Yesterday was one of the nicest Valentine's we've had in a while (weatherwise). It was warm enough to do a few gardening chores which makes me a happier person all the way around. I'm hoping to get back outdoors today to cut my grasses back (and work off some chocolate!) My daughter received a beautiful arrangement which brightened both our days too:
I also managed to squeeze in a trip to my local Lowes store between chores and errands. My Mom has been talking about orchids lately but she doesn't have the best track record for keeping them alive. (sorry to "out" you Mom) When I spotted two beautiful Phal orchids for $7.49 each (on the clearance rack), I figured they were perfect to help her try again. I better get them out of here soon tho before I get attached!
The yellow spotted one above has two bloom stalks, one of which hasn't developed buds yet and the other just has these two flowers open (with eight more buds to go). I couldn't figure out why it was being clearanced?
The other Phal was pink:
and a bit more "bloomed out" than the yellow spotted one. Since the blooms last a long time I'm guessing it will still be beautiful for quite a while too.
See why I'm worried about getting attached!?
I don't think I've ever gone in that store without visiting the clearance racks and I'm certainly glad I stopped by yesterday. All the patio furniture was out too which got me even more excited for spring. Every year I think outdoor furniture styles get better and better. Some of it is now so nice looking I'm tempted to redo my patio. We'll see tho. I'm not buying anything yet!
One last thing to share, in honor of Valentine's Day, some "guilt-free" lollipops I recently had published:
I think next year, I should just stick to these and leave the chocolate alone! How fun would that be tho???
Your Phals are pretty. Like you, rather than patio furniture, I go check out all the orchids at the clearance and bring home those already dropping flowers and hope for the best. Hope your yellowed one is fine, may be just to much water. Happy GBBD.
Posted by: Donna | February 15, 2011 at 10:12 AM
How nice to get your mom some orchids! My mom got one last year and is quitet pleased with herself that it is a repeat bloomer. She has been doing the 3 ice cubes a week on it, that is all. I haven't killed mine yet (not yet!!!---I haven't killed mine--period!)
:-)
Posted by: Janet | February 15, 2011 at 03:57 PM
Love the Orchids, especially the spotted one! I will have to try growing them one of these days. Maybe in a terrarium, because my cats are so naughty and would try to eat them! Happy GBBD!
Posted by: PlantPostings | February 15, 2011 at 07:33 PM
Love coming here for a dose of springtime :) Gorgeous valentines! Were they in Crafts n things?
Posted by: Alice Golden | February 16, 2011 at 06:13 AM
Uh yeah. I can see why you're getting attached to those orchids--seriously beautiful. Love the V. Day bouquet too and the "lollipops." :)
Posted by: Grace | February 16, 2011 at 08:49 PM