Liam's grade 4 class was finished with their vermiculture project before Easter and we have re-homed the worms to the greenhouse.  Gma has been feeding the worms and she is bringing them coffee grounds today as a treat.  I think the worms are very happy in the greenhouse - they have lots of food to eat and they are enjoying a shady spot under a table in their bin.  

Happy Little Worms

Quick Botany lesson for today, my sister was looking at a spring bulb catalogue and asked me about "pips".  

Types of Bulbs:

True Bulbs: have a complete miniature plant encased in a fleshy set of modified leaves called "scales".  These usually have a papery covering called a tunic (and easily seen on tulip bulbs).  They have a basal plate where the bottoms of the scales join together, (that part of the onion you cut out).  The roots grow from this basal plate.  Tulips, daffodils, lilies and hyacinths are examples of true bulbs.

Corms: are the bases of stems that become swollen and solid.  there are no scales.  They are often covered by tunics like the true bulbs, and also have a basil plate.  Corms completely expend themselves during the growth cycles, and a new one develops from buds that appear on top of or beside the old one.  Freesia, gladiolas, crocus and acidanthera are examples of corms.

Tubers: have no tunic or basal plate, but do have a tough skin that generates roots from many parts of its surface.  Corms usually have a knobby surface with the growth buds or eyes from which the shoots of the plants emerge.  Some tubers grow larger each growing season (i.e. begonia), and others produce new ones from the sides of the original ones (i.e. caladium).  Begonia, gloxinia, caladium and anemone are examples of tubers.

Tuberous Root: is a fleshy root.  The food supply is in the root, not the stem or leaf as in other bulbs.  The roots do not take up water themselves, they send up a system of fibrous roots that take in moisture and nutrients.  They produce buds from which new plants grow, and most buds are restricted to the neck of the old stem.  This area is called the crown.  Ranunculus and daylilies are examples of tuberous roots.

Rhizome: is a thickened stem that grows horizontally along or below the surface of the soil, sending stems up at intervals.  They contain buds with small scale-like leaves that appear on the top or sides of the rhizome.  Some like lily of the valley send up small upright detachable growths called PIPS which have their own roots.  Canna, lily of the valley and calla are examples of rhizomes.

I often get plant questions, and I had a very timely one this past week.  Primulas are popping up all over the stores, and they are a welcome reminder that spring is indeed on it's way - despite the snow that Mother Nature keeps sending us.  Here is a short bit on Primula care.

Primulas are grown for a bit of spring colour - much like a pan of tulips or daffodils and not to be a long term houseplant.  Fortunately a lot of them are perennial in this are so once it is warm enough, you can plant outside in a sunny spot and you may be lucky enough to see it bloom again.  In the meantime, they like bright - not direct - sun, to stay evenly moist - but not overwatered as the roots still need to breathe, and a cooler location.  This should prolong the blooming period.  When the blooms are done, gently remove spent blossoms.  Wilting can be both a sign of over and under watering - so adjust accordingly.  As with most houseplants, if using tap water, it is always a good idea to allow the water to sit overnight to allow chlorine and fluoride to dissipate before using on your plant as both can cause toxicity.  Enjoy!