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...
