Time-lapse Flower

Watching an amaryllis bloom is like a lesson in life.

The first day, it emerges from the sheath, which falls away like a plant placenta.IMG_7452

The second day, it opens up to reveal that there are two sets of twin flowers.

The larger two will open first. They are opposite each other on the stalk, for balance.Featured Image -- 2016

Color begins to blush through the petals as they stretch away from each other.

They are making room for their dazzling, dancing dresses.

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The third day, the ruffled and wrinkled big sister buds smooth out their frocks.

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On the fourth day, the little sisters begin to grin and show their purple stamen teeth and pistil tongue.

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While the two big sisters fling back their petals to expose their shiny, bright faces.

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Then they flush with a final burst of color. Like getting prepped for the party of life.

Standing up straight and facing the new day with a fresh face.

FOLLOW the developing FLOWER.

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P.S. This is my Monte Carlo blooming for the second time since Christmas.

Post-Holiday Plant Rescue

I can’t stand to see a plant suffer.

Shopping after the holidays is particularly painful, because I know that any “gift” plants left in the stores will die a dry and sunless death.

This year I rescued two, tiny, Norfolk Island Pines that were covered in glitter. One of these was given to my sister. The other is recovering  nicely with me.

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Norfolk Island Pine/ Araucaria heterophylla

It really perked up when I replanted it. I tried to remove the glitter, but it would not wash off.

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The other rescue was an Minerva amaryllis bulb in a box. (Did anyone see those dipped in colored wax? )

I had all ready been given a Minerva, which has sprouted several inches since Christmas. When I saw this one crammed onto a clearance shelf, I knew its days were numbered.

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I brought it home, wet it down and peeled back some of the many dried, brown layers.  It stayed white for almost a week, but finally a little hint of green is showing at the top.

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I just couldn’t bring myself to rescue any of the spray-painted cacti.

Who are these people?

Follow the push-over Flower.

(Don’t anybody dare drop a puppy off at my driveway!)