Schools closed due to snow. blooms photo heavy!

15 years ago

Hi all,

It's been one long winter here. This weekend we finally got to see our mud yards and sidewalks, now we're expecting another 13-15 inches of snow. It began last night and is supposed to go throughout today. Class has been cancelled, and before I start my studies I wanted to post what some of what's going on in my sun room.

first...

Aphrodite, budding after bulb surgery this past spring due to bulb fly. Larissa, this baby is yours. I'll try to get a photo when she blooms. She is an evergreen by the way.

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Next Apricot beauty, photos from bud to blooms. Another from last year blooming again.

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Charisma, from this years easy to grow bulbs purchase.

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Identified for me as Harlequin last year, misnamed Zombie, guess I got a while before my real Zombies bloom.

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Piccolo, again last years bulbs.

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Some of the gang

Lady Margaret is starting up again, some buds. Yes spring has hit the sun porch.

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The Walking Iris are setting buds.

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My yellow thanksgiving cactus is still going.

Fuschia Kiss epiphyllum, a 1992 NYC flower show purchase.

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this guy adopted us last september, he was a beaten up, scab covered, skin and bones mess. I thought he was gonna die on the property. Well, he survived and now rules the house! Meet Yappy, he talks constantly and is just a love. Chase has developed a tolerance to him and he moved him in during the first of the winters snow storms to the mud room. Chase had animal allergies so bad he's been hospitalized, now this cat sleeps on his chest when he naps on the couch!

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And Now for us, Chase is on the left in the photo. A photo of him was selected to be used on a Tee Shirt for a cigar/biker company. He's actually quite muscular, Me, I'm the puffy one on the right pointing to him! Believe it or not, I'm about 70 pounds heavier than him and he is not as pale as he looks in this photo, just poor lighting! LOL

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Hope you enjoyed,

Chaz

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Comments (42)

jodik_gw
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Wonderful spread, Chaz! I always enjoy looking through your sun porch to see what's blooming! You and Chase always look so happy in your photos! Great t-shirts!

I think your Charisma is actually Rembrandt Van Rijn... it's definitely not Charisma. I have Rembrandt and I love it! I also have Charisma, and that's not it. It's very lovely, though... such nice color! Sorry to have to tell you that!

Piccolo is on my wish list... I enjoyed yours so much last season, and it's just as nice this year!

Yappy looks very content... I'm glad you saved him. I'm allergic to most cats, but there are some that don't seem to bother me... Chase must have the same type of allergy that I do, with some danders bothering him while others don't.

I see the Ledebouria, and I see flowers on it! Mine bloomed, too! The flowers might be insignificant, but they are pretty if you look closely at them! I do like this plant very much, and have been researching into getting other varieties. I've also been looking into Lachenalia, another bulbous plant with interesting blooms.

And, once again, your cacti blows me away! Those flowers are something else! Speaking of... I just noticed a small new growth on the Night Blooming Cereus you sent me! So, it's definitely growing in size and quantity of plant parts! Soon, I'll have to move it into a larger pot! Again!

This snow somehow missed us... we usually get it first, with you guys getting what passes by us... I'm sorry to hear spring is teasing you. We've actually had a few days of sunshine and tolerable temperatures... not warm, but not frigid, either. I'm itching to get out in the gardens! The withdrawal symptoms are getting bad!

Thank you for sharing, Chaz! I just love your sun porch! Study hard! Make us proud! :-) Hugs!
chazparas
Original Author
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Jodi, I was kind of hoping the Charisma was going to grow into itself. I actually am disappointed, it just didn't look right to me and I was avoiding looking back at photos to compare. :(
I think in the group of three that I bought one might be charisma as the scape is much taller, two are the same height. Oh well, maybe one to trade later...
This storm we're getting came up from the south not the west where you are. We had a few warm days and the snow did start to melt away, but unless it get into the 50s here this snow is going to be around for a while longer.
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blancawing
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hi Chaz,

I had so much fun reaping the benefits of your snow day.

