Management  (IPM)  to  Prevent  Tick-­‐Borne  Diseases  Conference  -­‐  Arlington  ,  Virginia  .    MG  aQendance  requested  to  assist  staff  with  providing  current  informaGon  to  the  public  on  this  topic.    Topics  to  be  covered:

•  CreaGng  InsGtuGonal  Structures  for  Community  Level  IPM•  ProtecGng  Children  in  Schools  and  Outdoor  Environments•  Landscape  Planning  and  Tick  Management•  Public  Outreach  Strategies  to  Reach  Targeted  PopulaGons•  ProtecGng  Outdoor  Workers  Exposed  to  Ticks•  Measuring  the  Impact  of  PrevenGon  Strategies•  Research  Strategies•  Research  Needs  and  Knowledge  Gaps

For  more  informaGon  or  to  register  for  our  event  please  visit  our  Event  Brite  site  at:h`p://www.eventbrite.com/event/1154843167.  If  you  have  any  quesGons  feel  free  to  contact  Raderrio  Wilkins  at  Wilkins.Raderrio@epamail.epa.gov  or  Candace  Brassard  at  Brassard.Candace@epamail.epa.gov.  Clinic & Extension Horticulture Help Desk Training – has been rescheduled for 2/23/11 – 1 – 3pm – Room 102 - Extension office – topics to be covered: procedures, clinic boxes, seasonal topics – pertinent information for all MGs volunteering at clinics or the Help Desk. Please register at 703-792-7747or master_gardener@pwcgov.org  Local  plant  sales:  Manassas  Garden  Club  Plant  Sale  –  please  see  aQached  order  sheet.  Orders  due  3/10/11.    QuesGons?      robinalapas@verizon.net  

-16-

American  HorGcultural  Society  Plant  Sale      -­‐  Thursday,  April  14,  4  p.m.–8  p.m.  (*AHS  members’-­‐only  night  with  valid  membership  card);  public  sale:    Friday,  April  15,  9  a.m.–;  6  p.m.  Saturday,  April  16,  9  a.m.–5  p.m.    River  Farm7931  East  Boulevard  Drive  Alexandria  ,  VA  22308  Loudoun  County  MGs  –  plant  sale  at  Leesburg  Flower  &  Garden  FesGval  (April  16-­‐17).  Please  see  aQached  flier.   “Spring  is  when  you  feel  like  whistling  even  with  a  shoe  full  of  slush”      -­‐  D.  Larson  

If seed starting and garden dreaming is not keeping you busy, here are some educational opportunities for you to consider. We always knew that gardening reduces our stress, but here is research from the Netherlands to prove it:

Stress-relieving effects of gardening were hypothesized and tested in a field experiment. Thirty gardeners performed a stressful task and were then

randomly assigned to 30 minutes of outdoor gardening or indoor reading on their own plot. Cortisol levels and self-reported mood were repeatedly

measured. Gardening and reading each led to decreases in cortisol during the recovery period, but decreases were significantly stronger in the gardening

group. Positive mood was fully restored after gardening, but further deteriorated during reading. These findings provide the first experimental

evidence that gardening can promote relief from acute stress. (Reference: Journal of Health Psychology. 2011. 16:3-11)

• Have you registered for the new MGPW website yet? Need help? Contact Jennifer or me jgraham@pwcgov.org

• Please encourage your friends and neighbors to sign up for our Basics of

Gardening series of classes – March 12th, 19th, 26th.

• Please contact the VCE MG office for a brochure on this series and instructions for the annual Ecosaavy Garden Symposium at Green Springs Garden Park.

-17-

Pruning workshops with Peter Deahl, Arborist – Please do not call the Help Desk for the following 4 classes. Please email Peter at nobigdeahl@verizon.net to make sure there is room in the desired class, and then send your check made out to Peter Deahl, Fine Pruning with your registration form available at www.thepruningschool.com to The Pruning School 16 Berkeley Court Sterling, Virginia 20165. He will send you specific directions to locations Friday, March 4 - 10 am – 2pm - Haymarket learn to thin and reduce beautiful American boxwoods. Bring lunch, hand pruners and a small handsaw. Cost: $45.00. Class limited to10-15 participants.

