I planned on doing only one Amaryllis blog post this spring.
The Minerva group has been showing off.
The Monte Carlos bloomed in their crazy red and white costumes.
Moonscene bloomed twice while waiting for Picotee.
Both Apple Blossoms burst out with their usual shimmer.
Finally, Picotee showed its face. I love that tiny rim of red.
Amaryllis blooms stand out anywhere and I have them everywhere.
FLOW
There is something about spots on flowers that intrigues me.
That’s why I love my spotted Amaryllis, Foxgloves, Tiger lilies and Stargazer lilies so much.
Spots on petals are not like dots of paint. Pigmented cells are in groups.
This gives the spots depth.
This Spotlight Amaryllis has very well-defined spots due to the contrast of red on white.
All four of my new varieties are gorgeous this year. I hope they thrive in the garden.
FLOWER
This may be a new favorite amaryllis. It sparkles in the sunshine.
Its pink has some heat to it. It seems very happy next to my desk.
The test will be how it performs in the garden.
This may be the first time I have ever used the word PIZZAZZ.
It is true for this gorgeous bloom.
FLOWER
(I took four sets of photos, none do this bloom justice.)
It is hard to put a value on my winter flowers. They are not expensive nor exotic. They are, however, treasures to me. I have to work to make it through winter. I must be part plant.
I need the sun. I am an outside dog. I must be under the sky, not under a roof. This winter has been kind so far, but cold will come. Then I will be inside trying to stay alive until spring.
My flowers keep me afloat. They brighten my rooms with their blooms. My colorful, little life rafts hold me up. The Schlumbergeras and amaryllis/hippeastrum save me until spring. For this I am grateful.
FLOW
This title seems like the post will be about wines.
Instead it is the last post about my many amaryllis blooms.
Long ago Red Lion was one of only a few choices.
There were whites without names.
Now there are dozens of hybrids to choose from.
Picotee has the quiet beauty that compliments the reds and the whites at our small pond.
This is another favorite of mine. It deserves a closer look.
The reds and whites are my oldest amaryllis. Not showy, but steadfast.
Picotee is a new addition to the collection.
Flow
I thought I would splurge on myself this year.
So when I saw it, I knew I should have it.
That sparkle! That racy red!
It has gotten some dust on it.
No matter.
It is just what I need to keep me facing forward.
Rushing fast to a brighter future and ignoring the rearview.
Happy Holidays.
Flow
I love big, bright, blooming Amaryllis inside during the winter, but they seem comical outside in spring.
These poor Beauty Queens did not ask to be hybridized into showy giants.
They would probably rather be tall, ugly weeds than painted, potted flowers.
But they did not get to make the choice of whether to be wild or tame.
So here they are, comically colorful clowns in the garden.
Too big and too bright to be taken seriously.
Just as man intended, not as nature recommended.
Manipulated for man’s enjoyment.
I am and will continue to be a tall, ugly weed.
(‘Identity’ poem by Julio Naboa Polanco)
FLOW
Stay safe, Stay Home, Wear a Mask (even if you are a man)
I hope you did not toss that big bulb that bloomed over the holidays.
Here in the south, we can grow them in the garden.
I try several new varieties each Christmas.
Some have disappeared over the years.
I have wondered whether they were eaten or rotted.
I have found a solution that works for either problem.
I call it a “Rock Nest.”
Here I have used some lava rock. You can use any rocks or broken pots or bricks.
The point is to surround the bulb with material to help with drainage
and to protect it from digging critters that snack on our bulbs,
I also amend the soil because we have quite a bit of red clay here.
Be sure to mark your bulbs.
Also, take note of the height. Pink Surprise is tall and goes in the back of the bed.
Moon Scene was short so it goes in the front.
They like sun and warmth.
Don’t toss that bulb! Plant it outside.
Flow
I am having to pull out all the stops on this blah day.
The rain shows no signs of stopping.
I must stay inside. I must stay up.
I will be staying near my giant blooms of ‘Pink Surprise.’
I will be drinking coffee out of my Barley cup.
I will be writing book reviews on gardening books.
I will thinking about spring.
That’s how a flower survives winter.
Flow
floweralley 