Flowers and Fairies in the Foyer

In the spirit similar to tokonoma, I set the tone for my home with a display in our foyer. These displays always contain some plants and fairies. All displayed objects have some significance to us.

The foyer arrangement has been updated with holiday flowers and gifts. I am excited to share two, tiny, artistic arrangements given to me by my sister-in-law and nieces. They purchased these from a fellow-crafter at one of their shows.

They know I love fairies, moss, mushrooms and bunnies. It seems these pieces were custom-made for me. The mushrooms light up in different colors. I hope my sis passes along my appreciation to the artist.

The delicate red spots of this Amaryllis, Elvas, remind me of some of my favorites from past years. Hippeastrum coloration is especially interesting when viewed under a microscope. If you want to see that and my collection, type amaryllis into the search bar.

There must always be a poinsettia at Christmas. I do keep these for years. My favorite was mowed down when my daughter, Rose, fell down the carport steps this summer. She was more worried about the plants than her body. Both of us falling off steps was the catalyst for the new railings from Crown Fence in former posts.

I find that a foyer display serves as a cheery greeting for our guests and distracts from the dirty floors. I would much rather arrange flowers than sweep. Wouldn’t you?

We are in the down days between Christmas and New Years. I may stay in my pajamas reading my newly gifted books. Those will be the subject of my next post. I am also reading about writing and publishing in preparation for my next book. This reading has been boring. I won’t share those books.

My next book is about paternalism and its long-term effects on the women in three generations of my family. You will know about that in time. I feel like a time-traveler!

FLOWER

Three Clowns and an Apple Blossom

May is definitely circus month for my Amaryllis.

The clowns are putting on their biggest show ever.

Monte Carlo has on its brightest red and white costume. Pink Surprise is pretty in flashy pink. Apple Blossom is the rice between spice.

Minerva has formed a crowd above the stone wall.

Minerva amaryllis

Charisma has toned down the contrast of its costume with a blending of pigments.

Charisma amaryllis

Monte Carlo refuses to blend in with the surroundings.

Monte Carlo amaryllis

Apple Blossom has too much dignity to clown around and show off.

Apple Blossom amaryllis

I consider it the amaryllis for all locations.

I love each amaryllis for its own character.

Stay tuned. There are more beside the pond surrounded by ferns.

The show will go on!

Flow

Bold and Beautiful

I know that I have referred to these as my garden clowns.

They are too big and too bright to fit into the landscape.

‘Pink Surprise’ Amaryllis

The truth is they are crazy happy outside and grow bigger and better than they ever could in a pot.

‘Moon Scene’ Amaryllis

I give myself a different one each Christmas.

I have lost some in the past, until I developed a method of planting that protects them from rotting or being eaten.

The secret is lava rocks. I make a nest of rocks around each as I plant it.

This “lava rock nest” improves drainage and discourages diggers and munchers.

Now they survive and thrive in the garden.

All the other flowers pale in comparison to these show-offs.

I need their audacious blooms in the winter, so I keep collecting them.

‘Half and Half’ Amayrllis

They continue to grow and multiply and upstage the other flowers in May.

I do love my bold and beautiful garden clowns.

Stay tuned for more clowns and a famous actress.

FLOWER