I know, I know ~ I'm still MIA because of Pinterest. I swear it's going to stop SOON so I can visit everyone whose been kind enough to continue dropping by during my addiction. (sounds like I need to check myself in or something, doesn't it?!!)
I'm forcing myself here today or my own Mother will probably stage an intervention. It's not like there's nothing going on to blog about ~ I just can't seem to get past Pinterest when I sit down at the computer. Who knew? It has taken even me by surprise.
Normally I'd be running straight to the blog to share the BIG news about finding my first outdoor bloom ~ a snowdrop!
Instead, you're getting it a day late. There's no other explanation (then my new obsession) as a January bloom ~ in this part of the country ~ is definitely cause for proclamation!
Incidentally, I've sailed almost right thru January with no sign of the winter blues that normally affect me. I have to credit Pinterest & the weather with that. We've had quite a few unseasonably warm days (60 degree+) and very little snowfall ~ I was even out watering yesterday! Those kind of breaks really buoy a spirit.
I could also attribute the plethora of indoor blooms to being upbeat. The greenhouse/bathroom is brimming with them. There's the pink phal orchid (given to me several years ago by a neighbor):
I re-potted all my orchids this past fall using an Orchid potting mix (not just bark) and they've all responded exceptionally well. The three Phalaenopsis orchids have at least two bloom stalks each where I've usually only gotten one from them in the past.
Needless to say, I'm going to purchase more of that potting mix!
The last batch of paperwhites are also blooming:
This is the second round ~ the first round bloomed in time for Christmas but I never photographed them because of you know what.
There's also a 'Cajun' Hibiscus blooming.
It was purchased on a greenhouse expedition about two weeks ago. I thought I was buying a replacement for the one shown below (that I lost overwintering last year):
Alas, as you can see, they are not AT ALL the same. I will definitely keep looking as that one was superb.
Blooms extend beyond the bathroom "greenhouse" too ~ the forced hyacinths on the kitchen window ledge opened and smell quite divine:
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
For some reason, I focused only on the white ones?
If you'd like to see a little pink tho ~ there are tulips in the watering can vase on my table:
and Amaryllis 'Purple Rain' is on the sofa table. The photo below was shot at night:
I would ordinarily regale you with photos from all angles of a new Amaryllis but this one has been a big disappointment. I had great expectations but the best I can say about its bloom is "ho hum." Maybe I am getting jaded because I've been spoiled by so many outstanding varieties?
Something I'm sure we're in agreement about ~ there is plenty of beauty all around me ~ too much to keep my face buried in a website! Now that I've "come up for air" maybe I can turn myself around?? Fingers crossed...
That Hibiscus is really pretty! Still very jealous of your orchids. Mine are growing gangbusters, but no buds.
I changed some of my settings on my blog, see if you can comment now...please.
Posted by: Janet, The Queen of Seaford | January 27, 2012 at 06:43 PM
OK, I think you'll get a kick out of this. I almost clicked on the Blotanical "pick" before I even viewed and read your post! Because I knew I was going to love it, and I did/do! No one takes better indoor shots of plants than you do, Kathleen! What is your secret? I know most of it is talent, but any tips for lighting/camera settings? Thanks so much for sharing these beautiful images!
Posted by: PlantPostings | January 27, 2012 at 07:47 PM
I see spring! Gorgeous photos, Kathleen.
Posted by: Kala | January 27, 2012 at 08:49 PM
You are really ahead there with the snowdrop! I haven't seen any at all around here. Those indoor blooms sure would keep the winter blues away!!
Posted by: Catherine | January 27, 2012 at 09:15 PM
I have recently discovered Pinterest - fab isnt it
Posted by: Helen | January 28, 2012 at 12:00 PM
I've recently discovered pinterest too, and it can be addictive! But I'm not too obsessed, yet. LOL Don't forget about updating your lovely blog! Hey, do me a favor and make note of my new blog address. My old one was deleted due to someone else's fraud. Grrr!
http://lifeinrobinsnest.blogspot.com/
Posted by: RobinL | January 29, 2012 at 07:28 PM
Kathleen: I’ve awarded you the Versatile Blogger Award: http://bit.ly/yhCUbI. Congrats!
Posted by: PlantPostings | January 29, 2012 at 09:37 PM
Thank you Plant Postings for the award ~ I'll have to head over to your blog to see what it is! Very nice of you to think of me tho.
Posted by: Kathleen | February 05, 2012 at 12:01 PM