CLIFFORD – President Vic Palmer welcomed 20 people to the Clifford and District Horticultural meeting on Sept. 24 at the community hall in Clifford.
Barbara Harris introduced guest speaker Sandra Regier from Huron Ridge Acres of Zurich to talk about growing 10,000 poinsettias. She showed photos and videos of the steps to grow the plants that arrive at her family’s business in July from Central America.
The rooted cuttings are dipped in a root shield solution, planted by a potting machine, and watered from overhead. After three weeks, each plant is pinched back with drip lines attached to each pot. As the days shorten, the plants turn colour, and it is time for sale.
Huron Ridge Acres sell their plants directly to customers at their store, through fundraisers where they partner with schools and service clubs, and to retail companies. It is a whirlwind of a season starting Nov. 13 and ending Dec. 13.
There are 20 colours of poinsettias with some a hot pink or speckled red glitter. They create a Northern Lights effect on some poinsettias by painting the leaves. They string Christmas lights and light candles for their Festival of Lights.
Once the poinsettias are sold, it is time to plant the spring pansies and bedding plants. They also sell peaches, cherries, pick your own berries, ornamental cabbage, and fall mums, and deliver them to local markets. They can be reached at 1-519-565-2122.
Jean Yenssen thanked Regier for her presentation and reminded all not to over-water their poinsettias.
The District 7 fall meeting will be held in Shelburne on Oct. 26. The meal cost is $15. Contact Karen Dowler 519-327-8308 by Oct. 19 to attend.
A tree will be planted in memory of Elsie Grummett for National Tree Day on Sept. 28.
Ideas are welcome for the float to be entered in the Santa Claus parade for Nov. 30.
The horticultural information meetings are open to all members and guests. It is hoped you will glean a little more information about the society and enjoy what each guest speaker has to share. Society directors prepare a light luncheon to share after the meetings.
A luncheon of fruit bread, grapes, and cheese was prepared by Jean Yenssen, Ethel Weber, and Elisabeth Kuersten.
The next meeting is on Nov. 26 with a pot luck supper at 6pm followed by awards.
