Suffice it to say that this plant would be a precious acquisition in anyone’s plot of land, and will grow to a height of 40ft and look like a giant fan. The leaf bases form a receptacle for a great deal of water of the greatest value to the traveller, be that man, small mammal, or small bird.
Plants are on the market at the present time and are likely to be snatched up fairly quickly.
You wouldn’t think that people were thinking about Christmas at this moment in time, but they are. At least the people who are in the business of selling Christmas trees. The Norfolk Island pine (for that is what is mainly used in Guyana) will grow to a considerable size – some forty of fifty feet, and is quite tolerant of conditions along the coast. When they are youngsters they prefer an open compost with good drainage, and a high level of humus. And they are quite good in small containers for use in the home at the festive season. They do appreciate regular light feeds of weak fertilizer to keep them growing, and at the first chance should be taken outside into good light. Don’t allow them to dry out, for when they are young this will finish them off quickly, and their leaves will start to lose their beautiful green colouring and turn brown.
Large patio plants sometimes need to be potted into a larger container, and sometimes into a very large container. After selecting the right size pot, barrel or whatever you decide is the most appropriate container, you must first make sure that the drainage will be right, and the best way to do this is to cover the base of the pot with a layer of ‘crocks’ (broken pieces of clay pot). After knocking the plant out of the old container, it is always a good thing to remove some of the soil from the side and the base of the plant, so that the new compost which will be used can come into contact with as much of the root system as possible and as much of the old soil as possible can be removed.
The next step is to put a layer of fresh compost into the base of the new pot, place the plant into the centre of the pot, and then work new soil around the space at the sides, using something like a ruler to work it down and firm it. This firming is very important to prevent the plant rocking about. The level of the soil once the repotting is finished should be not more than an inch from the top of the pot. It may sound a cumbersome sort of job but it is really very easy if you take your time and make sure that each part of the job is done properly.
Damp conditions are great for weeds, which seem to grow far more vigorously than the plants you actually want, and use up your valuable soil, water and nutrients, and in many cases take away light. Some are hosts for diseases and pests which we can all do without. The heavy rains can take their toll of soil nutrients. Much can be washed out of the soil, and you will need to apply a good general fertilizer. Little and often is better than bunging on a whole lot at once and risking damaging the roots.
Until next week may your God go with you wherever you may be.
