Studying Of Poinsettias And Their Culture
In the deep South poinsettias are grown outdoors – and it was in Mission, Texas, that the American Poinsettia Society had its beginnings. Around 1940, the first poinsettia show was staged, in a private home for members of the Mission Garden Club. It was beautiful, and the members decided to include a similar show in their next year’s program.
For a number of years the poinsettia show was staged in the homes of members, until the public learned of the event and wished to see it. Churches and public buildings were then utilized for the show. On December 13, 1957 the 17th Annual All-Poinsettia Show was presented. The guest book, over a 16-year period, included the names of visitors from practically every state in the Union, and from a number of foreign countries.
It is believed to be the only all-poinsettia show in the United States, and it was directly responsible for the organization of the American Poinsettia Society. A group of horticulturists and exhibitors met during the summer of 1953, elected temporary officers, formulated a program of study and drafted a constitution. The objects of the Society are to study the culture, propagation and exhibition of poinsettias; to encourage and promote the development and improvement of all poinsettias; and to collect and record information concerning poinsettias and to make available such information.
The very young Society accomplished a great deal. A bulletin was published for members, including general information on poinsettias as well as specialized data on “Poinsettias in the Landscape Design,” “Foliage Plants for Poinsettia Arrangements,” and the outlines of addresses heard at annual meetings.
A Certificate of Award was presented by the Society for the first time at the 16th Annual Poinsettia Show. The award-winning double red poinsettia specimen was scored 90 points out of 100 possible by three nationally accredited flower show judges who were members of the Society. This award will be presented at each annual show.
The Society assembled a set of slides and data that thoroughly covered the culture of poinsettias. It started with a slide showing the weed from Mexico from which the poinsettia was developed, continues with landscaping suggestions, varieties, and so on, to arrangements exhibited at the annual shows.
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