Because we have taken them out of their natural habitat and changed the natural selection process by creating hybrids, we are already "playing God" to a certain extent. The trick now becomes "playing God" with responsibility and care. The first thoughts should be... what growing environment do I have to offer these bulbs, and how much time and effort do I want to devote to them? Protecting them from extreme stresses is a very good piece of advice. The growing environment you offer may have extremes that will require protecting from, or adapting to... such as harsh outdoor conditions, or indoor conditions that require supplement. Hippeastrum bulbs are extremely forgiving, and as long as a few very basic rules are followed, their culture is relatively easy... do not allow the bulbs to freeze, do not over water them, give them plenty of light, and allow them an annual rest period, whether of their choosing or forced. It has recently come to my attention that Hippeastrum bulbs not only shed their leaves before resting, they may also shed some of their roots. A portion of the root system may die off annually as the bulb rests, and may be replaced by new roots as active growth ensues. Due to the lack of a balanced micro-organism system within a container, it may be important to re-pot the bulbs annually in order to rid the medium of the excess dead root matter which will otherwise rest under the bulb, possibly causing fungal and rotting issues. One piece of information I haven't seen yet is what zones these are hardy in... I believe them to be hardy to zone 8, with protection. Hippeastrums are considered tender amaryllids.

Good For You Pesky! You're actions helped someone today, and in a big way. Hopefully, your call will be the catalyst to make something happen.

Updated OP to add Party Pitcher sizes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- This new recipe is light and refreshing! Very subtle and sparkling. Sparkling Ginger Margaritas 2 sliced ginger root as thick as a quarter, coarsely chopped 1 fresh kaffir lime leaf, cut in half where leaf is indented (optional) 1 1/2 oz blue agave blanco tequila 1/2 oz fresh lime juice 1/2 oz orange Curacao or triple sec 1/4 ginger agave syrup* Sparkling wine, such as cava In bottom of cocktail shaker, middle ginger slices and lime leaf until ginger is coarsely mashed. Shake with 6-10 ice cubes. Pour into 6-oz martini glass. Top with sparkling wine. Bruise remaining half of lime leaf by slapping between palms of hands to release aroma. Float on drink. *Ginger agave syrup Combine 1/2 C light organic agave syrup with 2 T water in small saucepan. Set over medium heat and add 1/4 C finely chopped ginger (no need to peel). When mixture simmers, time 2 minutes, then remove from heat and cool to room temp. Strain. Keep in fridge for up to a month. Party Pitcher 16 slices ginger as thick as a quarter, coarsely chopped 8 fresh kaffir lime leaves 1 1/2 C tequila as above 1/2 C fresh lime juice 1/2 orange Curacao or triple sec 1/4 C ginger agave syrup* Sparkling wine, such as cava In the bottom of pitcher, muddle the ginger and half the lime leaves until ginger is coarsely mashed. Add tequila, lime, Curacao, and ginger agave. Refrigerate 2 hrs. Fill cocktail shaker with ice and 2/3 C margarita mixture. Shake and serve as above in glass with cava and bruised lime leaf. --------------------------------------- Next week is Black Currant-Rhubarb Margarita!

I just finished The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, I enjoyed it. I finished All The Way To The Tigers by Mary Morris today, it was a great glimpse into India and a woman's quest to see tigers in their natural habitat after a debilitating accident. A friend recommended Scythe by Neal Shusterman that was ok, I am not really into science fiction. I also listened twice to the audible book Thicker Than Water by Tyler Schultz the whistleblower of the Theranos scandal. It was fabulous. I am now reading Pico Iyer's, The Lady and The Monk. Has anyone here read Pico Iyer? He is an amazing writer, poetic in a realistic relatable way. I am enjoying seeing Kyoto through his descriptions. This has been been my August reading. I also started The Island of The Sea of Women by Lisa See. I put it down halfway through, not for me. Lisa See is one of my favorite authors, but I did not enjoy this book.