maybe a tiny OT, but when asked why you have so many bulbs

14 years ago

Well, I placed an order recently for some bulbs. And when I told the s.o. about it, the response was, "What are you going to do with seven more Amaryllis?"

Yes, I do have 3-4 big red amaryllis garden bulbs in a bed by the front door. And that's why there are no reds in this order.

My mouth said, "I've been thinking I need a hobby..." While my brain thought, "Uh oh, how will I explain the after-Christmas bonanza I'm planning."

Anyway, I thought of this as a baby step in a long path full of hippes blooms and bulbs, pictures and seedlings.

So what do you say to loved ones who ask why you want more?

Genez

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Comments (17)

tommyr_gw Zone 6
14 years ago
My answer is, "Because it's FUN!" No need to elaborate.
This goes for ANY hobby. Works for orchids, African violets,etc. Stamp collecting, coin collecting, WHATEVER.

If it brings you much joy, DO IT! As long as it harms or kills no one.

Simple right?! I think so!
kaboehm (zone 9a, TX USA)
14 years ago
You never get tired of the endless variety, the color, shapes, and in some cases (JEWEL)...the smell of chocolate!
;-)
Kristi
Spring, TX
(home of nearly 100 named varieties...greenhouse arrived last week!)
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mariava7
14 years ago
"It saves my sanity". ;-)
jodik_gw
14 years ago
My husband supports me in whatever I decide to do, so when I began collecting hippeastrum and other tender bulbs, he was... well, supportive!

When I see a bulb I'd like to get, I just tell him... and if we have the money, he helps me order it. Sometimes, he even sets aside extra money because he knows I like to get a couple of new bulbs each fall.

I think having a bulb collecting, growing, and breeding hobby is much better than some things people do with their money... it's fun, educational, relaxing... and I've made some wonderful friends along the way! It doesn't get any better than this! :-)
ryan820
14 years ago
My wife has stopped asking. She doesn't complain when the living room looks like an English garden.

But like all the others said it is a good hobby. I know husbands who though they have little kids at home who need them are out at the bar or hanging with their friends, leaving their families to fend for themselves.

Ryan
mariae
14 years ago
It is a sanity saver nice hobby, that now helps so that my three years old, that is in the stage "I don't want to take a picture" agrees to do it just because he is jealous of me taking picture to the flowers. ALL GAIN!!!!
jodik_gw
14 years ago
That was my thought, Ryan, when I mentioned there were worse things to spend money on. Being addicted to bulb collecting is far better than being a slave to alcohol, drugs... and it's a great learning experience!

I've had other hobbies... beading, jewelry making, crafts... but none have held my attention like the unique cycle these bulbs go through... it's fascinating!

Larry has accepted the fact that we live in a jungle of bulbs and other plants... and he secretly likes them all more than he would admit!
Dar Sunset Zone 18
14 years ago
Sanity saver? I don't know, I am going insane trying to restrain myself from ordering any new amaryllis bulbs now! :)
john3
14 years ago
Then image the 'chore' of planting seeds, when you choose to hybridize! Have nine from a 'Scarlet Baby x 'Clown', and this year planted half of seeds from a 'Scarlet Baby' x 'Picotee'. Was looking to convey the whiter coloring of the fathers to the smaller size of the miniature mother. One from the first crossing bloomed this spring, and looked like 'Minerva'. Space, space, I need more space!!!
ryan820
14 years ago
I think its safe to say that one day, some huge greenhouse in Holland will call us all back to the mother land. LOL

And though I don't hybridize (good Lord-- could you imagine the insanity of that in an apartment?) I have supplied seeds to other addicts. Does that make me a dealer? LOL

My family owns a large farm in Pennsylvania... hmmmmmmmm..... wonder if mum and dad would mind a greenhouse. hehe

Ryan
ajsblu_eyes
14 years ago
I think that is a wonderful idea, expanding into your parentÂs house. I am planning to do that very thing on my next trip home. Thanks to an automatic watering system I do not have to depend on my parents watering newly planted seeds. I am busily trying to addict my mother in the mean time. ;-)

AJ
purpleclover
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks guys. I'll probably be printing this thread out and passing it along. ;-D

Well I think that for the next little while, every new client is going to entitle me to money in the bulb fund.

I've been telling myself that I could gift some of the bulbs I'm ordering, but I may decide that its not reasonable to give them away before I've seen them bloom myself. he he

In the meantime, I've cleaned up the far side of the house and set up shelving against the west wall so I have plenty of room to winter my seedlings.

Genez
Carol love_the_yard (Zone 9A Jacksonville, FL)
14 years ago
If you can afford the money, time and space, it is a hobby. If you you're beyond the time, space or money you can afford, it is an addiction/obsession. If it is taking away from your retirement fund or children's college fund or, worse yet, you're buying on credit, it is time to rethink! :)
kaboehm (zone 9a, TX USA)
14 years ago
Dear Purple Clover....you are new to the list??? You'll find out...WE LOVE TO TRADE!!!
;-)
Kristi
Spring, TX
jodik_gw
14 years ago
Ryan, you seed dealer, you! Trying to get others hooked, are you? For shame! ;-)

Will some large greenhouse in Holland be "the Motherland"? Or will our bulbs all request retirement in their true native land... South America? I don't know... where would you want to go if you were a bulb?

Out of space... there's a concept I've been working around for the past year, or so... you're never really out of space... you just keep readjusting and trading!
purpleclover
Original Author
14 years ago
Hi Kristi, I am new to the list.

You just got the greenhouse (envy). Now you can keep them all!

I would love to trade. If anybody has seeds or seedlings needing a home, let me know.
beachplant
14 years ago
"it's cheaper than bullets".

That or only marry/date/live with other gardeners.

Tally HO!

maybe a tiny OT, but when asked why you have so many bulbs

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maybe a tiny OT, but when asked why you have so many bulbs

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