Great photos (especially the one of the two of you). That Fuschia Kiss epiphyllum is almost as handsome as you guys!

Thanks for making the morning so enjoyable.
chazparas
Original Author
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Blanca,
Remind me when my weather warms up and a rooted piece of fuschia kiss is yours.
And thanks for the compliments, you are being way to kind my friend!
jodik_gw
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
No, she's not... you guys are definitely a handsome couple! :-)

While I do prefer Charisma over Rembrandt, I found both to be decent bloomers. If my Charisma wasn't so small and had recovered adequately from last season's bloom, I'd trade with you... or actually, I'd just send it to you, no trade necessary... but this poor little Charisma is embarrassing. I'm not sure why it's languishing and not growing in girth or size. Once spring breaks here, and I begin the re-potting, Charisma may find its way to you... maybe you can have better luck with this particular bulb. It doesn't seem to like me too much, though I'm at a loss as to why.

I hope one of your other bulbs turns out to be a Charisma... it really is a lovely variety!
chazparas
Original Author
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
While I love Charisma, I'm a complete idiot sometimes. I've been meaning to write Melusine. ugh, that's what I get for posting before the caffiene kicks in. Sorry for any confusion.
anna_in_quebec
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Gorgeous photos - does one good on a cold blustery day. As an avid cat-lover (I have rescued and adopted many in my lifetime), I am happy to see this cute photo of Yappy - lucky kitty - he was looking for you guys, and found you at last! And it's true that some cats do not induce allergies at all, whilst others are very very allergenic.

You are all a happy and good looking group!
phoenixryan
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Great fur-baby! He's a lucky kitty. Our neighborhood has been inundated with strays lately, only thing I can figure is with the foreclosures, people are leaving lots of pets behind.

Your sun room is gorgeous. I should send you my christmas cactus. I'm certainly not doing it any favors. Although it was last years (2007) cactus, and I kept it alive all summer, even got three flowers off it this spring, but now it seems to be declining rapidly.

Enjoy your snow day! At least you've got a great garden room to pretend you're in a warmer climate.

Ryan
e36yellowm3
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Chaz, great pictures! All the blooms are great - I didn't know that there was a Thanksgiving cactus. And yellow, no less. I've got an Easter one (that's 30+ years old) and a Christmas one. Sounds like Thanksgiving is a holiday I'm missing. Think they have St. Pat's ones too? Maybe with green flowers? Alana
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Jan Sword-Rossman Realty 239-470-6061
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
13-15" snow? yikes!!!
Your sun room looks gorgious with all those beauties.
Love that ephiphyllum!!!
Looks like all are happy being there, one big happy family.
Jan
chazparas
Original Author
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Alana, the thanksgiving cactus is also sold as Christmas cactus, I guess it depends on when the grower forces the bloom.
Jan, Thanks, everthing in that porch would be much happier in FL, including me!!!! LOL, I miss my Coral Gables home very much. I HATE WINTER!!!! but love spring, summer, and fall up here. I really missed my Iris and Peonies when I lived down there.

Maybe one day we'll winter in the warmer climes again, but, for those of you who have never spent a spring in the north, these following beauties are very hard to give up!!!!

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frank27603
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
WOWZA Chaz! You are just rocking my snowday with all these beautiful photos! I'm so glad to see your Hippi's pushing scapes and blooms. The cactus is also one I've never seen before. They are all very pretty! Glad also to hear your new little furry friend is right at home now. That is a great photo of you guys with matching t's on. You look like you're telling a good joke!

Where do I begin with the Iris and Peonies?...wow! What a nice collection! I have a few Iris, but none like yours! They look so very happy in your care. I also have some Peonies, but they are finicky little things. Some grow and put on an amazing show, and others do nothing...odd! I have a white one with pink inside similar to the one you have pictured. Is that Festiva Maxima? I think that is the one I have. And those little tiny Iris in yellow are so cute! I think I ordered some like that this year. And that last photo, is that Trillium?

Thank you for sharing! We need to have more snow days like this so we can enjoy all the nice photos of your garden!

