Ripley “For Our Youth” Club talks propagation and posters

It was great to see the happy faces of the kids again as the Ripley and District Horticultural Society’s “For Our Youth” Club returned for the first meeting of the year, Saturday (Feb. 24).

Leader Heather Newman graciously hosted five leaders and 14 members and helpers at her home.

We began our meeting by introducing this year’s new leaders: Rhonda Curran and Bonnie Ernest. Heather, Melody Smillie and Kimberlee Lowry are excited to have these new leaders’ enthusiasm and helping hands on board, especially as our former leader, Tryntje Eisen, is now enjoying her well-deserved retirement.

In keeping with our 2024 theme, “Branching Out,” the Roll Call question was, “What is your favourite tree?” Answers ranged from “sumac” to “willow” and everything in between. We’re looking forward to exploring the world of trees with the club throughout the year.

Members then got down to work on their posters entitled, “The Splendor of Mother Nature,” which will be entered into the Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA)’s annual youth competition. Leaders enjoyed the creativity that everyone brought to these posters, which featured rainbows, sunsets, favourite trees and plants, as well as a variety of insects and animals.

After everyone had made some progress on the posters, members went to learn about plant propagation with leader Heather in the next room. Following a chat about different methods of propagation, leaders Melody and Bonnie showed the youth how to take cuttings from geraniums and spider plants, and several succulents, such as Heather’s enormous jade, spiky aloe and cute donkey tail plants.

Heather provided helpful hints for propagating plants, which she sent home with members so they could try it themselves:

Stem cuttings - can be used for soft stemmed, fast growing plants:
 

• Geraniums: cut between growth marks, allow the cut to dry for a few hours then insert the cutting into soil or water with at least two growth marks below the soil.
• Spider plants: simply remove a ‘baby’ plant from the main plant and insert into the soil. Try not to cover the bottom of the leaves.
• Jade plant: follow similar rules to geraniums, but no drying time is required.

Leaf cuttings - can be used for larger, succulent type leaves:
 

• Jade: remove a leaf gently and insert into the soil.
• Donkey tail: same as jade. These are very small leaves. Be sure to do a few for a better chance of success.
• African violets are another easy plant to use for leaf cuttings.

Root cuttings - Generally used for plants that produce new plants by root. Remove from the pot and gently cut the root connecting the ‘baby’ to the mother plant. Try to retain as many roots on the new plant as possible, then repot both plants.

With any luck, members will bring their successfully-rooted new plants back to our April meeting where we can re-pot them. Leader Kim planted a variety with hopes that they will take root and be available for our Plant Sale, May 18! Stay tuned for more details.

After a group photo and the singing of our club song, “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” the club members enjoyed a light snack and a dip into the treasure box before leaving with their cuttings.

We cordially invite you and your children to join us at the Ripley and District Horticultural Society’s annual March Break meeting, March 13, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre for crafts, teaching, games and snacks. All children, between the ages of six and 14, are welcome. Hope to see you there!