6 minute read
Plant
WITH RACHEL GLEESON www.ivyalley.com.au
Are you looking for a fuss free, easy going plant to share your home or office with? Airplants are a great choice!!
Tillandsias, commonly known as “air plants” come in lots of different shapes and sizes, grow inside very happily and are very easy to look after. Air plants can survive in low light areas and love the temperate humid weather conditions that we Sydney siders often experience! They make the perfect house mate for apartment dwellers as they do not need much room, require no soil....no mess! Tillandsias produce an assortment of striking foliage and stunning flowers. Most are quite small (around 5 to 20cm in length) and fuss free. There are over 400 varieties in existence, and range in price starting from around $10 for the more common varieties and a lot more for the rarer specimens! These plants make great collectables! The leaves of these little guys are made up of tiny scales, capable of absorbing nutrients and water from the air. Therefore, tillandsias do not need to live in soil. The few roots the plant produce are solely used for anchorage to their chosen homes, which are most commonly branches within the canopy of trees or wherever they fall. In our homes they look great in decorative vessels such as glass or shells or suspended from the ceiling/shelf in groups attached by string or fishing line.
LEAVES AND FLOWERING
Most air plants have strappy silver or green leaves that are formed in a rosette or round shape. Those with silver or “fuzzy” leaves occur naturally in sunny dry climates. Specimens with darker smooth glossy leaves are found in shadier situations with more rainfall, thus requiring more frequent watering. Your air plant will reward you with a stunning flower, from most commonly a palette of pink, purple and red. During or after flowering your air plant will produce on average between two and six “pups”. Sadly, your original plant will slowly die and be replaced by these growing young babies. They can be detached from the original plant when around 1/3 the size with a sharp knife.
CARING FOR YOUR TILLANDSIA
● WATERING - 3 ways to keep you air plant hydrated ● SPRAYING - Use a water sprayer to mist every day or two to replicate rainfall and create humidity. ● DUNKING - in the sink/fish tank or a bowl of water. Use this method for a quick refresh or for those with leaves that are hard to mist
● SOAKING - The easiest way to know that your air plant has had a good drink! Submerge for 1-3 hours once a week, or after a period of neglect. In nature air plants will receive nutrients through water that has absorbed nutrients from bird/insect droppings. To replicate this fertilise use soluble orchid fertiliser diluted in your spray bottle every few months. Tillandsias require good AIR CIRCULATION. A fan or gentle breeze will help it dry off after being watered. They do not like to sit in water or be permanently damp. Avoid positions such as lidded terrariums or wet areas.
If you are looking for a fuss free, easy going plant to share your home or office with. these little guys are a great choice.
happy gardening
100
WORDS
Send in your ‘100 word’ contributions to: editor@thevillageobserver.com
“It’s still not quite right!” yelled John over the whirring machines as they came to a halt. “Isn’t it close enough, John?” begged Les. “We’ve been working on this for months. The team is exhausted. This was our 42nd attempt. We’ve got nothing left to give!” “We’re not giving up now, Les,” said John, his head rising to address the workers. “You all knew we gave 110% when you signed on for this. It’s always been the Nescafé way. We’re trying a new blend!” “This’ll be number 43, John,” sighed Les. “I know. …I’ve got a good feeling about this.”
TROY GRAHAM, LANE COVE
My grandmother, Anne, never forgot her ex fiancé and she made sure to remind my grandfather, Henry, of it anytime she wanted his attention. ‘Rod Crowley’ was the name of her former flame, an Irishman who showered her with expensive gifts like the diamond and sapphire watch hidden away in an antique box. But in my heart, I knew that what she had was priceless; a devoted husband who was compassionate, generous, handsome and funny. Deep down, I think she knew it too. When he unexpectedly left this world, she realised she loved him unconditionally and he was her soulmate.
Karen Paull
Community Chaplain
Leadership that Counts
Being a leader was definitely not a part of my life plan. My impression of leaders was of big, forceful personalities, carrying huge loads of responsibility, attracting large numbers of followers, along with vocal detractors. Definitely not a match with my personality! However, a new understanding of various leadership styles and the vision to lead for communal good, caused me to rethink. When a survey identifying gifts and talents revealed leadership as a key strength for me, I began to experiment with speaking up in small groups with my ideas. Small, incremental leadership steps led to being mentored as an assistant Pastor and leading groups of people myself. These days I invite others to join me where I see a match with their abilities. Leadership, at its simplest, is having someone follow you. On a sports team, the leader can be identified as the one with the ‘ball’, who must show momentary leadership by deciding what to do with it next. Parents lead their children until they are able to make their own wise decisions. Leadership styles vary, from the upfront, charismatic type, to the leader in the midst who quietly invites, encourages and empowers others. This ‘Dorothy-style’ (Wizard of Oz) leadership resonates with me. Dorothy identified and encouraged each companion’s unique talents as needed, to advance the whole group. Fortunately, I am a part of the Uniting Church which practises a consensus style of leadership of inter-related councils and welcomes women’s leadership. As a leader in the Church now, I can make a greater impact for good, than if I had continued to deny my leadership qualities. An abundance of good leaders is needed at all levels of society. Good leaders model qualities which enable others to contribute their best too. Integrity, courage, resilience, self-sacrifice and compassion for others, are on my list of important leadership qualities. Whereas it is disappointing when leaders use the trust and power invested in them primarily for their own gain, it is understandable leaders can make poor choices at times. Constant pressure and criticism can lead to feeling there is ‘no win’ for their efforts. Detractors have a place in keeping them accountable, but this needs to be balanced with thankfulness for those who have offered their skills to lead with integrity. Is there a leader you could sincerely encourage with your thankfulness? Might you be a leader still in hiding, who can make a bigger contribution to the world? As always, I am happy to discuss it with you.
