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Art For Sale - Saint Michael Miniature Pen and Ink Drawings
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Our Lady of Guadalupe, stippled ink on genuine sheep skin, a (finished) Work In Progress |
As war escalates around the world, please remember each day to pray for Peace.
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Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, Inc.
The Society of Tempera Painters
Marians Of The Immaculate Conception
Pelargonium hortorum
That wonderful geranium!
ZONE: 10 (45 degrees)
TYPE: Half Hardy Annual
SOIL: Fertile, Well Drained
LIGHT: Full sun
GROWTH: Fast
A family member's geranium bed in western Massachusetts in July, 2002
Who doesn’t remember seeing a cheerful red geranium on someone’s porch, in a
basket or standing guard at an entanceway? This sturdy plant, which
is actually a Pelargonium, comes in all colors
from red to pink, salmon, white, “appleblossom” and many shades in between.
Culture for Pelargonium
x hortorum is fairly simple: give them lots of light, well
drained soil, and fertilize every two weeks during bloom. Another name for them
is “zonal” geranium which comes from the dark red or brown ring (zone) found
on their leaves.
Some say that geraniums are best in the ground, and they do thrive in an herb
garden or annual bed. They also thrive as houseplants, provided enough light is
available. Indoors or out, when in pots, I have found clay pots are best. They
dry out more quickly which helps to prevent stem rot. Good air circulation keeps
any airborne pests such as whiteflies at bay. Blooms start to arrive by
mid-spring and last right up until fall. In Victorian days, geraniums were
relied upon for cut flowers, and were a common site in living rooms. Today they
may be used for that, as well as in potpourri, scent pillows and some varieties,
in a salad! Whatever the use, geraniums add a touch of color and remembrance
to
our lives.
In addition to zonal geraniums, there are hardy geraniums (which are the true geraniums), and all types of pelargoniums including scented types, alpine, ivy-leafed, the list is extensive. More information can be found at the