-Frank
phoenixryan
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Impressive Iris, Chaz!

Love the peonies too, wish I could get them to grow here, just too darn hot. I've got a pot of them, they've started poking their heads out, but we go from spring to summer so quick, they never get a chance to bloom. At least they come back each year. I should really find a new home for them where they can flourish.

Ryan
ninecrow
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Great Photos Chaz
Thanks for Sharing
NC
Noni Morrison
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Always fun to see a new picture of my favorite Guys from Haverhill! YOu two always look like so much fun. And your flowers are just a popping!

My Amies are winding down now. Still have maybe a dozen buds on the way but definitely past the It is only blooming because it is protect by the house, but the garden ones are shooting right up and the temp is 55 with scooting clouds and wind. Some of those clouds might turn to rain but I should be able to work for awhile.

House is all in turmoil here getting DH off on his business trip. Work called that his flight had been canceled 20 minutes before the shuttle was due, so now he has an extra 4 hours breathing time. Chaz, he is about 400 miles from Jeddah and the fine restaurant you mentioned. He probably will not be dining there! Too bad, he would like it, I am sure!
chazparas
Original Author
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Quick reply running out to use the snow blower...
Frank, the peonies that are not blooming for you may be planted to deep. The "eye's" should not be more than an inch or two below soil surface. I barely cover mine and they bloom every year! A friend of mine had some that were her fathers that she took to her home and they just never bloomed for her, I dug them up, made her sick watching, replanted them at the correct depth and they bloomed next year! They really do need a prolonged cold period to set bloom though, like lilacs do.
So much for a quick reply, chat with ya all after moving the tons of snow!
citrusnut
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Love your indoor garden and your outdoor garden. Is that a coffee plant I see? I Just love your H. Piccolo; it looks like a good multiplier bulb. Where did you get it?

Yappy is really cute and very lucky. We had a stray cat show up at our door and cry and cry outside one September, 1 1/2 years ago till we adopted him. He was persistant. But ours was not in desparate need like yours was. You did a good thing.

Here's a picture of our Orange Julius:

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kaboehm (zone 9a, TX USA)
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hey....love all the photos! Great to put a face with a name Chaz! (and Chase!) I just planted some iris last year in a low spot in the yard and they are setting blooms. And...my peony just poked it's head up to say hi! Hope she's going to bloom this year.

You make the snow day look FUN!
:-)
Kristi
chazparas
Original Author
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
OK, in from shoveling, blowing, brushing, and dinner! LOL
It's still snowing but I think it's winding down finally. The good news about school closure today is that they have moved our midterm exam to next Monday, giving us two extra days of study time! Gotta get up at 0400 to go to my clinical site tomorrow so I'll be signing off soon.

Liza, I'm a bit jealous of your husbands trip. I always enjoyed my time in KSA. Shopping and food was great!

Frank the whitish peony is festiva maxima, what a wonderful fragrance that one has.

That mini yellow iris is from a friends garden back in Brooklyn NY, I've had is over 25 years now and it is very, very special to me. He collected iris in his small NYC garden. He died at 24 and I inherited a few of his plants, this one lived in a small pot until I moved up to MA 4 years ago. Now it is spreading it's little heart out and is a constant reminder of a wonderful person. I call it Marks Iris, no idea what the real variety is. And the last flower is a trillium, I've planted a few around the garden, this one survived my accidental weeding of sprouts 2 years ago. Wanna talk about feeling dumb, ugh.

Citrusnut, orange julius is a beauty. I was never a cat person, didn't dislike them but didn't really want pets again. This cat has stolen our hearts, now I'll have to find cat sitters when we travel.

Ryan, if you can get the peony to set buds move it into the house to try to keep the bud from drying out, then move it back outside after bloom. For some reason 40 freeze days is sticking in my mind to get them to bloom successfully, but that could be for something else.

