Next Meeting
ALL SCHEDULED IN-PERSON MEETINGS SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION DUE TO COVID-19.
SOCIALLY DISTANT MEETING VENUES AND VIRTUAL MEETINGS ARE IN PLANNING STAGES.
NEXT: CANCELLED
Topic: Season Kickoff
Speaker: NA
Where - NHC Arboretum
Date - September 15
TIME - Welcome 6:30, Meeting at 7:00 P.M.
(Check back this summer for details.)
Events
Club members, watch your email for TCC news.
Storm Comments:
Strong winds or flying objects may damage camellias. If limbs break, trim neatly and await regrowth. Most camellias will recover, although you may need to trim new growth to limit the number of main trunks from the break point. Even breakage near the ground will recover, often rapidly since the roots are established. Stake camellias that have been bent over by high winds.
Move potted camellias to a protected site. If moved indoors, move back outside within a few days. If potted plants get saturated by heavy rain, monitor soil and do not add more water until soil moisture has returned to a moderate level.
Protect yourself by observing broken overhead limbs, power lines, trip hazards, and other debris when re-entering the garden after a storm.
Garden News
August Camellia Care
Now and through the summer, water if two weeks pass without a half inch of rain. A reliable indicator is if your azalea leaves are beginning to droop, you need to water.
If you want to root new growth cuttings, May through August is the best time to do it.
Fertilization is not required if you follow an annual April fertilization schedule. If you want additional fertilization, use an organic or a low nitrogen fertilizer (4-8-12) and water it in. It's now too late to prune most cultivars without cutting off bloom buds for the coming season. Pruning to reduce excess density or to limit size will not harm the plant. It is optional to check your airlayers. If the airlayer feels mostly firm, nothing need be done. If the covering is damaged and upon opening the moss is dry, spray with water and re-wrap.
If you plant new or indoor over-wintered camellias, monitor watering needs through the hot dry summer periods. You may need to water twice a week for a month or more as the plants adapt to the conditions outdoors in your yard.