By Grace Rabano & The Clermont Garden Club
Every month, from September through May, Clermont Garden Club members loan plants to Cooper Memorial Library and Clermont City Hall to promote horticulture awareness and connect our community to Clermont Garden Club’s programs, civic activities, and community outreach.
Clermont Garden Club member, Donna Ferraguto, has loaned her Colocasia (or Elephant Ear) to Cooper Memorial Library for February. The genus Colocasia includes species of tuberous perennials from tropical Asia, grown there as a staple food. They are native to swamps and other moist areas and can be used in large aquatic containers in the garden or in the ground in moist soil. All plant parts may cause stomach upset if eaten raw, and the sap may irritate the skin. This large foliage plant likes wet soil. Grow in bright filtered light and high humidity.
Clermont Garden Club member, Lori Toth, has loaned her raven ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’) to Clermont City Hall. The ZZ plant is a hardy and low-maintenance houseplant. It is characterized by deep purple, almost black foliage that first emerges as a bright lime green color and darkens over time. Its ideal growing conditions include bright, indirect light. The plant prefers soil is mixed with perlite to help increase drainage. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Raven zz plants don’t mind being rootbound. Divide the rhizomes and only upgrade the size of pot by a few inches.
Clermont Garden Club members meet every third Wednesday of the month (September through May) at the clubhouse located at 849 West Avenue, Clermont, FL (except during scheduled field trips or luncheons). Meetings begin by 10:00 am and light refreshments are served beforehand. New members and guests are warmly welcome.
Clermont Garden Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
