Godwin: Tis the season for amaryllis
Amaryllis is a popular holiday gift that is not difficult to grow. The large bulbs are originally from the tropical areas of South America. They grow best under warm temperatures and produce large showy flowers that can be red, white, pink, orange, salmon or bi-colored. Amaryllis is available in different shapes and sizes.
The best conditions to provide while flowering include diffused light and cool indoor temperatures in the 60s. Water only occasionally to keep the soil just moist.
It takes some patience to encourage the bulb to flower again. Begin by cutting off spent flowers and stalks above the top of the bulb. Avoid cutting or damaging emerging leaves, which may affect the next season’s flowers. Encourage leaf growth by moving the plant to a sunny location and fertilizing monthly. Move pots outdoors after temperatures warm and the damage from frost is past. Increase fertilization to every two weeks and keep plants watered.
A dormancy period of about eight weeks is required before flowering begins. The grower can determine when the bulb will flower again by choosing when the dormancy begins. If you want flowers during the holidays then begin in August to withhold water and move the bulb to a cool (55 degree) environment. Potted amaryllis can be left outdoors until heavy frost is expected. During dormancy bulbs may be left in the pot or removed from the soil.
Amaryllis should be planted with one third of the bulb above the potting mix. The pot of choice should not be more than two times the width of the bulb. Smaller side bulbs may be removed from the larger bulb and repotted. The small bulbs will need several years of growth to begin flowering. Amaryllis may also be grown from seed but will take many years to produce flowers.
Amaryllis bulbs can be planted directly in the ground in zones 8, 9 and 10. A well-drained soil and light shade make the ideal locations.
Peg Godwin is horticulture agent, Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Center, 1791 N.C. 11/55, Kinston, NC 28504. Reach her at 252-527-2191 or Peg_Godwin@ncsu.edu or 252-527-2191.
Medicare Part D open enrollment clinics in Lenoir County
The Seniors ’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) in Lenoir County, operating under the state Department of Insurance and in conjunction with Lenoir County Cooperative Extension will hold counseling clinics this week for enrollment in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.
Annual open enrollment for Medicare Part D, which runs each year from October 15 through Friday gives Medicare recipients the opportunity to review existing prescription drug plans and change to a different plan for 2014 if necessary.
Bring Medicare cards, correspondence from Medicare and all other insurance and prescription cards along with all prescription medicine bottles. Medicare recipients are seen on a first come, first served basis at all clinics.
From 1 to 4 p.m. today at the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension office, 1791 Hwy. 11/55, Kinston.
From 9 a.m. to noon Friday at the Pink Hill Wellness Center, 301 Pine St., Pink Hill.
SHIIP-sponsored Medicare Part D open Enrollment Clinics in Lenoir County will be open at several locations, dates and times until Friday. Contact Lenoir County Cooperative Extension for further information, 252-527-2191.
Library hosts ‘Night of Joy’
The Kinston-Lenoir County Friends of the Library will present “Night of Joy” at 7 p.m. tonight in the Schechter Auditorium of the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library. The program will feature singer Joi Lemon, singer and guitarist Kent Henderson, dancers from Community Dance Company, singing group 1 Way, pianist Michael Huggins, and singers Brandi Murphy, Tracy Smith, Lorri Campbell, Sandra Fisher, Jana Huggins and Michael E. Adams.
At 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Greene County Public Library, the Greene County Friends of the Library will present their own “Night of Joy” featuring singers and guitarists Kent Henderson, Gene Smith and Bob and Pat Jones, dancers Larissa Tripp and Limited Dance Works, and singer Michael E. Adams.
This annual event is a community celebration during which singers, dancers, and instrumentalists gather for the holiday season.
For reservations, please call the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library at 252-527-7066, Ext. 120 or the Greene County Public Library at 252-747-3437.