Learn how to have success with potted plants
By Denise Stewart
The Tuesday, Feb. 24 Scripps-Mesa Garden Club meeting will be focused on the topic of potted plants. The talk will begin at 6 p.m. at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library in the Community Room.
The speaker for the event will be Master Gardener Diana Drummey. Diana has been a Master Gardener since 2016 and serves as a National Garden Club Flower Show judge. Diana chaired the 100th anniversary of the Coronado Flower Show and is the chair of the Southwestern Judges Council. She currently serves as president of the Palomar District Garden Club.
Diana will bring her knowledge of responsible and successful garden practices to share with the group while maintaining her focus on potted plants for her talk.
Guests who would like to visit a club meeting to learn more about the club and its activities are welcome to join the group for the February Potted Plant presentation and to enjoy light refreshments. A plant share follows the meeting.
January’s meeting featured tree fruit expert Tyler Trimble. Tyler wowed the club and a large number of guests with an hour and a half of spirited training on how to be successful in growing healthy and productive fruit trees. Here are some of his directives: • Select new trees with uncut roots from nurseries • Plant fruit trees shallow in holes with regular garden dirt • Leave fallen leaves and other natural garden debris around them for nutrition and insulation from heat • Only use organic matter to fertilize • As the tree grows, water at extension of branches (canopy) • Wooden barrels are better containers than ceramic pots • Prune citrus from March to May after the crop and before the bloom • Spray the tree weekly during the cool season • Water as needed during warmer months
During the year, on the fourth Tuesday evening the Scripp-Mesa Garden Club meets at 6 p.m. The club’s programs include guest speakers, garden tours, a social potluck, a fall gardening activity, and occasional field trips. There is also a monthly newsletter. The club does not meet in December. The yearly membership dues are $30. New members are warmly welcomed to the club.