Oh, well, G'nite all. "see" y'all next break from class.
phoenixryan
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Citrusnut, Orange Julius is a definite cutie! Reminds me of my childhood pet, Pinky, sweetheart of an orange tabby (who was bright pink when he was born).

Chaz, I'll have to remember to get some chill hours in for my peonies. I trick my tulips into blooming each year by storing them for a few months in the fridge. Might work for the peonies too. Will have to research.
taz56
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Chaz love all your plants and flowers kitty too!

Susan
salpal
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Chaz- beautiful blooms! Thanks so much for saving Yappy- it's no wonder he loves you guys! Keep up the hard work in school, I know it's not always easy... lucky you to get a snow day, don't ya feel like a kid?

Citris nut- I agree Orange Julius is a doll- another great save! I too have an orange kittie, he is a honey.
eckonc
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
A very desirable "Apricot Beauty"; perhaps one the most orange, if not the most orange among the orange hippeastra. Have you ever tried to use the Apricot Beauty as a pollen donor for H. Papilio or H. Exotic Star?

And thanks for sharing both photo of Yappy and the brief story of how he adopted you guys. I too believe we never find or choose "pets" in general; they find, choose, and adopt us instead. That note made me smile ..

Cheers
jodik_gw
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Glorious pictures! It almost makes me think spring might be just around that next bend! Gosh, I just can't wait to see all my Iris, Lilacs, and all my other garden beauties begin their season of bloom!

It's still cold here, but the days are longer now, the sun is out more often, and very soon I should see crocus poking up through the mulch!

Orange Julius reminds me of a cat I had years ago, in another lifetime, named Orange Crush. He was a kitten when we got him, but it turned out I was mildly allergic to him. He lived out in the breezeway and garage most of the time, and I let him in every day to eat and get some affection. But then, I'd have to put him back out. I think he actually enjoyed his freedom to roam, and to come and go as he pleased! I've had a few cats that haven't bothered my allergies one bit, but others can really do some damage... as in hives and asthma!

Just yesterday, I got some cat hair in my eye... and I spent all day with a big red, swelled up, itchy eyeball! It was very uncomfortable, but I saved Harry the barn cat from being locked up in a building with no heat, no water, and nothing to eat! If I hadn't grabbed him quickly as he tried to get past me, he would have been locked in! I didn't mind the reaction so much because I saved Harry! He's such a wonderful barn cat... very affectionate and a good mouser, to boot!

Jewel is the first bulb on my list for next season, but I think Piccolo is second. I just love that bloom!

Ah! Melusine! Now I see! Why didn't I think of that one?! Doh! I should have figured that out! I still have a lot to learn!

There are so many plants I want to get this season... I just saw some Rock Garden Peonies in Klehm's new catalog... absolutely to die for! Small size, rounded shape, and lovely flowers! Scented, too! Their website is:
www.songsparrow.com

I also want to get more of the Intermediate and Miniature Irises! And... I'm drooling over the Buck roses at Heirloom's website, not to mention their miniature roses! Cafe Ole is a winner, and we were thinking of adding another Hot Cocoa to the yard!

I could go on and on listing the perennials I'd kill to get... and the bulbs!

I'll end by saying that all these posted photos are making me want spring RIGHT NOW!
cindeea
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Peony and Iris...DAMN!! 2 flowers I can't have!!

Chaz your photos are as always fantastic. Glad you had a snow day so you could share!! Is that Epiph one you sent me??? I think I have a Fuschia tag out there in my "ChazPot"...hee hee I even have a "ChazTomato"!! I seedling popped up in the Christmas/Epiphillium Pot with all your donations and since I don't know which Heirloom it is, I call it "ChazTomato"!! Great tee shirt of Chase!!

CitrusNut, great name and great looking kitty.

Here I sit in SW Florida, temps down in the low 50-60 range and I have the heat on!!
phoenixryan
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Cindeea, why can't you grow Iris in Florida? too damp? Its certainly not heat, as I can grow them in Phoenix just fine.

