Learn about camellias on Valentine’s Day

As a community service, the Greater Fort Walton Beach Camellia Society, which is over 50 years old, will conduct a free Camellia Workshop to introduce the camellia to area residents. The workshop will be held at the Okaloosa County Extension Annex, 127 NW Hollywood Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach from 9 a.m. until noon on February 14.

In today’s article, Greater Fort Walton Beach Camellia Society member Joseph Jenus invites you to a camellia workshop.

Members of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Camellia Society will be available to answer any questions and provide demonstrations and handouts for the following topics.

Planting and Care of Camellias – The special planting requirements for your new camellia and a monthly care calendar will be available for your potted and landscape camellias.

Propagation – There are several simple methods to propagate camellias that will be demonstrated. They include air layering, seeds and grafting.

Gibbing/Debudding – Instructions will be given on how to improve the size and quality of your camellia blooms.

Insect and Disease Pests of Camellias – Bring samples of any problems you may have for identification and recommended treatment.

Gardening with Camellias in Containers – If you don’t have a place to plant them or if you live in a northern climate, consider employing camellias as a potted plant.

Free Back Issues of Camellia Magazines – These will be available in addition to an opportunity to join the Greater Fort Walton Beach Camellia Society and the American Camellia Society.

There will be a limited number of plants for sale and a camellia bloom display. You are invited to come learn more about camellias in Fort Walton Beach this Valentine’s Day.

Larry Williams, UF/IFAS Extension Agent, Okaloosa County, February 4, 2015