I have been really trying not to buy any new plants. Partially because of my finance goals. Partially due to weather conditions. But it is getting increasingly harder to not buy! Buying new plants is such a rush and provides that diversion during these doldrum times.

I haven't reached that anxious phase yet. We have a lot of snow ahead of us so I try not to get my hopes up too high this time of year. I just collected three 5-gallon buckets of snow that I have melting into water for my plants.

We get an occasional sunny/semi-warm day here and there throughout the winter and when we do, I leap outside for any repotting project I have that's too messy to do indoors.

I do have a sort of running list of plants that I want to combine, repot and propagate when summer comes. I should put it in a diary of some sort. I always think I will remember, no problem, right up until the moment I don't!

Well, living in NC we can have the AC on one day (like last week) and then snow the next day!

I swore I would not order any plants in Jan/Feb but I did from Unsolicited Plant Talks. They guarantee their plants, foil wrapped and heat pack. They arrived in perfect condition. I agree with popmama that a new plant can definitely help during these doldrum times.

The nursery just down the street from us also post pics like this on facebook. So, I have to go see what new plants they get in. Lol

Stay warm! Only 43 days till Spring!!

Wow, Tika! What a beautiful picture. That snowy, tree-lined path with the pond on the right. I love it!

.... as long as I don't have to shovel it! 🤣

(A rant of sorts and some reminiscing). Another gloomy day and I thought my wife and I would take a ride to one of the local nurseries of sorts.

It's not a real nursery as I would envision it, but they do have plants. They also cater to an upscale clientele. Me? I prefer tables and tables of plants where I can pour over them and get my hands dirty from the pots. Upscale I am not!

Sadly, none of the plants were named. They did have a few pots of publicalyx but since they weren't named I didn't want to purchase what I already own. They were also grossly over priced, as are all their plants. For instance, alocasia, elephant ears, $25, the exact same bulb, in the exact same box at Home Depot is $15.

I miss the days of my youth where one could wander among rows and rows of plants, from house plant tropicals to perennials, and prices were reasonable. My father and I would spend hours just looking and selecting. Sadly a lot of the big box stores destroyed the mom and pop outfits. Maybe in my next life, I'll be reborn in the past and I'll start my own nursery. Everything will be labeled. Prices will be reasonable and you're all welcome. Remember to tell me we knew each other in the future and I'll give you each a 75% discount! My Hoya house will be incredible.

Those of you that live near "real" nurseries, I envy you.

Stay well all and hopefully your days will be sunny and your plants growing and blooming like mad! 😁

Great story!! I know what you mean about prices. Seems during covid things got really expensive. I like your idea about starting a nursery and the 70% discount. 😊

Stay well

Haha...Bill that’s great! What are your favorite hoyas? Fastest growing hoyas?

Whatever I don't have!😁

I'd love to get a callistophylla, or something with prominate veins, but they're all too expensive. That's why when I stock my imaginary super secret rare and unusual Hoya greenhouse, I'll make sure to have multiple cuttings for all my friends. In the mean time, I just continue to grow and enjoy the ones I do have. I noticed earlier today a number of them are beginning to set peduncles out, so now it's only a matter of time before I start to see some blooms.

Bill, get a fungii if you can. Not only are the leaves veined, but they feel like velvet. It's an easy grower, too. I just ordered a couple off of Etsy yesterday (multiflora and cv. Rosita). Congrats on the peduncles!

For my three free Hoyas, I choose: pubicalyx "Red Buttons", cv. Chouke, and panchoi.

Brad AKA Moonwolf

Brad, when I get my imaginary super secret rare and unusual Hoya greenhouse, Poing! Your wish shall be granted!