or ending that way, however you prefer to view it. Either way, it's a nice note as 2009 was a somewhat challenging year in many aspects. Because it was, I plan to embrace 2010 with open arms when it arrives tonight. The gardener in me, says it's promising due to the array of buds & blooms currently gracing my home. They speak of beauty and happy days, of new life and anticipation also of success (by my definition which means victory merely by getting to the blooming stage). I would venture to say, there are perhaps more buds than I've ever had on a January 1st. Hopefully that bodes well for the New Year? The amaryllis are going crazy in the "greenhouse" ~ just look at them lined up ready to bloom:
That's another 'Elvas' bud in the foreground, with a second 'Razzle Dazzle' bud behind her and in the background, just opening, Amaryllis 'Fairy Tale.' 'Fairy Tale' is looking a lot like 'Razzle Dazzle' ~ maybe just a bit more refined???
When I was ordering bulbs, I had a fixation on red and white striping. It's very apparent now that they're all blooming! Also very nearly ready to open is the unknown "paph" orchid:
It's been a slow but fascinating process (as a newly inducted orchid owner) to watch the bud develop and evolve. Hibiscus 'Powder Puff' continues to delight me with blooms as well:
The blooms bring a bit of the tropics to our anything-but-warm climate. Lastly, there are the Paperwhites I posted about yesterday ~ they can hardly refrain from blooming much longer:
So many beauties. Even more I didn't picture ~ like the paph orchid 'Raisin Pie' I showed you earlier in December and Amaryllis 'Charisma,' 'Siren,' 'Green Goddess' and 'Exotica' who all continue their impressive show. If you judge a year by blooms, 2009 is finishing up with a bang. Judging by what's to come tho, I'd say 2010 is going to top it! Let's hope that's right. Happy New Year to you all.
Happy New Year Kathleen and I hope it goes just like you are predicting! Sounds like a good year on the way.
It's sure been great blogging with ya - I've really been enjoying this and hope to enjoy a whole lot more with all of the people I've met here.
Posted by: RainGardener | December 31, 2009 at 05:05 PM
It sure does look like it's ending on a promising note! I can't believe how many buds you have!
I have really enjoyed meeting you through blogging this year! I hope you have a very happy and fulfilling new year!
Posted by: Catherine | December 31, 2009 at 08:55 PM
Happy New Year! Enjoy those amaryllis!
Posted by: Victoria | December 31, 2009 at 09:04 PM
Happy new year to you too Kathleen! Those flowers look like enough to make anyone happy in these cold winter months. Here's hoping you have a blessed 2010!
Posted by: Cinj | January 01, 2010 at 07:57 AM
Oh Kathleen that Hibiscus is dreamy! I can't wait to see your orchid open...the bud is very cool looking!
Posted by: Janet | January 01, 2010 at 09:04 AM
Kathleen girl your beauties are beautiful !! .. I am getting nervous about starting my amaryllis .. being a newbie I am afraid I bit off more than I can chew .. especially the part about a sunny place to place it in ? yikes !! .. I'll be brave and start something this weekend .. I hope ? LOL
Joy .. love seeing yours !
Posted by: Joy | January 01, 2010 at 04:09 PM
You've done so well at bringing your garden indoors with all of your blooming things! I have two amaryllis started, but they are a long way from blooming yet. No paperwhites for me, too stinky!
Posted by: RobinL | January 01, 2010 at 06:32 PM