I'd really love to hear stories from people I plan to give my own mixes away... I hope some of them will take the time just to drop a line without ever meeting or anything. Just to know if my idea of making their sick winter days brigther with a flower...
I never plan to meet these people. I don't want to give these flowers to them to shop for attention or force them to send me thank you letters, but it would be nice to know if my naive idea of this give away will have actually worked or not...
Well. I will have to wait a lot for it, but it is worth the try.
Sorry... I did not misunderstood your thread... It has just made me think of "how I came to love them" and "how they have changed my life," and that is what I am planning to do: change people's life and perception.

Minerva was my first, a $3 purchase from the clearance aisle at Walmart. I bought it one year after our home burned... we lost everything, including all my houseplants. The name on the box was my reason for buying it... my Bulldog's name was Minerva, too!

Minerva the Bulldog passed away in November of 2006. I treasure my Minerva bulb because every time I look at it, I remember my wonderful companion. I still miss her very much.

Since the fire, we've moved several times. A couple of years ago, I bought a second bulb, an Apple Blossom. Both bulbs have performed so well, and through so many moves, that I couldn't help wanting more of them!

And so, here I am, an avid collector and admirer of these wondrous bulbs. I joined this forum to gain more knowledge about my bulbs, and since doing so, I've become very interested in breeding them. I've also made some very good friends while expanding my knowledge!

My collection has recently grown to include a Papillio Butterfly, two unnamed Red & Whites, some Lemon & Lime babies, and an Amalfi. I am anticipating the arrival of six more bulbs, and plan to place another order soon to obtain more varieties that I don't yet have.

Becoming an Hippeastrum collector has been one of the most rewarding garden related experiences I've had, and I hope to be able to share this experience with others. As I breed these bulbs and grow the resulting seedlings, I think it would be wonderful to share the extras. I will be looking into donating some, perhaps to a school, hospital or nursing home, so others might share the joy these bulbs have given me.

I've posted my story before, but I never tire of telling how I got "hooked" on Hippeastrums! This thread is a great idea, and I've enjoyed reading how others began their collections and found a passion for these extraordinary bulbs!

My first Amaryllis was a Mother's Day gift from my son. It came from Jackson & Perkins. That winter I bought the boxed varieties from Walmart, and discarded them after they bloomed. 3 years ago, I moved to Florida, and saw Amaryllis blooming in people's yard: I was hooked. I buy the bulbs, enjoy the bloom inside, then plant them outside in a dedicated Amaryllis bed. The best of both worlds. The more I learn about them, the more I love them. Maybe I'll order just one more bulb!!!!!

He is my story.
I was asked to pick some bulbs up from Holland a couple of years ago, from a couple of breeders over there. I originally went to holland, just to have a look for some new suppliers, have a few beers etc etc. I turned up at a nursery just down the road from the ferry back to the UK, to pick up some hippie bulbs. I was invited into the greenhouse to have a quick look, I just stopped in my tracks, the only hipp's I had seen were the red's and white's we get in DIY stores. The hipp's in this place were just amazing, and I guess I was hooked there and then.
I returned to the UK, and started to collect. I have now got just under 100 varieties, and have just applied for the National Collection of Hippeastrum hybrids. Ive recently joined forces with the other national collection holder of Hippeastrums, he concentrates on species. We have our own website and are going to try and offer a very wide selection of Dutch, Australian and South African hybrids.
Thats my story.
Hope you enjoyed it as much as I am enjoying growing them
Andy

My story...

Many years ago, I simply do not remember when, Walmart was selling Red Lion, Minerva and Appleblossom. I bought a few, and then there were the fancy doubles. I got some of them.

I was so fascinated, but I have to tell you that I was always hooked on bulbs, so getting hooked on Amaryllis was a 'given'.

Ahhhh...Isn't this so nice? Reading about our amaryllis friends and their stories makes a 'User Name' a REAL person.

Soultan...Your plan with your amaryllises is so unselfish. It will succeed...

Jodic...I actually envy you with your Minerva. I have never been lucky with it. The two Minervas I got last season are sick again. I think I will not get any Minervas anymore. Either it does not like my growing conditions or it does not like Marias.

Palmcoastgarden...That is one of my dreams...to be able to plant my collection outside in my garden like some of you do. My hubby works for the government and we could move anytime we want. But moving is hard. So I told my hubby that if ever we are moving again, it would be the last time and it would be somewhere warm where we will be retiring. I told him this would prevent the dreaded arthritis if ever besides him being able to go fishing all year round. And at the back of my mind, it is also going to be somewhere I could plant my amaryllises outside.
My first amaryllis was a gift too. It was a Dancing Queen.

Hairy3...It must have been awesome to see a plantation or greenhouseful of blooming amaryllises. I once in a while visit your website. It is very nice and more varieties are added. Good luck on your venture. Don't forget that you have friends here in US if ever you need help.

