What to grow in November

in case you're already experiencing withdrawal symptoms from the garden (like me.)  There are many ways to "feed" the obsession and lots to

if you just switch focus from outdoors to in. 

Bulbs are the fastest, easiest means to get a bloom "fix" (aside from purchasing something already flowering)  Believe me ~ I know all the methods as I'm sure many of you do too.

Paperwhites will flower in just two or three short weeks:

I enjoy the growing process more than the actual blooms so I plant them in tall, clear, cylindrical vases for the best visual effect. 

There are always Amaryllis.  Oh the Amaryllis.  The more the better I say.  One of the few reasons I look forward to winter.  They really are the showiest (IMHO) of the winter bloomers and fairly quick to reach the flowering stage as well. 

'Blushing Bride' arrived the middle of October (with my outdoor bulb order) and is already about to open:

That's pretty fast but I think normal since most Amaryllis bulbs say "bloom in 4 to 6 weeks."

Orchids are another way to beat the winter gardening blues.  The shorter days must spur them to bloom because I have a number sporting buds and/or spikes right now including this Paphiopedilum:

and of course there's the Oncidium orchid I've shared with you in the previous post.  It's reached full flower mode since I posted:

Wow!  Why was I having withdrawals??  I can't remember, looking at it!

There are always houseplants too ~ or pond plants ~ like the pitcher plant I saved from freezing:

I don't know if it will bloom for me but I hope to at least keep it alive for next spring.

If none of these interest you, how about planting some cat grass?

It's pretty to look at (once again thru a clear planter) and your cat will love you immensely for it!!! 

What's not to like about that?!

 

Comments

[Lea]

Hello,
Thanks for the reminder about the cat grass. I bought some and forgot to get it started! And my indoor cat thanks you, too.
Beautiful photos, especially the amaryllis bud. I started one last week - 'Cinderella' - it should be reddish with white center. I'll be checking your blog to see 'Blushing Bride' when she opens.
Thanks for your comment on my blog.

[Kala]

I love the images of the Paphiopedilum and the "Blushing Bride". It's so good to see something beginning to bloom this time of year!

[tina]

You are the best indoor/outdoor gardener on the web that I know Kathleen. It looks like you will have a good amount of blooms soon!

[PlantPostings]

I agree with Tina. You really have a way with both types of gardening. I need lots of advice about indoor gardening. My cats are so destructive, so I haven't had indoor plants for ages. I'm thinking about planting a terrarium (that they can't reach) this year. Beautiful indoor blooms, Kathleen!

[shady gardener]

Okay, Kathleen! You truly have a jump on Winter's indoor plants. Although, I have to admit I purchased a "Christmas cactus" and an Amaryllis today! (I hope my 4-year-old bulbs bloom again sometime this winter, but it's nice to start over, too, isn't it?? ;-)