GROWING STEPHANOTIS
This attractive vine with its leathery dark green leaves and pure white, highly aromatic flowers is a stephanotis vine. Also known as Madagascar jasmine, wax flower or Hawaiian wedding flower, it is native to Madagascar. It was traditionally used in bridal bouquets as the cluster of flowers hung down and smelled sweet.
It is a quick growing, climbing vine with fragrant, waxy star shaped white flower. It needs to be supported on a frame/trellis or fence. My friend has a vine growing through a magnolia tree. Both plants have thick green leaves and white blooms. It looks very pretty.
These are the seed pods. They are about the size of a large avocado. The pod will turn brown as it dries out, then split and release many seeds, each attached to white silky filaments, or propellers, which will spread them far and wide on the wind.
To Grow Stephanotis
I was given the brown seeds from a seed pod. I dug a trench about 2cm deep in seed raising mix, scattered the seeds in the trench then lightly covered them with more soil. I kept the pot moist as it was very hot here at the time. Within two weeks the first dichotyledon (two leaf) plants had appeared. Within three weeks all the seeds planted had germinated.
The seeds and seedlings need to be kept moist. They germinate in hot weather.
Three weeks later I transferred the seedlings to temporary pots ( yoghurt pots) to take to a friend who wanted to plant them along her fence. I have already planted more seeds and will pot them up to give to my Mother. She grows plants for fund raising stalls. The funds support the School Chaplain program in her parish.
Stephanotis plants like heat but not constant direct sunlight. They flower in summer. The flowers have a strong but attractive scent and once established, they are hardy and bloom freely. They need the support of a frame or fence.
In cooler climates stephanotis are grown inside as a house plant. They need to be near a window for light and warmth. Be careful not to over water the plant.
Other highly scented plants which will attract birds and bees and are blooming now are gardenias, lavenders and frangipanis.
Grateful
I’ve just come back inside from checking on some lavender seedlings I planted in the front courtyard. I’m glad I checked; the reticulation needs adjusting. While I was out there I looked down towards the highway. Two lanes moving, the other two lanes not. We live near several big private schools and the highway goes into the city, so the traffic can be awful early in the morning, then not so bad, then heavy again in the afternoon from 4-6pm. Looking at the cars I felt so grateful I didn’t have to edge along with them to work!
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Sunday, 8th March, we celebrate International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is #EachforEqual. The over riding view is an equal world is an enabled world. It is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
The Women’s Movement of the 70s strived for the same changes, but in Australia there is still not equal pay for equal work in all fields of employment. Consider female representation in parliaments and in company leadership. We have along way to go.
So, let’s celebrate the courage and determination of the women who have played a role in change but also be mindful of areas which are unfair and limiting our women and girls.