Gardening Goodies
Phalaenopsis Orchids - Part 2
(Sometimes referred to as, the ‘Moth’ or ‘Butterfly’ Orchid) by Guest Writer, Kevin Smith
Repotting - There are seveal different opinions on repotting a phal orchid, however, one point is unanimous....Never.....never repot a phal orchid when it’s in bloom or in bud. You want to repot your orchid AFTER the last bloom falls off. Do not cut off the bloom stalk. Wait for a few weeks and then if the bloom stalk turns brown, woody and dried out, cut it off at the base. However, the bloom stalk may stay green and a bloom stalk will grow out of the existing stalk, with buds appearing in the weeks to come. I repot phals when the plastic pots they are in begin to bulge/get lumpy on the sides. Also, I know it’s ready to repot when the plastic pot begins to split/crack open. If your orchid is in a clay/ ceramic/thicker plastic pot, you’ll know it’s time to repot when the phal & planting medium begins to rise up out of the pot. Take the orchid out of the pot. You may have to cut the pot off with scissors, if the roots are really packed
A Master Gardener Profile ~ June Neyhouse by Guest Writer, L. M. Smith
June Neyhouse needs no introduction, but I’m inclined to give some background information because she and her husband are true gems of the County. She graduated from Evansville College and married Ervin Neyhouse in 1956 (62 years if you do the math). June taught school, helped raise sons Daniel and Don, while Ervin grew wheat, corn and soybeans. Both were 4-H leaders for several years and still help with open class exhibits at the Gibson County Fair. “I have been a Gibson County Master Gardener for 18 years and have accumulated 2000 volunteer hours helping with local gardens and educational programs. I enjoy helping at the Azalea Path each Spring because it is so beautiful
in. Some of the planting medium(bark/moss) will fall off, which is fine. In fact, gently shake the root ball to knock off some more of the plant medium. Find a pot slightly bigger; put rocks or packing peanuts in the bottom of the pot, for drainage. Make sure the pot you choose has plenty of drainage holes. Put a thin layer of medium on the bottom, on top of the rocks/packing peanuts. Next take the orchid and place it in the center of the pot. Make sure that the bottom of the plant or top of the soil, is about 1/2” below the top of the pot. Fill around the root ball with potting medium*. Also, put a thin layer on top. You will notice some of the roots are growing above the soil. In fact, they may look like they’re growing up in the air. They are, because they’re collecting moisture from the air. Then sit your newly repotted phal in a plant saucer of water for about 3-4 hours, to water it. Take out the potted orchid and dump out any remaining water. Place it in a sunny location and enjoy! *I prefer the smaller bark planting medium. There are sometimes two different kinds of orchid potting medium....smaller pieces/bits of bark, mixed with pieces of perlite and bits of lava rock...OR...large pieces/chunks of bark, mixed with the same as the small bark mixture. NEVER plant orchids in regular potting soil; it’s too dense and heavy. It will kill your orchid quickly. and peaceful to work there. I belong to the Cinderella Home Extension Club, the Gibson County Extension Board, the Homemakers Council, and the Hillside Church and Choir.” June is busy. Perhaps we can all take a lesson about being involved and sharing our talents. Ervin is a retired farmer who helps cultivate, plant, and maintain their vegetable garden, which is 125 ft. by 100 ft. wide, surrounded by fencing and an electric wire at the top. They live beside a forest, so they deal with a lot of wildlife. June Neyhouse is the true definition of Master Gardener: Certified in Gibson County, born in childhood. In her own words: MY VEGETABLE GARDEN I have been raising vegetables for many years since I grew up on a farm where my parents raised vegetables and fruit to sell at the market to people who loved fresh, high quality food. Everyone in our family helped to plan,
Friday & Saturdays -
Where friends have met and dined for years.
Steaks, Fish and Homemade Alfredo with Chicken or Shrimp
Hours: Mon & Tue 11am-5pm Wed 11am-8pm (Saucheesie Night!) Closed Thur Fri & Sat 11am-10pm (Dinner served 4-8:30pm)
A variety of homemade desserts Wednesday is Saucheesie night!
All times are CST
308 W. state Rd. 56 • Hazleton, IN
812-784-2276 *21 and older only
Page 6
February 2018
Small Town Living