50 health s The QUEE NS Courier • health • april 4, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com By Shari Romar While some plants may bloom earlier (like last month’s Snowdrops), spotting a Crocus is a sure sign of spring. Related to irises, Crocuses have been in cultivation since the Bronze Age. Native to a large area ranging from Mediterranean Europe to the Middle East and into Asia, Crocuses were brought to northern Europe during the Holy Roman Empire and development of new varieties started around 1620. Single, cup-shaped flowers and green leaf blades emerge in spring. With 90 species and many varieties available, flower colors are vast but most common are shades of mauve, lilac, yellow and white. Often just as colorful are the flowers’ stigmas, the part of a plant’s reproductive system that receives pollen. Naturally important to the plant, this anatomical section in the species Crocus sativus is also significant in culinary circles as the source of saffron. Crocus flowers and leaves emerge from small, bulb-like structures called corms that are available in garden centers in autumn. Plant corms up to 3” deep in well-drained soil from October to December before the ground freezes. They do best in sunny spots but can brighten up woodland areas that have deciduous shade – those locations where trees won’t leaf out until Crocus blooms start to fade. Crocuses are perfect for rock gardens and also look great in turf (but remember not to mow the lawn until the flowers die back!). Unfortunately, gardeners might find one significant problem with these pretty plants: squirrels love to eat the corms and have been known to chew the flowers. This buffet might be prevented by covering garden beds with landscape netting after planting. If the netting doesn’t work, or you don’t have a yard to begin with, take heart! Crocuses can be forced to bloom indoor at any time of year (but remember – corms are usually only available in autumn). Morgan Potter, gardener at Queens Botanical Garden, offers these easy steps: Fill a container with potting soil and place corms about 3” deep. Be sure your container has drainage holes. Give the soil and corms a thorough watering and let drain. Cover the container with a plastic bag and place in the refrigerator (Crocuses need a cold period in order to flower). After about six weeks, remove the container from the refrigerator, discard the bag and place the container in a sunny windowsill. Watch for the emergence of blooms and enjoy spring! Shari Romar is the new media manager at Queens Botanical Garden. She is active at her community garden and maintains two websites, BirdsBugsBuds.com and NYCNatureNews.com. CROCUS Plant of the Month: Personalized 1- On- 1 60 Min. Treatments We Bring the Clinic to You Treated in the Comfort of Your Own Home Avoid Challenges of Travel Time Covered by Medicare http://longisland.news12.com/features/long-island-naturally-1.4069859 CALL TODAY FOR A FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION! Prefer To Come To Our Clinic? All Therapists With Doctorate Degrees No Waiting While Your Therapist Works With 2 Others One-On-One Care Most Insurances Accepted! ***FREE CONSULTATIONS*** 475 Northern Boulevard, Suite 11 Great Neck, NY 11021 www.reddycare.net -Gait and Balance Training -Transfer and Bed Mobility Training -Specialized Treatment for Cancer Patients -Post-Surgical/Stroke Rehabilitation - Strength Training *Hands On Manual Therapy Treatments * -AND MUCH MORE! “I loved going for therapy in the clinic. Due to my medical condition and the time it took me to get ready to leave my house I would be exhausted! Now I have Reddy-Care come to me and I’ve been achieving amazing results! The care they provide is life changing!” J.R. RECENTLY FEATURED COURTESY TRANSPORTATION!
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