39 members and two guests came together to hear an interesting and engaging talk from Sharon Ferguson, The Queen of Green, at our February luncheon.
Sharon, accompanied by a verdant display of indoor plants, spoke of her journey to create her business of growing, selling and advising on house plants. Beginning as a teenager rescuing an aspidistra, Sharon now sells at local markets, agricultural shows and fairs as well as offering workshops and talks.
Members heard about the benefits that house plants can have on our physical health, for example the Peace Lily recycling harmful chemicals from the air, as well as our mental health through creating a calm environment that is good for learning.
Top tips for providing the optimum environment for house plants were also given. These considerations included the correct lighting, watering and drainage to ensure that a chosen house plant thrived. Advice around pest control was also offered.
Sharon shared with members the history of terrariums, from accidental plant growing on research expeditions to the amazing 64-year-old terrarium that still thrives today. Members then watched as Sharon demonstrated how to plant up a terrarium, explaining the importance of the different layers of growing medium that contribute to a successful terrarium and advising on suitable tools for terrarium gardening.
At the end of the talk members asked questions about their own house plants, such as how to propagate a plant. Members also took the opportunity to treat themselves to a new house plant purchase.
