September 2009 - On Top of the World Communities Info

September 2009 The World News® 11NatureAround UsDoris MauricioWhen all of our other flowering shrubsare petering out, Camellias begin theirprolific blooming. Camellias flower in thefall and winter when their display of colorfulblooms is most appreciated. Duringthe remainder of the year their evergreenfoliage, interesting shapes and textures,and relatively slow growth make camelliasexcellent landscape plants.Most of the camellia shrubs seenthroughout On Top of the World are Camelliajaponica. These tall stately shrubsare considered the “Aristocrat of theSouth.” Camellia sasanqua has grownmore popular in the last few years becauseit stays relatively small (two to fourfeet) and tolerates more sun. The flowerson Camellia japonica can be four tosix inches in diameter while the flowerson Camellia sasanqua are two to threeinches.Set out healthy new plants when theyare dormant, usually late fall through earlyspring. All camellias do best in partiallyshaded locations with shelter from thehot afternoon sun. But don’t plant wherethey will be in close competition with surroundingtrees. They like soils rich in organicsand with good water drainage. Feedwith an acid-forming azalea or camelliafertilizer in spring after the flowers havedropped and again in mid-summer.The best time to do major pruning iswhile the plant is dormant (during fall/winter). Minor or selective pruning canbe done any time but is best done afterthe plant has flowered and before it hasstarted to develop new flower buds.September is a good time to begin preparinghouseplants that have spent thesummer outdoors for their trip inside.Check for insects, reduce watering andwash outside of pots with a bleach solution.Feed camellias and azaleas. Use a lownitrogen fertilizer or cottonseed meal.New rose bushes can be planted thismonth. If you plant other than Old GardenRoses, be sure that the plants youCamellia shrub at Rainbow Springs State Park.choose are grafted on Fortuniana or Dr.Huey rootstock. Other rootstock cannottolerate our hot wet conditions.The Marion County Extension Officehas Master Gardeners on duty on weekdaysfrom 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer yourgardening concerns. You can call themat 671-8400. You can reach me at 237-3479 or dmauricio@cfl.rr.com. I will domy best to assist you with your gardeningconcerns.Mark your calendars for the followingPhoto by Doris Mauricioevents in October:Butterfly Gardening in Central Floridapresented at Freedom Library on Oct. 13at 2 p.m.Master Gardener Fall Gathering on Oct.10, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A large assortment ofperennials and shrubs grown by MasterGardeners will be available at reasonableprices.Happy gardening!Birders’ BeatJane CallenderThe Unique Birders began as the resultof an Elderhostel program I attended inthe Forest several years before movingto On Top of the World (12 years ago.)There were two programs during thatweek – “Antiques,” taught by a man whocollected watches and diaries. He readaloud parts of the old diaries, which werefascinating. The second part of the programwas “Birding,” taught by a tall, 40ishjust out of the military man. The classroominstruction covered way more thanmost of us could assimilate. The field tripconsisted of trying to follow or just keepup with his speedy hike. Just as I wouldfinally (gasping for air) arrive at wherethe scope had been set up, it would besnapped shut and moved quickly downthe trail. The last evening was an “owlprowl.” I ended the week trying to findmy way back to camp on a sandy road inpitch-blackness. I wanted some fun andknowledge in a little slower manner.When I arrived at On Top of the Worlda couple of years later, I asked if there wasa birding group. “No, but you could putup a notice and see if there was any interest.”And, since I thought there should bea birding group for people who weren’tinterested in hiking, I put up a notice. Wehad more than the required ten respondand the first meeting was held. Several ofthe original members still participate inour meetings and trips. Each one of us isunique either mentally or physically.We decided not to have a formal organization– no officers, no minutes andno dues. After 12 years, we have evolvedinto a mixed group with some very knowledgeable,experienced birders and somereal beginners. We’re laid back, mostlynon-competitive people who enjoy theoutdoors. We also have several membersfrom the Native Plant group. Dues arepaid after you have been attending tripsand meetings for a while. Then you organizeor present a meeting or trip. Whenwe organize a trip, we always find a placeto eat lunch that does not serve food onstyrofoam or use plastic forks. Planningis done once a year in February.For most of our 12 years, we havejoined other bird clubs for the Christmasbird count. Our special area is the leveePhoto by Margitta ClaterbosMembers of Unique Birders looking for eagles at Citrus CountyLandfill February 2009.at Sunnyhill - a delightful place to birdand a trip I always look forward to. We doseveral driving trips and boat trips duringthe cooler months as well as easy walkswith surprisingly good counts and someunusual birds.Meetings are held on the third Tuesdayof the month at the Arbor ConferenceCenter, Suite H, at 1:30 p.m. from Octoberto May. Trips are the last Thursdayof these months. For more information,contact Roberta at 854-4814 or Margittaat 873-0731.Submitted by Roberta CampbellEmergency After-HoursPhone Number236-OTOW (236-6869)