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The elegance of calla lilies

Can you think of any flowers more elegant than calla lilies? Their simple shape is the epitome of stylish design.
lilies

Can you think of any flowers more elegant than calla lilies? Their simple shape is the epitome of stylish design. An elegant but simple flower arrangement is a few callas in a clear vase: no greenery, nothing else to detract from the swooping shape of the flowers.

While callas will do well planted directly in your garden, as long as it is in a spot that has shade or indirect sun, container gardeners might think that callas are not an option for them.   

But guess what! Did you know that calla lilies are very easy to grow in pots? A dear gardening friend of ours gave us some calla lilies several years ago, and they are still growing and amazing in containers. These callas are smaller than the large, traditional white callas, but they come in a wide assortment of colors, and the smaller blooms are more versatile for home flower arrangements. They last longer than you would expect. When I look at flower arranging books, these smaller callas are the ones that are so stunning in contemporary bridal bouquets, as well.  So if you are out and about and see the packaged calla tubers in the stores, don’t be afraid to give them a try!

Begin with a pot at least twelve inches across, with drainage holes in the bottom.  Calla lilies do not like their feet to be wet! Fill it with a soil-less mix, and water gently before you plant the tubers, just so it is nice and moist: not wet! 

Plant the tuber facing up: I know that sometimes tubers of all kinds can look a little gnarled and we’re not sure which side is up! But if you check the tuber you will likely see signs of emerging tips, so plant these pointing upwards.

Once the tuber is planted and covered with soil, water it a bit more just to settle it into its new home, and place the planter in a bright location. Callas do not like to grow in full sun, but they need the light to get growing.

Now the fun part:  when we can actually move our containers outdoors! When danger of frost is past, place your calla container in a shaded location or a spot with indirect sunshine; they do not like full sun.  Keep the soil evenly moist, not wet, and every few weeks we can give them a little tonic with a balanced fertilizer.

You will be delighted and amazed at how beautiful your callas look once they start blooming, and how exciting it is to cut one perfect bloom and place it in a bud vase on your kitchen table! Then in the fall, bring the entire container indoors, place it in a cool, dark space, and let it rest until next spring and you can begin the calla season again!

Wednesday, April 18 at 7:00 p.m. is the day of the next Yorkton and District Horticultural Society’s next regular meeting at SIGN on North Street. Our special guest will be Glen Tymiak talking to us about growing and caring for tomatoes. Glen is so very knowledgeable about all aspects of gardening, but every gardener has his or her favorites, and I think tomatoes must be one of Glen’s favorites!  His tomato plants are legendary! If you have a question about tomatoes, Glen is the man with the answers. He’ll tell us all we need to know to get our plants producing delicious tomatoes, so join us on April 18. You don’t have to be a member to come to the meetings.

Visit us at www.yorktonhort.ca to see what’s happening with the group, and upcoming meetings and events, like our spring plant and bulb sale on May 25.  More about that later!

Isn’t it wonderful to see gardening items in the stores! Enjoy browsing and making your gardening plans, and have a great week!