Newsletter June 2024

Flower of the Month

Liatris

by Bibi

Very easy to grow, Liatris will quickly form dense clumps with low thick grassy looking foliage before flower spikes appear in mid to late Summer. They are excellent as border plants or in large containers. In Winter, the tuberous roots remain while the top dies down. Once established, Liatris will come through the coldest of Winters and the hottest of Summers.

Liatris, commonly known as Blazing Star or Gayfeather, thrives in full sun. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to produce the best blooms and maintain a healthy growth pattern. It is drought-tolerant once established. Water the plants regularly during the first growing season to help establish a deep, extensive root system. After that, watering can be reduced. It’s crucial to let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot, as Liatris prefers well-drained conditions.

Plant Liatris in well-draining soil. It is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils, as long as they are well-drained. Adding organic matter to the soil can enhance drainage and provide additional nutrients. Liatris is a hardy perennial that can tolerate a range of temperatures. Mulching in autumn to protect the roots in colder regions.

This plant is quite adaptable and can tolerate varying humidity levels. However, it performs best in areas with moderate humidity. In excessively humid regions, ensure proper air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring can encourage vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak, floppy stems.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms and prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively. In late autumn or early spring, prune back the stems to the ground to prepare for the next growing season. Liatris can be propagated by division or from seed. Dividing the clumps every few years in the spring or fall helps maintain plant health and vigour. Liatris is a symbol of satisfaction, bliss and happiness.

Fun Facts About Liatris

Liatris flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Their vibrant spikes of purple, pink, or white flowers provide a valuable nectar source. Unlike most flowering plants, Liatris blooms from the top of the flower spike downward, giving it a distinctive and eye-catching appearance.

Native American tribes historically used Liatris roots for various medicinal purposes, including treating headaches, sore throats, muscle pain, reduce fever. Leaves are used for upset stomach and antiseptic wipe for wounds. Roots are for snake bites. Liatris is a popular choice for cut flower arrangements due to its long vase life and striking appearance. It can last up to two weeks in a vase if properly cared for.

Liatris is native to North America. It is known for its toughness, Liatris can thrive in poor soil conditions and is resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.

Overall, Liatris is a stunning and resilient plant that adds vertical interest and vibrant colour to gardens while supporting local pollinators and wildlife. Watch the YouTube clip to see how Monarch Butterflies fly among Liatris for pollens. Its ease of care and unique characteristics make it a Favorite among gardeners and landscapers alike.

In this video ‘Rough Blazingstar’, you will find out how Native Americans used every part of the plant for food and medicine. Enjoy! 

Plant of the Month

Pregnant Onion

by Bibi

Pregnant Onion (Albuca bracteate) also known as the False Sea Onion or Sea Onion, is a fascinating and unusual houseplant belonging to the Asparagaceae family. Native to South Africa, this plant is renowned for its bulbous appearance and unique reproductive behaviour.

Pregnant Onion features a large, fleshy, green bulb that sits above the soil surface. This bulb can grow quite large, often reaching the size of a grapefruit. The plant produces long, strap-like leaves that can grow up to 60 cm in length, arching gracefully from the bulb. One of the most interesting aspects of the Pregnant Onion is its method of propagation: it produces small bulblets on its main bulb, giving it the appearance of being “pregnant.” These bulblets can be gently removed and planted to grow new plants.

Learn how to propagate the ‘bulblets ‘ at 6:48 mins in this clip:

Caring for a Pregnant Onion is relatively simple. It prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning or late afternoon, but too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. It is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot.

A well-draining potting mix is essential. A cactus or succulent mix works well, as it prevents water from sitting around the bulb. The Pregnant Onion thrives in typical household temperatures between 15-24°C. Keep it away from cold drafts and ensure it’s in a warm environment during winter.

Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down. The bulblets can be gently detached and planted in their own pots. They require the same care as the parent bulb.

Fun Facts: Pregnant Onion’s bulblets not only give it a distinctive look but also make it incredibly easy to propagate and share with fellow plant enthusiasts.

 In traditional South African medicine, parts of the Pregnant Onion have been used for their supposed medicinal properties, though modern use should be cautious due to potential toxicity.

This plant’s ability to thrive on minimal water and its tolerance to various lighting conditions make it a low-maintenance option for indoor gardening.

With proper care, Pregnant Onion can live for many years, continually producing new bulblets and growing larger over time. Pregnant Onion is definitely an intriguing and attractive indoor plant. With its unique appearance and propagation method, easy to care and resilience make it a delightful addition to any plant collection in your home.

