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Page 4B The Braselton News Wednesday, December 19, 2007 Social Bromeliads: Nearly indestructible tropical houseplants Although some bromeliads have been well-known in horticulture since the days of Christopher Columbus, most notably the edi ble pineapple, the vast majority did not become popular for house- plant use until the 1930s. Thanks almost solely to the late Mulford B. Foster of Orlando, Fla. — who set out on his first col lecting trip in 1935 to obtain bro meliads in various parts of Latin America — these plants are now as commonplace in tropical gar dens throughout the world, and as indoor specimens elsewhere. In addition to their greatly varied foliage and flowers, their popular ity is largely due to the fact that they are as close to indestructible as a plant can get. Although they prefer consistent conditions of moisture and sun light in keeping with their varied habitats, the majority are xero- phytic. In laymen’s terms, this means they can endure long peri ods without water. This character istic not only applies to bromeliad species native to dry climates, but also to those that grow as epi phytes perched high in the tree- tops of tropical forests. Those endemic to the tropical rainforests tend to have softer, less stiff foliage, and smaller res ervoirs for catching water in their centers. Those native to tropical forests with distinct wet and dry seasons, on the other hand, tend to have larger central reservoirs and tougher foliage often covered in gray scales that form attractive patterns. Gardener’s Grapevine with Fil Jessee filwrites@aol.com In both cat egories, the sizes of mature bromeliads vary consid erably from those smaller than a fist to those larger than a six foot-tall man. But the majority of those most popular for houseplant use are seldom bigger than a beach ball. The most popular species com monly available at almost all local garden centers are those that take the least amount of time to grow from seedlings and off shoots to attractively marketable specimens with a long shelf-life. This include mainly species of Aechmea, Billbergia, Cryptanthus, Guzmania, and Neoregelicv, occa sionally Tillandsia and Dychia as well. Among the larger of these, the silver leaved Aechmea fasciata with its graceful vase shape and long-lasting light pink flower bract is among the toughest for growing in dry indoor conditions. As long as you keep its central reservoir filled with water and don’t allow its potting soil to dry out for more than a day or two between water ing, it’s generally happy in any bright light situation. On the other hand, with that much water on top and a light well drained soil mix below, it tends to became a bit top-heavy unless repotted in a heavier container with an ample layer of pea gravel at the bottom for added weight. Most members of the Billbergia genus exhibit a s i m 1 i a r growth habit, but have very shiny leaves that appear shellacked. Although they are among the easiest of all bromeli ads to grow indoors, they are less commonly available at nurseries and garden centers simply because their blooms are less long lasting. Nevertheless, the flowers are nothing short of spectacular, and well worth growing if you can obtain plants from other hobbyists who advertise in such publica tions as the Georgia Farmers & Consumers Market Bulletin. Two of my favorite Billbergia species are pyramidalis, which produces upright bright fuschia blooms with blue-tipped petals and venezuelana that produces long pendulous bracts in pink with blue-tipped pale green flowers. For me, the latter blooms several times a year and is just spectacular in hanging baskets. Another favorite from a differ ent genus is Neoregelia Carolina tricolor. This plant is not dis tinguished by spectacular flowers but, rather, for its vertically striped green and yellow leaves and the fact that the rim of the central reservoir turns a brilliant shade of rose pink when the plant is ready to bloom. The actual flow ers are inconspicuous, purple, and appear to float on the surface of the water. For indoor gardeners with lim ited space but a desire for a nicely varied bromeliad collection, I sug gest one to three large specimens from the Aechmea. Billbergia, or Neoregelia genus, and a smaller assortment of your choice from others. You should have no trouble finding most of these in bloom and reasonably priced at Wal-mart, Home Depot, or Lowes. Heavy plastic pots and a fast draining potting mix are fine for most bromeliads. However, you may want to add gravel to the soil mix and switch to heavier clay pots for larger plants. Do remember that the original plants will gradually fade away as blooms wither, but these will be replaced by offshoots (called “pups”) which should bloom the following season. Once these pups are large enough to handle and to hold water in their centers, you can separate them with a sharp knife and start new plants in this manner. This will usually encour age the mother plant to develop additional offspring, which can either be left to mature in the original containers or potted sepa rately. Fil Jessee lives in Braselton, where he works as a freelance journalist. He is a Georgia Certified Plant Professional with experience in ornamental horticul ture and landscape design. Reader questions relating to gardening can be sent to Fil at fllwrites@ aol.com. Golf tournament at Chateau Elan raises $350,000 for research The 25th annual Hit ’Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament sponsored by Hemophilia of Georgia (HOG) raised more than $350,000 toward research for a cure for inherited bleeding dis orders. More than 250 golfers partici pated in the tournament on Oct. 30, at Chateau Elan. Sixty-seven companies contrib uted to the success of the 25th annual tournament by serving as corporate sponsors or by provid ing products and services. The Hit ’Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament is chaired by Bill Acree of the Atlanta Braves, which supports the golf tourna ment each year. In 2006, the Ernie Johnson Award was established to honor an individual for long standing support, leadership, and commitment to the Hit ’Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament. The 2007 Ernie Johnson Award was presented to Phil Neikro in honor