Amaryllis Love

 I added three new amaryllis to my collection and all three have bloomed.   Stargazer has a third bloom stalk emerging so in another few weeks she'll be in bloom again.

I've enjoyed blooms for over a month as each amaryllis has come in and out of bloom.   Double Aquaro just bloomed and it's a gorgeous white with pink striping.  

Simple joys!

Amaryllis

Stargazer

         I love growing amaryllis in the winter.  When it's freezing outside and I can't "garden" outdoors I turn my attention to indoor houseplants, especially my amaryllis bulbs.  They are so beautiful and are easy to grow.

Minerva

I put mine into storage a little late this year but should have a succession of blooms from January to March.  After they bloom I cut the flower spike back and let the leaves grow during the summer in my little greenhouse.  They don't need a lot of water and I'm careful not to get the tops of the bulbs wet as they are susceptible to rot.  They do benefit from monthly fertilizer during the summer months.

I cut the leaves back in the leaves back sometime in October and put them in storage for 8 weeks in a box in my garage.  I repot them in fresh soil and  like to cover the soil with moss to give them a nice finished appearance.  

                        Stargazer and Samba

I ordered a few new varieties this year from Brecks and got those potted up a couple weeks ago.  They have already grown and each have two flower stalks.  I purchased a Stargazer, Samba and Double Aquaro to add to my collection. 

I

Alfresco

I have grown Alfresco, Hot Lips, Red Lion, Amalfi, Dancing Queen, Apple Blossom, Christmas Star and several Minerva.   

Almafi

                                     Minerva

If you haven't tried growing amaryllis I highly recommend them especially if you live in a cold climate.  They can really brighten a cold winter's day!

Stargazer

Merry Christmas

I hope you are having a blessed time with family and friends!  I haven't posted in awhile but hope to be more active this coming year. 

I got a late start on Christmas decorating but finished last week and we are enjoying a quiet holiday at home this year.  

Merry Christmas!

Memorial Day Remembrance

 In honor and remembrance of those who gave their all for our freedom we proudly display our flag and red white and blue.

 

May you have a reflective and grateful 

Memorial Day!  

Rainy Spring!

I can't remember such a wet and rainy spring and my plants are loving it!  The temperatures are below normal and it's been so nice to work out in the garden between rain storms. 

The plants I chose for my new flower border have really performed well and are blooming.   Good old standbys like Supertunia bubblegum just bloom all summer long  and are so easy to grow.  I tend to love pink and purple flowers mixed with  lime green foiliage so I planned the border around those colors. 

One of the new plants I chose is 'Cherry Bell Campanula' and  it is supposed to be a perennial in my area and a good spreader.    I hope so because it's a gorgeous color and full of blooms.

We are supposed to get thunderstorms later today and possible hail!  I don't mind storms but hail is so destructive and I can't cover up my garden.  I do protect my patio pots and crossing my fingers the weather stays more calm today.