Friday, October 23, 2009

The Hobgoblin of Little Budgets

Seems a tad ridiculous that I'd be planning (planting?) for the holidays when I haven't even figured out my scary Halloween costume...

But I couldn't resist when I spotted Amaryllis bulbs on sale for 5 bucks.

I s'pose I could just give everyone on my Christmas list a bulb. They come in cute little boxes. Except that giving just the bulb is a clear indicator I'm a 5 buck cheapskate.

So, I planted these bulbs today, in high hopes I'd be dazzling folks with bright, red flowers when I gift them to friends two months from now. In full bloom they should look like they're worth way more than 5 dollars.

Maybe even 10.

* Ralph Waldo Emerson's: "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds" was a jab at uncreative people.

I realize my Amaryllis bulbs aren't all that creative. But, they're affordable. And, they're gorgeous. Therefore I think they'll do the trick.

PS: If I were growing them for myself, I'd simply sprout them in water. Amaryllis bulbs forced in a vase vs. soil tend to bloom in half the time. (About 4 weeks vs. 8.)

10 comments:

Iron Needles said...

I love amaryllis and have never had one. Maybe I will find one this weekend! On sale even!

Brett said...

That's a good idea. We might have to copy you.

jan said...

One time I saw a photo in a very pricey bulb catalog of amaryllis in full bloom on each step of a big curved stairway. I thought it was the most magnificent thing! Last year was my first attempt at growing one. I got a 'kit' for xmas, but we were out of town when it opened and come home to it laying on the counter. I might try another this winter, if I find a good sale!

Jan said...

I buy some amaryllis every year, but wait to plant them until Thanksgiving in late November. I do that to have blooms in January after all the Christmas decorations are taken down. Having flowers then seems to make Spring arrive a little early. Then, come late April, I plant them in the garden.

Jan
Always Growing

Shawna Coronado said...

Just discovered your blog. I’m tweeting about it on twitter – very nice! Keep up the good work!

Shawna

Anonymous said...

I plant pink ones late too. Love those big flowers in the gloomy days of late winter! - Kris

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Hi, Iron and jan; You could probably find them at homer depot. :) But snoop inside the boxes. Some of the bulbs are very wimpy. Others are pretty good size!

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Hi, Jan and Kris!
Love that idea of planting late for cheery flowers right about the time I want to kill myself (Feb.) because it won't stop snowing!

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Thanks, Shawna! I appreciate it! I watched your YouTube video this morning – terrific planting suggestions!

Granny J said...

Love your warm, brilliant colors for fall and Christmas...