GUEST SPEAKER

Violeta Zalac – Succulents

Violeta placed on exhibition an extensive variety of cacti and succulents as part of her vast personal collection. The various types of plants were described in detail with the aid of a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation.

Violeta advised that these types of plants were easy to propagate and the main methods are listed: Bulbis, Offsets, Division, Head Cutting, Leaf Propagation, Apical Core Drilling, Seed Raising and Grafting.

Cacti and succulents can be potted using the cheapest potting mix mixed with course river sand (yellow), blood and bone and slow release fertiliser: if planted direct in the ground a little sand to loosed up the soil plus blood and bone. It was warned not to over water plants and don’t kill them with kindness.

Violeta also had a range of cuttings for sale.

The President thanked Violeta for her excellent and informative presentation. These thanks were carried with acclamation by the members.

PLANT PROPAGATION

Bob Shelden provided a demonstration on potting up techniques for a variety of common firm wood plants. These can be done now, deciduous plants are to be propagated mid-winter and most would not be ready until October next year.

Members were advised that the Club now possessed approximately 1,000 new 100mm plastic pots and there was also a plentiful supply of 140mm pots. The Club has ordered a pallet (60 bags) of premium potting mix which is to be used to propagate plants for the next open garden weekend in October. Members will be notified when the potting mix and pots are available.

Both the potting mix and pots will be stored at Bob and Kath Sheldens home in Yarra Junction.

MEMBERSHIP

The current membership stands at 139.

3 Applications for membership received on the night are to be considered at the next Committee Meeting.

There were 78 members present in addition to 3 prospective members and 3 visitors.

If you aren’t a financial member of our club and would like to be, please email secretary@upperyarravalleygardenclub.com  Membership Fees are $10 for a full year.