Elizabeth...I have never had luck with any kind of bulb before I got to know the amaryllis culture. I started right from scratch and right here in this forum. I still remember my trip to Washington DC, a month right after I entered US. That was middle of April and the Cherry Trees and THOUSANDS of tulips were in bloom. It was surreal for me coming from a tropical country. From then on, every time I see a potted tulip in bloom, I buy one. After the bloom dies, so does the plant and the bulb (under my care). Hippeastrums are so different. For me they are very strong bulbs.

Now let's hear from our other amaryllis friends. Come join and share with us how you came to love this magnificent plant!

Me, being a lover of all pretty things especially flowers noticed these beautiful flowers in a neighbours garden when I was still living at home with my parents. Thier huge showy bloooms just caught your eyes as you walked by.
Got talking to the lady who lived there and that was my introduction to these amazing flowers.
When she had heard that I had bought my own home and was moving away she dug up a few and gave them to me as a going away gift.

When we moved into the new house I discovered their were a few growing in the front garden bed. I planted my new bulbs and have been adding to the collection ever since.

Maria - The funny thing about my Minerva bulb is... that kit she came in was one of many in the clearance aisle, and I didn't know that I should open the boxes and check the bulbs so I would get a good one... I just chose a box, any box, that said "Minerva" on the front... I am extremely lucky to have "chosen" the best one!

In case others haven't seen her, this is my Minerva today, in a standard 8 inch pot... I've had her for about 7 years:

{{gwi:428580}}

Maria,

Me unselfish? No. :o) I am communicating wrong. :o) I want to enjoy their flowers, then I will have to give them away to make space for the new seedling that would bloom again.. Maybe I keep only a few exceptionally beautiful that stand out, but give away all the others ready to be forced. And I just made up this idea of giving them away to a charity to give smile to sick people. I wouldn't be able to sell my mutt bulbs anyway, so why not do something good with them?

Dizzy...I would die to see a garden here in my area with amaryllises in bloom.

Jodic...Nice healthy "Mommy Minerva"...

Soultan...You just gave me an idea there. Since I am planning to thin out my collection, I can sell some of them in our church's spring garage sale. Or donate them in my kid's class seed/bulb basket in school that is auctioned off (silent) for the student's field trips and playground maintenance/improvement.

That's a wonderful idea, Maria! The silent auction would be a great way for someone to acquire some nice bulbs, and at the same time, benefit the school!

Maria,
In a few months when the hippeastrums are in flower I'll take a photo of mum's neighbour's garden, you'll understand why I fell in love with them.

Ohhhh...I would love that! Here is a pic of Hippeastrums in bloom in Ludwig&Co's(Holland) greenhouse. I always had it saved and everytime I look at it, I wish someday, I can have the same display in my backyard. It's almost impossible not to fall in love with this plant. Enjoy!

{{gwi:428581}}

I wish there were better quality pictures available from these growers. Especially from Hadeco. They cultivate their stock open air.

Soultan
I have (Somewhere !!) a picture from Hadeco, of one of their fields full of Hipp's. If I can find it and scan it, I will post it. If I can ever figure out how the scanner works, just may have get my 11 (!!) year old son to do it for me.
It is pretty impressive though.
next time Im in Holland I will take some pics and post them

What wonderful stories you guys! Like Eliz, our first Christmas in our new home I went to HD and Walmart and bought the standards-Red Lion, Minerva and Apple Blossom. I have for years wanted to grow amaryllis. In my neighborhood many years ago there was a guy who had this huge circular Amaryllis garden in the center of his front lawn. Every year, in anticipation, I waited for the flowers to open. I promised myself I would always have amaryllis when I owned my own house one day. I started hanging around the bulb forum (before the birth of the Amaryllis forum) to learn about amaryllis and after Christmas that first year, I headed back to the big box stores and took advantage of the amaryllis bulb sales. I had planted them all out in my bulb bed and brought them in during winter. Last winter, when my legs were hurting so bad and it was getting more and more difficult to get around, my poor bulb bed was horribly neglected. In Nov., with hip surgery pending in Feb., Dennis helped me dig up and bring in all my amaryllis bulbs so I didn't have to struggle to get out to see them. That is when all of you 'enabled' me, that led to purchasing more bulbs and you all taught me how to propagate them and make more! The amaryllis are still in pots on my patio. Hopefully, my surgery will get re-scheduled this winter and I will be able to enjoy my blooms, make more babies and share it all with you again while I recoup! Thanks you guys!!

Hairy3,

Thank you. We should to to the Netherlands to roll around in the amaryllis gardens.

I hope that you will get better, Cindeea. It is horrible just to hear about your troubles. I can imagine how bad it must be to live it.

Soultan, it has gotten much better, Thank You. I have been going to Physical Therapy and a pain management doc until I can get surgery. It has changed my life! I have a lot more movement and much less pain.

