Kaseys Korner

January bloom assortment

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...

 

there's a chicken in the garden

unfortunately, just not a real one! 

Instead a most comely iron "girl." 

Isn't she cute? 

I wish there'd been two but I think I was lucky to find one (since the store owner where I bought it said she was so over chickens, there would be no more!)  Bummer.

Oh well, I think she looks good guarding the topiary and she'll do until I can someday try the live version!

p.s.  I think she needs a name, don't you??  Any suggestions?

gardening on paper

Another way to get your hands dirty!! 

Although I can't even remember the last time I posted a paper project on my blog??  I'm not sure how those fell by the wayside or even when or why it happened?  I still (most definitely) enjoy time spent "playing with paper" especially when it comes to something garden related.  Today was one of those days when I had the opportunity to pull out some old (but well loved) products and just have a little fun. 

The watering can stamp (Wordsworth) hadn't seen daylight in a very long time.  I blew off the dust and used it on top of a stamped french script to create these simple garden tags:

You never know when a tag will come in handy so it's good to have a stack prepared!

That's my motto anyway and I'm sticking to it!  ;-)

Same applies to cards ~ it's never good to be caught off guard.

On the two below, I used an identical strip of a favorite craft product ~ Domestic Bliss Decor Trim ~ this one is called "Mariposa Butterfly."  It's self adhesive, removable and totally gorgeous!

As you can see, I also used the same French script background stamp plus a gold foil butterfly sticker & brown velvet ribbon. 

Below, the same trim but a completely different look:

Isn't it great how versatile craft products are?  Not to mention "FUN!" 

Must.make.more.time.for.fun!

Which means I'll have to pry myself away from Pinterest ~ I'm still completely and utterly addicted.  One of these days I'm going to force myself to go "cold turkey" then I'll free up time to get back to blogland!  Hope you can hang in there with me until that happens!

 

 

 

a slow transition

to the New Year is going on around here.  I don't know why I'm feeling so reluctant about giving up the holidays??  I've never dragged my feet this bad before.  I have three out of five trees down but there is where all efforts toward finishing has ceased.  Hopefully with my daughter now back in school, I'll get in gear. 

Some years I "relish" the clean, uncluttered feeling that comes from removing decorations, but this year I've been dreading the "bareness" left behind that those twinkling, brightly-colored adornments add. 

I can't help thinking how sad the side gate will look without its simple pinecone wreath.

So it's still hanging too...

Same with the holiday ribbons & garland:

Still hanging around... 

Usually I'm looking forward to spring by now and I (really) am this year too.  I just can't seem to help lingering over Christmas even tho I found bulbs (!!) up outside the other day:

Could blooms be possible in the very near future??  That thought should spur me forward!

I also removed hyacinth bulbs from the "frig" and set them on the windowsill:

They quickly grew close to blooming ~ that should hasten me along too.  One would think. 

or perhaps, just perhaps, it's okay to allow Christmas to hang on a bit longer??  (that's what I've been telling myself)  Has everyone else totally packed away the holidays?  Tell me I'm not alone!!! 

 

It's a colorful orchid world

I have the good fortune to live in!  Uncertain what percent my contribution is ~ I'm only in charge of acquisitions & care ~ the "magic" is all on them which is absolutely out of my league.

Starting the 2012 parade of blooms is old favorite, Cattleya 'Alvin Beggman Poem:'

Paphiopedilum 'Robert McCabe' followed:

The combination of stripes & dots (worn so beautifully) never fails to enthrall me. 

If I tried to do anything similar with my wardrobe, I'm absolutely certain I would commit a grievous fashion faux pas!  Perfection in the natural world most definitely cannot be rivaled.

That last sentence = the perfect opening for the latest acquisition & bloom ~ Cattleya 'Carolina Sunrise:'

omg ~ is that not to die for or what?!

The tag said "fragrant sunset colors" ~ are we disappointed??

I think not!

The colors should deepen as the bloom matures.  I'll be sure & share the developments...

Hope your New Year is off to just as terrific a start.  My daughter doesn't go back to school until the 9th of January so we are still "holidaying."  (that's my excuse for not being around ~ that and Pinterest ~ I've become way too obsessed!)

Happy New Year all!!!