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6 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | DECEMBER 2022 By Clare Mendez, Resident Poinsettias are certainly one of the most popular holiday plant sold in America. They have large colorful bracts which are often mistaken for flowers. The flower is actually the tiny yellow cluster in the center. There are over 100 varieties in numerous colors but as Christmas approaches, red is the most popular color purchased. Ideally, when purchasing poinsettias, look for a plant that is green and just about to bud. Don't choose one with yellow pollen dripping from the flower. That is a sign the plant is aging. As in all potted plants, choose one that is about twice as tall as the pot and stick your hand under the decorative packaging to make sure the plant is not waterlogged. Pot-bound and drowning plants will not last long at all. If you are thinking about planting them in your garden, know they will grow about 10 feet tall if not pruned and they will not tolerate frost or dry soil. The best time to plant poinsettias outdoors is in late spring, after the last frost has passed. It's not advised to plant your poinsettia outdoors straight after Christmas because they need to be slowly acclimatized to the change in temperature and light. In order for them to burst with color, they will need total darkness from about 5 pm to 8 am so don't plant them under any lights. By The Solera Variety Show Group The Solera Variety Show Group put on a wonderful show for our 'island' community. Entertainment by the community for the community. It was an exceptional time of fun and laughter with all of the Show Group Members and Performers giving you their best. A huge shout out of "THANKS" to all. Here are the members and performers, in alphabetical order by last name, that made this show happen: Karla Allen, Vivian Bellini, Janet Boyce, Linda Bradstreet, Paul Bradstreet, Don Briggs, Susan Briggs, Charlie Cashen, Jim Daylong, Mary Ellen Daylong, Shirley Ferruzzi, Mitsuko Frederickson, Barbara Goodwin, Pam Grider, Ralph Grider, Dennis Haffeman, Jim Harris, Alton Hunter, Leslie Hunter, Connie Jauregui, Ken Jones, Jana Main, Steve Patrick, Jesus Ramirez, Irene Reyes, Howard Robertson, Frank Ross, Beverly Splitgerber, Cerline Smith, Susan Stevens, Kathy Townley, Millie Varia, Raul Villa, Tom Wachs, John Wright, Mike Wynne. POINSEIAS Wow! What a Fantastic Show!