Amaryllis

A photo of one of our club member’s beautiful Amaryllis in bloom.

A few facts about Amaryllises:
  • Amaryllis is also known as "naked lady" because it produces flowers before leaves on the "naked", leafless flowering stalks.
  • Word "amaryllis" originates from the Latin word "amarus" which means "bitter". Name refers to the bitter taste of the bulb.
  • Certain substances isolated from amaryllis can be used in treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
  • Bulb of amaryllis can survive and produce new plants each year for nearly 75 years.



  "Organic Technology That Really Works"

Lecture by Mark McWilliams RLA. ICN, CopperTree, Springfield, IL
[email protected] for questions

The fertilizers used in agriculture and homeowners have salts that decrease the number of beneficial microorganisms found in soils. Thus, plants have a more difficult time growing and the minerals found in plants necessary for humans are being depleted.

Goal: Create a partnership between crops and soils.

Healthy soil has humus, carbon, microoorganisms, minerals. When microorganisms die, their refuse becomes the food for roots of plants.

How to produce better soils? 
 1. Humic acid: a carbon based product which transform into energy for plants. Helps foculate clay ( breaks it open) , attracts water and holds water in soil. Humic acid is produced humic shale. The water extraction method is preferred. The cost is $20-99 per gallon. Humic acid is beginning to be used by farmers. The Dole company uses humic acid growing bananas. Humic acid is now sold in Garden Centers and you need to google dealsers.

2. Fulvic acid: is part of the hmid structure in rich composting soil. It is an acid created in small amounts by the action of millions of beneficial microbes, working on decaying plants matter in a soil environment with adequate oxygen. It carries over 70 minerals and trace elements as part of its molecular complexes. Thus, the acid is better absorbed by plant roots and interact with living cells. Plants sprayed with fulvic acid and receive the acid easily.

3.  Marine algae: the algae takes minerals from salt water. Applying algae to soils help increase mineral content of soils.
　 Other products are bioflora crumbels: a dry product full of humic and fulvic acid and minerals. Check on line for dealers. Go Green : also check on line for dealers.
Also, check out new landscaping products called living walls: Check out EnviroBloxx and Vertex walls.

Article written by Carol Catlin
October 2016