Ryan
jodik_gw
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Actually, Cindee, you could probably grow the types of Iris that grow in Louisiana and thereabouts... they're sort of like the Siberian Iris, but there are a lot more colors to choose from. If you love Iris, I know there are some types that do better if grown from zone 7 and south. I can't think of any specific names off the top of my head, but I know they exist! You should look into it!
cindeea
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Most Irises I see are only good to Zone 8 or 10. I don't recall anyone growing them this far south. Even Glads are hit-n-miss. It may be due to our rainy seasons that rot most bulbs out. Even my in-ground Amaryllis I try to grow in very, very dry areas that do not hold moisture.
phoenixryan
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I wonder if you tried growing them in pots, using some of the soil mixes like Jodi uses for her amaryllis, if that would help. Something that doesn't hold much water. The bearded iris are supposed to be planted so shallowly, just like Amy's that you might be ok. The top of the rhizome really should be exposed, or lightly covered with a loose mulch. Just a thought, could be too much trouble.
cindeea
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Oh Great, P-Ryan, give me an excuse for ANOTHER addiction!! LOL But I bet you are right and they would work in planters. My Dad used to grow exquisite bearded Iris when I was a kid(in MI) Maybe I will just have to try a planter for HIM!
phoenixryan
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I've got a couple that will need to be divided after this year... keep in touch, I'll send you a few pieces. Unfortunately they are all NOID's now. Had them all nicely labeled until I went to bed one night and forgot to turn the water off... all the plant tags floated away! LOL
frank27603
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Aren't we all just the enablers! Dang that CHAD!

Cindee- That would be very special to have some Iris for your dad. There are some Iris that grow in water. Here is one that I know will do well in water; Japanese Iris ensata 'Flashing Koi':

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This particular variety is not yet available for purchase that I know of, but there are others in the same family as this. I just had actually taken these photos myself.

Ryan- I saw some photos of your Irises on another thread and they are GORGEOUS! I know how frustrating it is to loose the tags or for the elements to wear the writing away... If you're up for trading, I have some unknown ones that I have collected too.

I've typed Iris so many times it looks silly to me now...Iris Iris Iris. Just my contribution to the enabling!

-Frank
jodik_gw
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thank you! I was trying to think of the Japanese Iris and the ones recommended for water garden plantings! If you have wet and rainy conditions, Cindee, you could most likely grow those without a problem... and they come in delicious colors and shapes!

Also... there are several varieties of Crinum that do extremely well in wet conditions!

Plus... I'd almost bet that if we here in the north can grow tender items in pots, you in the south can grow certain things in pots, too!

Have you tried the species type Gladiolus from South Africa? Those might be better suited to your yard than the hybrids!

Just trying to spread a bit of enabling around! LOL!
chazparas
Original Author
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Cindee,
I know I've seen Blue Flag iris in bloom around Gainesville. I think there is a sink hole botanical garden or something there and I may have seen them there. They were very tall, almost 5 foot! You can also grow some of the african iris, I don't remember what their latin name is, but they bloom in yellow or white with a blackish eye on the fall, I've seen them in Miami. You may also be able to grow neomarica outdoors with some protection if you get frosts. Even Trimezia Martiniensis. The neomarica and trimezia are differnt types of Walking Iris. I've seen both of those as far south as Fairchild tropical gardens in Coral Gables.
I think the issue with the bearded is the lack of enough cold and too much humidity in the summer.
And, yes that fushia cactus is one of the cuttings you got from me.
Well, back to the books now.
phoenixryan
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Frank, definitely up for a trade later in the year. I'll photograph them when they bloom, so I remember what I've got. I completely forgot about the Japanese and Louisiana Iris (how do you spell the plural Iris?? LOL is it like cacti?) growing in my pond. the Japanese hasn't done much for me at all. It might be too wet... the Louisiana iris has grown so large, I can't get it to stand upright in the pond anymore. Will definitely have that to trade this year as well.
cindeea
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
YUM, Frank! I actually have a tin wash tub on my patio for water plants. The calla that is left after the frost looks bad, I need some more lilies there this summer...
jodik_gw
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Speaking of water in the garden... Cindee, I just saw a tiered fountain on sale at Harbor Freight. It's got the iron frame with the little clay pots that dump into each other, sort of like yours! If I could get away with having it indoors, I'd think about getting one... but I think they splash too much for inside use.

