Excelsior Springs, MO – The Excelsior Springs Garden Club is back in bloom after a period of dormancy. The club, which was already facing dwindling membership before the COVID-19 pandemic, has been revived thanks to the efforts of local resident Mikki Bohannon.
Bohannon helped organize and relaunch the club earlier this year using Facebook Groups. At its latest meeting on Wednesday, June 5th, at Siloam Mountain Park, the club drew 15 enthusiastic gardeners and plant lovers eager to share their horticultural experiences and learn from their guest speakers.
Guest speakers Jay “the Snail” Vantuyl from Pleasant Hill and Ardyth Stone from Kearney provided a crash course on African Violet care and propagation.
Vantuyl and Stone covered a range of topics, from the ideal soil mix (think peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite) to proper watering techniques (wick, mat, or bottom watering are best). They emphasized using urea-free fertilizer with specific NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) ratios and discussed lighting options, including fluorescents, LED, and natural light. Attendees learned about temperature, humidity, and air circulation needs, along with grooming techniques for a well-shaped plant. Repotting frequency and the importance of pot size relative to plant diameter were also covered, with the key message being that African Violets thrive when slightly root-bound.
The meeting concluded with a demonstration of leaf propagation, covering preparation, propagation containers, and the various stages of the process. Attendees were also provided with plant cuttings and resources to learn more about African Violets, including local violet clubs, nurseries, online resources like Dr. Optimara and the AVSA website, and, of course, YouTube videos.
The Excelsior Springs Garden Club is ready to help you cultivate your inner gardener! They’re actively seeking new members, so if you’re looking to unearth some hidden horticultural talents or just want to brush up on your plant knowledge, this is the perfect place to grow your skills. Head over to their Facebook group to learn more.
If you appreciate the value our local journalism brings to the community, please consider making a recurring contribution to the Excelsior Citizen!
