Fall Home Improvement
October Tour Azalea
Janet Sutton
September 10, 2002
Master Gardeners will be selling azaleas propagated from the
azaleas on
the grounds of the Historic Hall House in
will be sold during The Historic October Tour, October 12-13. This is a
chance to take home a bit of local history, a proven azalea variety and a
living souvenir of historic
water it, watch it, feed it and wait patiently. In a few years it
will
develop into a large plant, a springtime blossoming beauty.
Fall is an excellant time to plant azaleas because it gives
the root
system time to develop before hot weather arrives. Site preparation
is
important, allowing space for the plant to grow, preferably in a spot with
partial shade to prevent leaf burn. Azaleas like acidic soil, with a pH of
4.5 - 5.0. Most soils in the county are acidic and with some soil
improvement, is excellant for azaleas.
Planning for the sale of Hall House azaleas started in
June, 2001, when
Master Gardeners took cuttings from the large azaleas located at the front
of the Hall House. Records do not indicate, and no one remembers exactly how
old they are, but we can guess that the azaleas have been there for 50 to
70 years. What we do know is that they are hardy plants, well
adapted to
our area, proven by their growth and showy spring blooms in shades of pink
with speckled throats, flowery double pinks, and double whites.
The cuttings were fussed over, rooted, watered, fed, potted,
nurtured,
and we sat back, waiting. Gardening is frequently comprised of a rush to
plant in the optimal season, followed by patience, patience, patience.
After a year, the young plants were repotted and moved from the Master
Gardener green house to a specially constructed shade house, where the
plants filled out with new growth.
These azaleas are being sold as a fund raiser for on going
Rowan County
Master Gardener Volunteer projects. The plants are $6.00 per plant or 3 or
$15.00. Addtional information on care and maintanence will be provided with
the plant.