I am going to try a tub water garden outside this year... if I can get all the supplies I need. We already have the tubs.

I, too, think the Bearded Standard Iris might need some cold dormancy to set buds, and I also think too much heat and humidity aren't to their liking. But those wetland Iris varieties should do fine in Florida, I would think. Plural for Iris would be... Irises? I don't think Iri, like cacti, is it! LOL! It does sound funny on the tongue, though!

My Calla Lily isn't growing at all... it wasn't that spectacular last season, but it did grow and flower. It went dormant when fall came, but it's not growing at all now, and I think it should have started already, no? Maybe I should dig it out of its pot and check the corms...
phoenixryan
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Jodi, most of the fountains have a flow control, you can slow the water flow down if they splash too much.

My bearded iris do fine in Phx, so I don't know that they require much cold. But they do like to be on the drier side.

For some reason, Jodi, I seem to recall you saying somewhere that you had your calla in a bog environment? They don't really like chronically wet feet. That could be part of the problem for you. Try giving them some bottom warmth and letting them mostly dry out between waterings.
frank27603
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Cindee- PERFECT! That sound like a perfect place to grow them. I am eyeing some for this season and will send some your way when I acquire them!

The forum for "Iris" is named "Irises"...seems odd to me too, but whateva!

I've read that some types of Callas will grow in bog, but most don't really like the wet feet. I can't ever get the darned things to do what I want them to...lol I used to have a 'White Giant' that was a beast of a plant and grew and bloomed like it was on crack. Sadly, I had to leave it behind when I moved. :-(

Happy Friday everyone!

-Frank
phoenixryan
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
For all the iris lovers out there, check out the website below. The 'Swirling Waters' Louisiana iris is a stunner!! Its on the home page for obvious reasons...

Enabler Ryan

Here is a link that might be useful: Iris City Gardens
frank27603
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Chaz- That Iris must be very special to you. I am glad it has thrived well so when you see it, you remember happy times with your friend.

None of my friends care anything about plants, but my grandmother was a huge gardener. Unfortunately due to her health decline towards the end of her life, most of her plants (except the tough ones) went to be with Jesus. She loved the multi colored Lantana so much, I tear up every time I see it in the garden centers. What a dork I know...

Arghhh Ryan! Another site filled with goodies! Those are sooo pretty! I am fortunate the online things are easier to click away from than seeing the plants in personwhich I couldnt resist some today to the tune of almost $150shhh! Dont tell anyone. If anyone asks, Ill tell them my friends on the garden forum made me do it!

-Frank
jodik_gw
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Frank, I don't think you're a dork, at all! There's nothing wrong with being sentimental, and remembering good things... even if they do make your eyes tear up. I can clearly remember the beautiful Bleeding Hearts my Grandma grew... and her luscious Peonies... and I half laugh/half cry when I think about all the plants my Mom killed, even though she tried so hard... she just didn't possess the gardener gene! It skipped a generation!

Actually, Ryan, I have my Calla Lily planted in a very well-draining medium, in a clay pot. It bloomed and grew ok last season, but wasn't really that impressive. It was a $2 bagged rhizome from Lowe's, I think. Not the highest quality, I'm sure. I'm just surprised it hasn't begun to grow yet this year.

I haven't had a chance to look at that website with the Irises yet... but I'm going to! I never miss a chance to drool at online photos of gorgeous flowers!

I didn't know that those fountain pumps could be adjusted... you learn something new every day! Thanks for that, Ryan! That little piece of information has just widened my choice for an indoor water thingy... I need to up the humidity, and I think a little fountain will help.

Well, guys... it's been fun, but the dogs have their legs crossed, so I'm off for now! Have a sweet day!

Schools closed due to snow. blooms photo heavy!

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