Saturday, Feb 19 - 10 am -2 pm - Pruning Seminar at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens - Leesburg--all you need to know about pruning woody plants. Participants may bring a lunch and their personal pruners. Appropriate winter outerwear is recommended. Snow date Feb 26th. $45 per person, Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Friday, February 18 – 9:30 am – 12:30 pm - Millwood , VA – near the State Arboretum. This class is $40.00 - 9:30 to 12:30 – class limited to 8 participants. Bring a snack, hand pruners, a small handsaw. News:Fall/winter - In Season - newsletter from Dave Close, State MG Coordinator is available at:http://www.hort.vt.edu/mastergardener/fall2010.pdf Save the date: International Master Gardener Conference – October 11-14, 2011 – Charleston , West Virginia . For more info and updates: http://imgc.ext.wvu.edu/

-18-

The bus going to the Philadelphia Flower Show is full.  Thank you to all who bought seats and spread the word to friends.  I really appreciate it. Also if you know of someone who would enjoy our Basics of Gardening Series I would appreciate your passing on this brochure.  The series starts on March 12th and is being held at the Manassas Park Community Center at 99 Adams St. For all of our new Master Gardeners and those of you who may not know, with your nametag you can get the following discounts at local nurseries and businesses: Southern States 10%Yorkshire Garden Center (on Hwy 28 in Manassas Park) 10%Merrifield Garden Centers 15%

From Leslie Paulson

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/

thumbnails/0,,20452423,00.html

10 Clean-Air Plants for Your Home

Houseplants that do doubl

e duty clearing

out pollutants in your ind

oor air

Click the link for more information

Christmas Cactus

My daughter and her husband gave me a lovely Christmas Cactus this year for Christmas. I have to admit that I had absolutely no idea of how to care for it since I'd never had one before, so researching the plant and its origins became of great interest to me.

Looking for it under “cactus” gave me the first information: it is a member of the Cactaceae, or Zygo-cactus family but with a difference. Unlike the spined cactus common to desert areas these are epiphytes whose living requirements are similar to those required by orchids. They are native to South America, particularly Brazil and, as epiphytes, make use of the crotches of trees and other structures as a substrate to live on without being parasitic. They do obtain nutrients from the dead leaves and other decayed material that collects in the pockets of the trees where they live.

Since they are tropical plants they require a good supply of moisture to survive and prefer a climate with about 50 to 60 percent humidity. They have been hybridized extensively since they were discovered and may be found in quite a few colors including magenta, white, pink, salmon, and orange.

They are members of the genus Schlumbergera and there are three holiday-named cactuses: Thanksgiving cactus, also variously called, Yoke Cactus, Linkleaf Cactus, Crab Cactus, Claw Cactus, (S. truncata, formerly Zygo-cactus truncatus); Christmas cactus (S. bridgesii, S. x buckleyi, Epiphyllum x buckleyi); and Easter cactus (Rhipsalis

by Abbie and Vincent Panettierre

-19-

gaertneri or Hatiora gaertneri - formerly Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri). Their holiday descriptive name depends, more or less, on when the cactus is likely to be in bloom. In Brazil, they are called Flor de maio (May Flower) and, since spring and summer in the southern hemisphere are the opposite of what they are here, a plant blooming in May would likely bloom around the Fall holidays in this hemisphere.

They were named in honor of Frédéric Schlumberger, a French collector of cacti and succulents, by a contemporary and colleague of his, Charles Antoine Lemaire. The Christmas cactus was introduced into Europe, via the Kew Gardens, by an English botanist and explorer Allan Cunningham, employed at Kew, who was sent on an expedition to Brazil by the President of the Royal Society to bring back new and unknown species.

Schlumbergera are presumed to have evolved some thirty or forty million years ago and are considered by some as “living fossils,” having retained their tropical, moisture-loving habits while other members of the cactus family adjusted to cooler and drier conditions as the climate changed.

In researching the care and feeding of Christmas cacti there were several suggestions. For soil, potting soil works well but you may want to add 25% builder's sand (the sort you would find in a sandbox), to ensure good drainage. One source suggested using fertilizer with less than 10% nitrogen and suggested a formula of 0-10-10. A feeding should be made in October or November and again in February. While the plant is in its growing season, a liquid houseplant-type of fertilizer can be used.