I have constant headaches, but I can manage them with medication, but I cannot really imagine to have any physical illnesses that would stand in my way doing regular things that I am used to doing... I mean I can imagine, I am just not too keen on thinking of these scenarios. So when I hear about them, it saddens me. This proves how vaguely and faultily this human body is put together. I wish I had the check. I'd return it for a refund.

LOL Soultan, Dennis was going to take me to the pawn shop this weekend, he's looking for some carpentry tools, and see what could get for me! Luckily, they were closed when we drove by! lol!

I know what Cindee's going through, and you, too, Soultan... constant pain is a horrible thing, and even though it can be controlled with medication, there are side effects... you become dependent on the medication, literally addicted to the only help you have. Then there are the effects the medication has on your body... such as, harming the liver and kidneys, making you tired all the time, etc... and the stigma attached to being a chronic pain patient... people think you are just a painkiller junkie. Unless a person has experienced chronic pain, they can't imagine how it takes over your life...

Cindee is very lucky that physical therapy is helping, and that she has found a way to deal with the pain. I'm so happy for you, Cindee... especially since you're planning this trip to see family! That's a major accomplishment when you live with pain! And how wonderful that you have a helpful and understanding husband who has made it easier for you to enjoy your bulbs!

Soultan - headaches are just as bad as living with chronic pain... not far from it, anyway... I not only deal with Lupus, but I get occasional migraines, too... I know how a bad one can keep you from enjoying your day, that's for sure! The human body is an amazing machine, so strong and yet so frail...

Even though I still rely on my meds every day, I am much better since I began a regimen of Optimum Nutrition meal replacements, and began taking echinacea, purified fish oil, glucosamine chondroitin with csa, B complex, flax oil, balanced amino acids... and lost 35 pounds! I'm not sick as often as I used to be... and my med consumption has gone down. I used to take 240 Lortabs in 20 days... imagine that... now I only take 120 in a month!

I still have bad days, as I'm sure you both have... but detoxifying my system and feeding it what it really needs has made a huge difference! Having faith helps a lot, too... and as I "offer up" my troubles to the Higher Power, I shall also keep you both in my prayers, as I do all my friends...

Life is not so bad when you see, and can enjoy, the beauty of the flowers we all love so much!

And the beauty of the flowers is all around. Continuously. Especially if you can make sure that it is all around continuously. It is the 10th. The bulbs should be out on the shelves already. I don't know if I can wait till Sunday to go around and start the shopping...

Jodi, I should know what Lupis is, but somehow it escapes me. Does it have to do with neurological, mental, or other physical characteristics? I feel for you babe, you seem so vibrant, and like me, and Soultan, have learned to deal with it! You guys, I am usually not up so late, but recently, since I booked our flight and hotel, I cannot sleep at night. I am sooooooo excited about going to see Dennis' grandchildren (a lil secret-I have never been married, Dennis and I live in sin, in our late 50's-Still he is GRANDPA, but I get to be "Grandpas Girlfriend"-see still too young to be called a Grand Mother-LOL!!

We are going to have dinner one night with all the babes at his sister and BIL's. PLUS I have to go shopping in Long Grove-they have the greatest shoppes and the BESTEST carmel apples they only make in the fall. The French Country and the Italian Country Shoppes...Break out the Discover Card!
Then are going to take the kids to 6 Flags (where I will get a wheelchair or scooter) and go on all the rides they have special for Halloween. Being in a chair gets us front row too (Oh I am so BAD! Not my fault they treat people with Special needs, well, SPECIAL! I am soooooo excited, Oh I already told you that! lol!!! I have to go get some sleep, now!

Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease... most peoples' immune systems fight off viruses and bacteria that enter the body, and keep them from being constantly ill. My immune system fights me, and lets germs have their way! It can attack almost any system in my body, it's horribly painful, and there are multiple symptoms. It's not easy to diagnose, so it took years before my doctor figured out what was wrong. My joints and bones hurt constantly, I have hair and nail loss and rashes at times, it affects my memory, and I have mini seizures sometimes, I get every cold and flu and germ that passes near me, it seems! The pain is the worst part, though. I have tried so many drugs that I feel like a lab rat! The best thing I have found is echinacea... it keeps me from being sick all the time, and since I've changed my diet, I am much improved! As I've said, I have good and bad days... it's not so bad, really, when I think of how others are much worse off than I am.

Cindee - You're going to 6 Flags Great America!!? Oh, will you guys have fun! I love that place! Been there many times with the kids, and when I was younger! Chicagoland definitely has nice shopping malls and outlets! Not far from 6 Flags is Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall! You'll have a blast shopping up this way, I know!

There's a little orchard out near Rockford called Edward's Apple Orchard... they make homemade apple cinnamon donuts and caramel apples to die for!! And their apple cider is killer! I can almost smell the apple-cinnamon in the air... ooh wait... that's my candle burning! LOL!

I'd say have fun on your trip, Cindee, but I already know you will make the most of it!! Travel safely, and make sure you get someone to water your bulbs! ;-)