.BY DONNA WESTFALL

The first meeting of the year was held at Pizza King in Crescent City.  Everyone came in around 11 am, ordered lunch and chatted with their friends and fellow gardeners.  Roots and Shoots does not require any dues and does not have any membership rules except to come and have a good time.

Several members brought in plants to share.  Dahlia bulbs and butterfly bush cuttings were there for anyone that wanted some to take home.

President Mary Anne Buckles presented the calendar for the coming year. After her run down of the coming years programs, Andrea Dahlberg

gave a quick synopsis about buying, propagating, and growing African violets in time for this years August fair.  Quick tips: Plant in 1/2 peat and 1/2 perlite.  They like to be root bound and dry to the touch before watering.  Use room temperature water and water from the bottom.  Don’t let them bloom six weeks before the August Fair.

Mary Anne’s husband, Bob Buckles spoke about soil, and the importance of adding compost and vegetable matter.  Good soil will have 10 worms in it in a 1′ x 1′ x 6″ area.  Testing soil acidity can be as easy and inexpensive as using a litmus paper. It’s an important factor in growing plants.

About 30 people enjoyed themselves listening to the presentations and receiving all sorts of hand-outs to help them remember everything that was said.

The next meeting is scheduled for February 25th at Pizza King at 11 am. On the program is growing African Violets from A to Z with Andrea Dahlberg.