-20-

Christmas cactus use a mechanism called photoperiodism. The length of days gives cues to the plant to induce flowering. One needs, essentially, to mimic the temperature and particularly the night length it would expect in its native climate. Starting in September or October you would keep the cactus at 50o during the day and be sure to give it some twelve hours each night in total darkness. The plant should be watered less to encourage it to flower.

To those of you who raise poinsettias and keep them blooming year after year this will all sound familiar. I can remember stories of an aunt who kept her poinsettias in bloom year after year by putting them in the hall closet at dinnertime every day from September to Christmas. However, the difference in method is that poinsettias require warm temperatures while Schlumbergera need a cool location.If you would like to propagate more Christmas cactus, something I'm currently trying, you'd remove a single segment of their flat leaves and plant it in slightly sandy soil so that one-quarter of the leaf is covered by the soil. The source that suggested this said rooting hormone would also help but I must say I've never had any greater success using it. The potted cuttings should receive a good supply of indirect sunlight and in two or three weeks the cuttings should begin to show signs of growth. If you're successful, you then have a number of gifts for friends and family.

Despite its name, I couldn't locate any holiday traditions associated with Christmas cactus. It would seem that Christmas trees have gotten all the glory. Unfortunately a Christmas cactus just can't compete when it comes to putting ornaments on, or singing carols in its vicinity and as a location for exchanging presents.

-21-

However, whatever it's called, it is a beautiful plant and a pleasant addition to your home. Minimal care will keep it alive as a lovely green indoor plant.

Sources:

http://www.humeseeds.com/xmasccts.htmEd Hume SeedsCare of Christmas Cactus

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holiday_CactusWikipediaHoliday Cactus

http://www.sdnhm.org/research/botany/hp-cactus.htmlSan Diego Natural History MuseumNatural History of Holiday Plants ExhibitChristmas Cactus

http://www.christmascarnivals.com/christmas-history/christmas-cactus-history.htmlChristmas CarnivalsChristmas Cactus History

http://www.kew.org/ksheets/epiphytes.htmlKew Royal Botanical GardensEpiphytes - adaptations to an aerial habitat

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/azgard/2003044719003313.htmlVillage Garden WebThe Internet's Garden and Home CommunityHow Do I Grow & Propagate Christmas Cactus

-22-

http://gardenofeaden.blogspot.com/2009/12/what-has-christmas-cactus-got-to-do.htmlThe Garden of EadenWhat has the Christmas Cactus got to do with Christmas

http://www.santafebotanicalgarden.org/subpages/kb%20HolidayCacti.htmlSanta Fe Botanical GardenHOLIDAY CACTI

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SchlumbergeraSchlumbergera from Wikipedia

http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A010255b.htmAustralian Dictionary of Biography, online editionCunningham, Allan (1791 - 1839)

http://www.denverplants.com/ezine/11_03.htmDenver Plants. Showing some light... on your growing.

http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/giftflowers/flowersandoccassions/christmas-cactusThe Flower ExpertChristmas Cactus

http://www.yumasun.com/articles/cacti-38060-cactus-christmas.htmlYumaSun.com Desert plant can add color to the seasonBy Debi Papp

-23-

http://www.suite101.com/content/the-christmas-cactus-a77949Suite 101.comThe Christmas CactusA Plant Profile of the Common Holiday Cactushttp://cactusepiphytes.pagespersoorange.fr/z_page_les_cactus_de_noel.htmHISTORY OF CHRISTMAS CACTI

-24-

-Put the turnips into a large pan of boiling salte

d

water, bring back to a boil, and simmer for 10

minutes. Drain well.

-Melt the butter in the rinsed-out pan over low

heat, add the turnips and sugar, and mix to coat

well.

-Add the stock with the rosemary and bring to a

boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20

minutes with the lid off the pan so that the

juices reduce and the turnips are tender and

well glazed

-Remove the pan from the heat, discard the

rosemary, and season to taste with salt & pepper.

-Serve immediately garnished with parsley and

orange rind.

