Peggy Chin

Having entered the most entries in almost every class it was no surprise that Mrs Mary McDonald won many of the prizes and was awarded the Overall Winner in 2014 Flower Show held at the Umana Yana last Sunday, walking away with the Miracle Gro prize and trophy. 

Ananas comosus comes from the pineapple family (Bromeliad) and originated from Brazil in South America and spread throughout the Caribbean, Asia and Hawaii.

The Horticultural Society has announced that the annual Flower Show will be held on Saturday March 29 and Sunday March 30 at the Umana Yana, Kingston from 10 am to 6 pm each day.

Neoregelia commonly called Blushing bromeliad is found throughout South America, Central America and Florida, and grows in trees in the rainforest.

Vriesa splendens commonly called Swordtail or Flaming Sword comes from the bromeliad family and originated from Venezuela and the Guianas where it grows in trees in the rainforest. 

Tillandsia commonly called Air plants are epiphytic and come from the Bromeliacea family.

Cryptanthus commonly called Earth star comes from the Bromeliacea family and originates from the subtropics of Central and South America.

Bromeliads belong to a family called Bromeliacea and originate from South and Central America.

Over the last few weeks I have been writing about fungus and pests. 

(Continued from last week) Mealy bugs can be devastating There are two types of nealy bugs: they are either white or pink.

Pest attacks are common in both indoor and outdoor plants.  If you allow them to get out of hand, serious damage can result. 

With the heavy rainfall we are experiencing lawns and plants are showing signs of distress.

Araucaria excels, commonly called Norfolk Island pine or just Christmas tree originated from Norfolk Island, an Australian territory off the east coast of Australia in the South Pacific. 

Hibiscus sabdariffa commonly called sorrel or rosella comes from the Malvaceae family and originated from India and Malaysia, later spreading to Africa and the Caribbean.

Poinsettias evoke the holiday spirit and have become the symbol of Christmas.

Poinsettias evoke the holiday spirit and have become the symbol of Christmas.

Zingiber officinale commonly called Culinary ginger comes from the Zingiberaceae family and originates from South-east Asia. 

Euphorbia mille commonly called Crown of Thorns or Christ of Thorns originates from Madagascar and comes from the Euphorbiaceae family.

Catharanthus rosens commonly called Periwinkle, Never Done or Vinca originates from Madagascar. 

Caesalpinia pulcherrima commonly called Pride of Barbados or Peacock flower originates from the West Indies.