Garden club selling caladiums as spring fundraiser
The Shell Islands Garden Club is selling a variety of caladiums this spring as a fundraiser to support island and club horticultural activities. The tuberous plants, priced at a discounted three for $10, may be ordered now until March 6. “Safe pick-up” will be available when the caladiums are delivered.
Caladiums are known for their heart-shaped leaves that display color combinations of white, pink, red and green. They thrive in a hot, humid summer climate and grow well in full to partial shade. Some caladiums have been adapted to grow in sunnier garden spots. These perennials come back year after year with no need to dig them up for winterization. Each tuber has several eyes that produce the colorful leaves.
“Plant them and forget about them,” Sandra Dalbec, fundraiser co-chair with Carol Bytnar, said. “That is, until you see their spectacular colors exploding in your garden. These caladiums are absolutely gorgeous.”
The club is offering five varieties: Frieda Hemple, Classic Pink, Pink Beauty, Aaron an Red Alert. For those who cannot decide, there is a mixed color bag available. Complete instructions for planting and care will be included with each order.
The club was founded in 1992 to encourage all phases of home gardening, to study the art of flower arranging, to promote better horticultural practices and to help conserve natural resources. Every year, it donates the proceeds of its fundraising activities to local nonprofits that support the preservation of the island’s native vegetation and wildlife habitat.
To order caladiums, contact Dalbec at 229-472-3366 or Bytnar at 239-472-1410.
For more information about the club, visit sanibelgardenclub.org.