Glazed Turnips - Serves 4-6

-2 lbs. young turnips,

peeled and quartered

-4 tbsp butter

-1tbsp brown sugar

-2/3 cup vegetable

stock

-1 sprig fresh

rosemary

-salt & pepper

-chopped fresh parsley

& grated orange rind,

to garnish

-Melt butter in heavy large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add leeks

and onion and sauté until onion is translucent, about 12 minutes. Add 5

sliced turnips and potato and sauté 2 minutes. Add 5 cups broth. Bring

to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until vegetables are

very tender, about 30 minutes.

-Puree soup in blender in batches until very smooth. Return to Dutch

oven. Add milk and cream. Bring to simmer. Season to taste with

nutmeg, salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and

refrigerate.)-Cook carrot and turnip strips in pot of boiling salted water until just

crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain.

Bring soup to simmer, thinning with more broth if necessary. Ladle into

bowls. Garnish with carrot strips, turnip strips and chopped fresh dill.

Bon AppétitDecember 1995

3 tablespoons butter

2 leeks, thinly sliced (white and pale green parts only)

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

5 turnips (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled, cut into 1/2-inch-

thick slices1 medium russet potato, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch-thick

slices

Creamy Turnip Soup with Carrot Julienne

You can view the complete recipe online at: http://

www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/995

-25-

Growing Sprouts for a Burst of Winter Greens - Megen Hill, Sales Associate , Territorial Seeds  You can’t beat the flavor of a fresh and verdant homegrown salad in the midst of winter.  All it takes is a mason jar, a sprouting lid, water, and seed…and a little bit of time and care. Whether you choose to use a sprouting tray or this mason jar method, growing sprouts is easy and well worth the effort. 

There are countless varieties of seeds to sprout, but Alfalfa and Mung Beans are among the few that are great for the novice sprouter.   Whichever varieties you should choose to sprout, there are a few simple rules to follow for great success.  First, be sure to purchase seed that is

-26-

sold specifically for sprouting.  This way you can be certain that the seeds have been handled in a sanitary manner and do not have any seed coatings, since you will be eating the seed as well as its sprout. 

Next, place approximately 2 Tbsp of seed into a clean mason jar (more than that can result in overcrowding and can lead to mold).  Fill your jar with warm water to rinse the seed, drain (using your sprouting lid) and refill, covering the seed with about an inch of water.  Throughout the process of sprouting, it is important to cover your jar with a cloth, such as muslin or a towel, to keep out light and dust, but allowing air to flow. 

The timing of the process will depend widely on the temperature of your home.  In cooler temps, sprouts grow slower, and vice versa.  Soak the seed for about 12 hours in a warm location.  Rinse with warm water and drain your sprouts 2-3 times daily, for the next few days.  Some sprout experts suggest repeating the rinsing process twice each time.  You want to keep the seed moist, but not soaked.  Store the jar on its side to help spread out the seeds, allowing maximum airflow to the most seeds possible.  After the sprouts have shed their hulls (some varieties have hulls, while others do not), place them in a bowl of water.  Hulls will either sink or float for easy removal.

Once grown to their desired maturity, it is time to green up your sprouts on the windowsill.   First, rinse and drain as previously done, but this time place your jar in a bright spot, out of direct sunlight, to encourage the chlorophyll and carotenes to develop.  This process takes about a day.  (Not all varieties require greening up.  Refer to your seed packet for specific varietal instructions.) At the end of the day, rinse with cool water, drain in a colander, but don’t let them dry out.  Sprouts are best when eaten immediately, but you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 4-5 days, rinsing each day. 

Enjoy experimenting with our family favorite recipe for sprouts, which combines a mixture of our preferred sprout varieties (we like radish, alfalfa, and Mung bean combo).  Mix with chopped apples, currants, minced red onion, and chopped and toasted walnuts.  Top with a blend of balsamic vinegar, mayonnaise, and a dash of maple syrup.  Tastes delicious and packs a nutritional punch!!

-27-

To submit articles, ideas and photographs please email Cathy Barosky

at rmhcab@yahoo.com

-28-

As always, our heartfelt thanks to all who take their valuable time to contribute to this publication and to all who take pleasure in

its presentation.

Robins have been spotted in the fields looking for worms. Perhaps they’re a bit early. Perhaps they know something we don’t. At any rate, Spring is coming and

will be here before we know it. It’s time to get those backs in shape and

trade

for