of his ongoing support for the tournament and his efforts to assist Hemophilia of Georgia in raising funds to find a cure for bleeding disorders. Each year, dozens of volunteers assist in the planning and onsite coordination of the Hit ’Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament. This year, a record 80 volunteers gave a combined total of 920 volunteer hours in support of the tournament. Hemophilia is a hereditary genetic disorder in which a per son’s blood is not able to clot normally. In normal blood, pro teins called clotting factors work together to form a clot whenever bleeding occurs. The person with hemophilia lacks or doesn’t have enough of a certain clotting factor so the blood can’t make a clot. Hemophilia is a rare disorder, affecting about 17,000 people in the United States. People with hemophilia stop bleeding by tak ing an injection of the clotting factor that is missing from their blood. However, the clotting fac tor used to treat hemophilia is very expensive. Some patients reach their lifetime insurance maximum at very young ages. Hemophilia of Georgia is a non profit organization dedicated to providing services and support for Georgians who have hemo philia, von Willebrand Disease, and other inherited bleeding dis orders. The only agency of its kind in the state, Hemophilia of Georgia works to enhance clients’ care and quality of life while actively pursuing a cure through research funding. HoG’s nonprofit pharmacy provides home delivery of clotting factor and other medi cations at competitive prices. The agency’s mission states thatHemophilia of Georgia exists so that people in Georgia affected by bleeding disorders live as nor mally and productively as pos sible. For more information, visit www.hog.org. MR. AND MRS. HARKINS Skelton, Harkins marry Nov. 17 Rebecca Skelton and Lee Harkins, Jefferson, were united in marriage November 17, 2007, at River of Life Worship Center, Nicholson, with the bride’s uncle, Jerry W. Skelton, officiating. The bride is the daughter of Randall Skelton Sr. and Becky Skelton, Braselton, and the groom is the son of Travis Harkins Sr. and Sandra Harkins, Braselton. The bride was given in marriage by her father. Her sister, Amanda Moon, served as the matron of honor, and her sister, Ashley Skelton, served as the maid of honor. Bridal attendants were: the bride’s sister- in-law, Sarah Skelton; the bride’s cousins, Michelle Bryant and Katie Brain; and the bride’s friend, Alicia Purdy. The bride’s nieces, Alley Skelton and Kyra McKinney, were the flower girls. Tyler Whisnant, the groom’s nephew, served as the best man. Groom’s attendants were: the groom’s cousin, John Finley; the groom’s friends Josh Lord and Jamie Lord; the groom’s cousin, James Harkins; and the bride’s cousin, Jimmy Bryant. Seth Gooch, the groom’s nephew, served as the ring bearer. Allen Skelton, the bride’s nephew, and Trevin Sweat, the groom’s nephew, were candlelighters and ushers. Tacey Sweat, the groom’s niece, was the bride’s book attendant. A reception was held in the River of Life Worship Center’s reception hall. A rehearsal dinner was held at the reception hall by the bride and groom. The couple resides in Jefferson. Humane Society holding membership drive The Humane Society of Hall County is holding its membership drive now through Feb. 28, 2008. The humane society’s shelter operates primarily on donations and membership dues. Due to the influx of animals in 2007, the organization is asking for people to become members to assist the humane society in maintaining its level of service for all unwanted animals it receives from the com munity. Membership fees are $10 for students, $25 for adults, $35 for families, $50 for “supporting,” $100 for “patrons” and $500 for “golden.” Each membership includes a quarterly newsletter, “Pet Pause.” Current members are asked to renew their memberships timely and ask their friends and family to join them in a membership. The member who refers the most new members during the membership drive period will receive a small prize. Contributions to the humane society are tax deductible. For more information, or for a membership form, call 770-532-6617. FOR INFORMATION ABOUT CANCER, INFORMATION ON SERVICES AND PROGRAMS, CALL THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK 1-800-227-2345 OR ON THE INTERNET AT WWW.CANCER.ORG Who do you see when you have FOOT PAIN? A PODIATRIST! When you have a toothache ^ you see a Dentist. '..0,4. If your child is sick, you see a Pediatrician. So why not see a Podiatrist when you have foot pain? i (y r.v rfW- Podiatrists are the only specialists exclusively trained to care for foot & ankle problems. So call for an appointment today! WE SPECIALIZE IN THE CORRECTION OF THESE COMMON PROBLEMS: • Bunions • Corns and Calluses • Heel Pain • Hammer toes • Injuries to Foot & Ankle • Warts • Ingrown Nails • Flat Feet • Office & Hosp. Surgery DR. DREW XENOS Podiatric Surgeon Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery. Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery. Winder, Across from Barrow Medical Center 770-867-4110 WHEN YOUR FEET HURT, YOU HURT ALL OVER. Dr. Xenos has been serving Jackson and Barrow Counties for 31 years. Evans Jewel Box All Giftware, Crystal, Tracy Porter Porcelain, Silver Hollo ware, Zrika and Peggy Carr 25-30% OFF All Italian Fancy Bracelets, Bangles, Anklets & Chains 35-50% OFF All Diamond Jewelry Diamond Finns, Pendants, Laninpa. Hracielets. Add-A-Diamond Bracelets, EmeraSds, Sappliires & Mies Fil h Diamonds 35-40% OFF In Stock Only Gush or I-iiynway ‘ttl l'll ri hi mas Entire Stock Watches & Clocks by Seiko, Butova, Cyma QTtdAcadroH 20■30% OFF Choose From Over 400f Honora Color. E uha.thL.Qd.. Cultured Freshwater Pearl Line 20% OFF Christmas Giftware All Fitz & Floyd, Waterford & Ganz Ornaments ITy Bhw Skv, & Waterfurd. FU* St Floyd Candle & Soonffl 25-30% OFF Special Holiday Hours: December 20 & 21 • 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday, December 22 • 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Closed Sunday Dec. 23 Open Christmas Eve 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Evans <c \uair Full St'i'vlfti Jt , wt*lr> f (lift nnrl HmL;i] Sturt 1 ' 1 Professional Jewelry £■ Watch lir-pair. In-house Service. 55 N. Broad St. • Downtown Winder ■ 770-867-3761