bud check

December is starting off with a bang as far as buds and blooms go.  All indoor, of course (because of my gardening zone) but we northern gardeners take what we can get, don't we?

The most exciting of todays bunch was finding a bloom stalk on one of the clivias!   I can thank Tina for that since she left me a comment about hers that sent me scurrying down to the basement to check mine!

Yellowed from lack of sunlight but thrilling nonetheless, especially because the buds are on a stalk instead of blooming down in the foliage (like last winter).  Earlier than I expected to find anything too since they were just hauled down for their dormancy period the first of October (along with the Amaryllis). 

Two Amaryllis were also brought upstairs ('Fairytale' and 'Elvas') when bud stalks were discovered on them during that same inspection.  Boy oh boy ~ it's looking good for Christmas color!

Buds have also begun to form on the paperwhites:

Just planted two weeks ago ~ they sure are the quickest bulbs to bloom, aren't they?

Almost instant flowers ~ who could find fault with "warp speed" growth like that?  (even if the fragrance is marginally acceptable in this household)

Finally, remember the African violet (name unknown) I showed you recently that was covered in buds??  The buds have been transitioning to blooms, making for a pretty show in the bathroom/greenhouse:

These spots of color during the winter totally feed the soul.  If you're a gardener, I'm sure you know what I mean. 

Big note to self:  Remember to check plants/bulbs in basement often ~ there may be surprises waiting!

Comments

[Eliza]

I want a bathrobe that looks like those African violet blooms -- they seem so frilly and luxurious!

[Grace]

Bud check! I love that. I wonder if you'd mind if I borrowed it and took a stroll outside. I noticed a few buds on one of my Vibernums. Granted I'm in Zone 8. I love your inside buds. What promise they hold. Great post!

[Kala]

Note to self: Need a greenhouse in next place we live.

Kathleen, I just love seeing new life bloom this time of year. Thank you for sharing.

[Janet]

I will have to look at my Clivia now!! How fun.
Your violet is the sweetest shade of pink. Love it.

[MarkNDenver]

Kathleen - my African violets are going nuts and just blooming their heads off after a brief dormancy for the past few months.

My amaryllis are showing good signs of having a nice blooming season.

Keep up the good work - I really enjoy your pix - since we are zone neighbors here in Colorado.

[Ramona]

O.K. Kathleen you inspired me to grow some winter bulbs this season. Today I purchased paperwhites and an amaryllis. I would still like to find the 'Novella' amaryllis, but had no luck today in two garden centers. I'll keep looking. I am like you, any blooming plants in the winter bring me so much joy!

[Ramona]

Kathleen, I just viewed your amaryllis collection...so beautiful! You have a GREEN thumb for sure! I love the 'Fairytale' and 'Elvas' varieties! They remind me of candycane stripes. Where were you able to locate those particular varieties. I have only been able to find the more common 'Red Lion' and 'Apple Blossom' varieties.

[Racquel]

You have a smorgasboard of blooms to look forward to this month Kathleen. :)