For a limited time only, ‘Pregnant Onion’ is available for sale at the CFS Flower Shop.

Recipe of the Month

French Onion Soup by Wing C.

INGREDIENTS:

100 g unsalted butter; 1.25 kg brown / yellow onions , peeled, halved, thinly sliced top to bottom; 3/4 cup (185ml) dry white wine; 2 tbsp flour , plain / all purpose; 1.5 litres / 6 cups quarts good quality beef stock OR chicken; 2 dried bay leaves; 3 sprigs fresh thyme (optional); Salt and pepper

Cheesy Toast: 8 slices French baguette or other softish bread; 100 g gruyere or mozzarella cheese, or other

Caramelise Onions: Melt butter in a heavy based casserole pot over medium heat. When it starts to foam, add onions and stir to coat in butter. Cook for 30 min on medium low: Turn heat down to medium low. Cook for 30 minutes stirring every few minutes, until the onions have softened and are semi-transparent. Add salt, cook for 20 min on medium high: Turn heat up to medium or medium high. Add salt, and cook for a further 20 – 30 minutes, stirring more regularly, until onions are deep golden and sweet.

Deglaze: Add wine, then simmer rapidly for 2 minutes until mostly evaporated, stirring to scrape the bottom of the pot. Flour: Sprinkle flour over the onion and cook for 1 minute. Add broth & herbs: Add broth, thyme and bay leaves. Simmer: Cover, lower heat so it’s simmering gently then simmer for 30 minutes. Serve: Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls. Top with 1 or 2 slices of cheesy toast.

Cheese Toast: Preheat grill to high. Toast each side of bread until light golden. Top bread with cheese, then grill until melted and some brown spots appear.

Book Review

By Kim Wilkins

MARRIAGE PORTRAIT BY by MAGGIE O’FARRELL

The Northern Irish author of this very well written historical novel, Maggie O’Farrell, has penned a number of previous books, one of which won the Women’s Prize for Fiction. This is her latest effort. It is set in Renaissance Italy in the sixteenth century.

Lucretia is the youngest daughter of the famous Cosimo de Medici, the ruler of Florence. At the age of 14 she is married off to Alfonso, the Duke of the nearby state of Ferrara. We very quickly learn that she fears that Alfonso plans to murder her.

This is in fact based on a historical event which is also the subject of a poem by the famous English poet, Robert Browning. The book is told through the eyes and thoughts of Lucretia. It rotates back and forth between the events leading up to her possible murder and Lucretia’s life story. She is brought up in the Palazzo in Florence.

It is well researched so we see the life of the Italian nobility in the 16th century, a time of fabulous wealth and culture.

The mystery, as to whether she will be murdered, remains until the end of the book. I did find it a little ponderous in parts. Also, the character of Alfonso is somewhat one dimensional. However the many people who have visited Tuscany or are interested in the painting, sculpture, architecture, costumes and culture of 16th century Italy will enjoy this 400 page novel.

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From the Desk of Bibi

Why Transcendent Thinking is good for young people? by Dr Bibiana Chan

As a child, I enjoyed contemplating deeply. Perhaps I was naturally inclined toward introspection, or maybe I absorbed the wisdom of a Chinese idiom that advises reflecting at least three times a day – 吾日三省吾身 (wú-rì-sān-xǐng-wú-shēn). . I won’t wade into the “Nature vs. Nurture” debate, but recent research by a team at  Center for Affective Neuroscience, Development, Learning and Education (CANDLE) suggests that engaging in ‘transcendent thinking’ during adolescence—looking beyond immediate contexts to grasp deeper meanings and implications—can predict psychosocial outcomes in young adults. This study underscores how this sophisticated form of thought supports the coordination between the brain’s executive control and default mode networks, crucial for psychological well-being. Continue reading.

Further reading:

The teen brain: 7 things to know.

What really goes on in teens brains?
Arctic Parenting Style

Subscriber’s Corner

The ‘Fruit’ of Volunteering by Jan France (the coordinator at Warners Park Community Garden).

I’ve now lived in Willoughby for 40 years! I grew up in an Australian/Greek household and had a wonderful role model in my mother Lilian. Coming from an ethnic background, she was acutely aware of people being left out and marginalized.

I‘ve recently become a Grandma, or yiayia, continue reading.

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CFS was recently awarded a Volunteer Grant ($2,000) by the Federal Government with the support from Hon. Kylea Tink, MP for North Sydney. This fund will help us reimburse the cost of transportation of our volunteers and provide training to upskills.