Date: Fri 20-Dec-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: CAROLK

Illustration: C

Location: A10

Quick Words:

Gardener-poinsettias-Lexington

Full Text:

(Gardener visits Lexington Gardens, decorated & plants for holidays, 12/20/96)

Suburban Gardener-

A Christmas Garden Center

By Anthony C. Bleach

My favorite garden center on Church Hill Road seems to be metamorphosing into

a sort of department store devoted to Christmas. I imagine Harrod's must be

looking like this now.

But the greenhouse is where I prefer to be. There are poinsettias arranged in

banks, hanging from the roof, at eye level in tree form and on great platforms

in a greater variety of colors and form than ever before. It is worthy of a

stand at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Tom Johnson, the owner of Lexington Gardens in Newtown, is progressive in

giving information on how to look after the plants you buy. I thought his

flyer had some useful reminders for us.

When purchasing poinsettias, unpack the sleeve immediately once you get home.

If poinsettias are left cramped up like this, the leaves will yellow and fall

off. Place in a cool (60-70 degree), bright area, but not in direct sunlight.

These plants, we must never forget, are reared in a greenhouse.

The most common mistake is overwatering. They should be kept moist at all

times, but never allow plants to sit in water. Check daily and water when the

soil feels dry to the touch. Water thoroughly until water dribbles out of the

drain hole.

The usual reason for that depressing experience of leaves dropping day after

day is drafts. Hot air blowing on them can also cause this. Those beautiful

bracts, or leaves, are also sensitive to bruising, so move them around with

care. This is all they need. They do not need fertilizer when they are in

bloom.

Richer color than even the poinsettias were, I think, Rieger Begonias. The

texture of petals gives more vibrancy than bract ever could. Christmas cacti

are always fun and easy. Here they were in full flower, like many colored

jingle-bells. I loved the Cyclamens. Especially the miniatures, as lovely as

flocks of flamingos on a lake in Kenya. The leaves have this wonderful green

marbling.

Lexington Gardens have always had good Bonsai. It was satisfying to

contemplate them again. Tiny specimens of Hinoki Cypress, Azaleas, Japanese

Junipers and flowering pink Serissa in gnarled old age reminded one of this

holiday that is ages old but born anew every winter.

(Anthony C. Bleach coordinates the horticulture degree program at Naugatuck

Valley Community-Technical College in Waterbury.)