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36 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2014 CLUBS & GROUpS | FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2014 37 Some plants are better just enjoyed for their beauty rather than "understood" for their taxonomy. The begonia is a perfect example. A bright-shade loving, subtropical to tropical, forest dwelling plant, the genus Begonia was named after a French governor of Haiti. Botanists identify around 1,500 species, mostly from South and Central America, Africa and southern Asia. Male and female flowers bloom on the same plant and their asymmetric leaves are often variegated. There is some confusion regarding the classification of begonias as many varieties have unique features. However, now the following types of begonias are universally accepted: 1. Tuberous Begonias — these are hybrids of native South American begonias with large flowers which is the defining feature of tuberous begonias. They grow well in semi- shaded areas and need protection against strong winds. They are not frost hearty. 2. Rex Begonias — these are famous for their exotic foliage. Their leaves have a bright-green shade uncommon in most begonias. Rex Begonias are difficult plants to grow since their sensitivity to temperature fluctuations is higher than other begonias. They need sustained moist conditions with humidity around 70 percent. 3. Cane-like Begonias — their stem is very stiff and can withstand the strongest of winds, giving this begonia its defining name. They are also called angel wing begonias and true-tree begonias. These are some of the few begonias that are suited for both outdoor gardens and pots but their mature angel wings can reach a height of about 10 feet. 4. Semperflorens Begonias — commonly called wax begonias are probably one of the most popular bedding plants in the western world. Innumerable flats of these sturdy plants are poked into the soil every spring to create lush beds of flowers. The reasons for this heavy use are obvious: they're a durable, ever-blooming plant that provides sweeping color in single or double blooms called wax or bedding begonias. They are grown mainly for their bronze and green-colored foliage and are ideal for dry conditions. 5. Rieger Begonias — also called Blush or Hiemalis begonias are one of the few winter-flowering begonias. They can be killed by the slightest amount of water stagnation. Their flower hues are varied, ranging from scarlet to pinks and pastels. 6. Trailing Begonias — also called Trailing Scandents. These are used for decoration purposes, typically in hanging baskets or as climbers in the garden. Propagating them in the garden is easy by using stem or tip cuttings. 7. Shrub Begonias — almost an identical image of the Trailing Scandents but they have a thicker foliage. Their flower has lavish leaves and thick stems and is ideal for potting and being placed indoors — being constantly shaded is not an issue. 8. Thick-stem Begonias — the classification status of this variety is still not clear. The tradition of "the language of flowers," which assigns specific sentiments and meanings to various types of flowers, goes back centuries in China and the Middle East. It reached a high point in popular culture during the Victorian era, when Queen Victoria became an enthusiast. In this tradition, begonia flowers meant "be cautious" or attributed "a fanciful mind" to the sender or recipient of the blossoms. ~ Leonard Tavernetti Garden Club Hello residents, it's Amphitheater Season again! It's hard to believe it's the sixth year and how it has grown from our humble beginnings of residents, family and friends donating their talents to entertain us on warm summer nights. With all of your support, along with our Board of Directors and the Events Systems Committee we would never have had all the fine entertainers we have had perform at our Amphitheater. This summer will be no different with the wonderful and varied talent that has been booked. Sunday, May 18, at 7 pm we start with Dyan Hobday, singer and actor. Dyan has put together an evening of tunes and tales revolving around searching, finding, losing and rediscovering love. She has been performing for over 20 years in Southern California. Along with touring internationally with a Children's Theater Company, she also spent five years performing at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure Park. Dyan has had many memorable roles in some of the best musicals; Phantom, Into The Woods, Pirates of Penzance, Sound of Music and Sweeney Todd, to name a few. Be sure to come on down to the Amphitheater for this talented lady and her cabaret style show. It will be a great way to start your summer. Amphitheater reminders and tips: Bring a blanket or sweater, it can get chilly after dark. No glass, only plastic allowed. Your chair will save your seat if you bring it down early. We do have a couple of wheelchairs for the long walk down, but they are to be shared, just ask at the desk. The show will always go on: if it's too hot, rainy, cold or windy — we do move into the Ballroom, but outdoors and under the stars is best. Call the Lodge if you have a concern. See you at the Amphitheater! ~ Penny McDonell At our April meeting, we reviewed what we have learned about props, costumes, blocking, etc. We then discussed various ways to study and memorize lines of script. We have several people in the group who have had stage experience, and some who are looking forward to giving it a try. The group's enthusiasm and eagerness to learn is apparent. We had a lively discussion, coming to the ultimate conclusion that memorizing lines takes time, and lots of repetition, but is never impossible! After the discussion, each of the club members were asked to pull a scenario slip from a bowl, and were given a couple of minutes to perform the scenario. Some were scary, and one of the actors even crouched under the table to make her scenario more poignant. Some made us laugh out loud, and others we could all relate to, as they had happened to us in one form or another in our lifetime. In the near future, members will be given a few scripts to memorize and perform for our community. It will be a creative experience and lots of fun as well. If you are interested in joining our fun group, we meet at 1 pm on the first Thursday of each month in the first section of the Ballroom. Our May meeting is May 1. Come join us! ~ Eileen Gilbert-Antoine Actors and Directors Club Amphitheater Group Seasoned Solos Upcoming outings: May 8: Miniature golf in Colton. We will leave the Lodge at 10:30 am and carpool to Colton. May 28: The Redlands Forum presents a program by June Hudson, Costume Designer for many BBC programs. More information for these and other outings will be made available at the May planning meeting. With warm weather approaching, we have discussed attending the Redlands Bowl and plays at the Redlands Theatre Festival. When schedules are available plans will be made for these activities. Our meetings are the first Friday of each month in the Lodge Craft Room at 6 pm. We welcome new members. For more information please call Monica at (951) 922-8805 or Mary at (951) 769-5444. ~ Mary Castle Clockwise from top L: Semperflorens Begonia, Rex Begonia, Wax Begonia