Meeting:

May 14, 2009

Guest Presenter:

John Schoustra

Program:

Pelargoniums From Angels to Zonals

Are pelargoniums geraniums, or is it the other way around? John Schoustra (Southern California Horticultural Society board member) answered this perplexing question. He noted the differences between the two genera and explained why pelargoniums are preferable to most geraniums for Southern California gardens. Starting with Zonals, the classic fuzzy-leafed red windowbox “geraniums,” John covered the characteristics, care, use and top varieties from each of six pelargonium categories, along with one essential geranium.

The familiar Ivy pelargoniums were also discussed, followed by Regals or Martha Washingtons, the prom queens of the pelargonium world. Scenteds, and how to smell them followed, along with the Uniques. The main focus of his lecture was on the amazing developments in almost perpetual-blooming species hybrids and Angel pelargoniums, many of which were bred in Southern California.

John’s nursery, which grows more than 500 varieties of pelargonium, is providing the plants for the opportunity drawing which follows his lecture. Discussion of those plants, some of which have never been sold to the public, will be incorporated into the final portion of his presentation.

The plant bug bit John Schoustra early in his life – he’s been designing and installing landscapes since junior high school. Following a degree in Landscape Architecture from U.C. Berkeley, John spent 15 years operating a landscaping construction firm. He then turned his attention to the finding, breeding and growing of new plants for landscape professionals. While starting up his nursery, John served five years as chief horticulturist at Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Site and Gardens in Long Beach. He has just completed three years as president of the Nursery Growers Association.

John and his wife Cynthia own and operate Rancho de las Flores, a wedding garden, and Greenwood Daylily Gardens, their wholesale/retail plant nursery, on 40 acres in Somis, California.

Opportunity Drawing

Plants for the Opportunity Drawing were provided by Greenwood Daylily Gardens.