Christmas Flower Exchange

Phaleanopsis Orchid

(Love these polka dots :)

When people draw my name at Christmas, they're generally pretty happy. You'll find no expensive electronics on my gotta have it wish list. If it's blooming, and you give me one... rest assured I'll be ecstatic!

Lava Rock Schefflera

Nifty things in my stocking this year. Like this Uko Bonsai ~ happily growing, with roots exposed, inside a lava rock!

Luscious Alstroemeria

A cut flower who cannot be grown as a plant in my home. Do you know the story of the Alstros? A Dutch flower company hybridized these lovelies many years ago. They own the patents. The flowers are sterile. Seems the prettiest colors are only sold as cut flowers though some colors are available for private growing in the nurseries.

I've heard they're loosening up these restrictions and I sincerely hope so. Alstroemerias are so gorgeous ~ easy-growing indoor bloomers!

New pink AND white Azaleas! 

Karen's 5-Blossom Over-Achieving Amaryllis

These pretty new bloomers are all lounging in the sunny window, becoming great friends with Karen's Amaryllis. I call it Karen's because I grew this for her ~ started it as a bulb back in October.

But, we could not get our schedules figured out to meet up for a pre-Christmas lunch. So, now I'm not sure what to do. Because she'll be done blooming in just a few days.

I suppose I could give her a dead Amaryllis. After all, it's the thought that counts... right? :D

Pink Tuesday

Doubtful I could endure winter without the happy blooms of Alstroemeria.

Or, pink Cyclamen gracing my indoor garden.

Yeah, yeah. I know it's still October but the weather never lies.
In the midst of a winter snowstorm here, today.

Windowsill African Violets don't seem to mind...

Look closely.
Ms. African Violet's kid sister is hiding somewhere in this photo.

The Poor [Yet Persuasive] Man's Orchid

They call it the Poor Man's Orchid and I wholeheartedly agree ~ it was on sale for $1.99.

Any other claim to Orchid fame would have to be lumped into that oh so common file called false advertising.

You'd have to be one very poor and highly persuasive man to talk any woman into believing this is an Orchid.

My happy little grocery store bargain is called Schizanthus and while she looks more like an Alstroemeria than she ever could an Orchid, I immediately concluded that: Beggars cannot be choosers.

In this 'Winter of Discontent' aka how Kate's Hellishly Dull Budget is severely cramping her style, a buck 99 for some flower-filled joy was right up my alley.

Even the cat was impressed:
Schizanthus is a cute little annual that will flower for months and - get this - she doesn't require deadheading. Never thought I'd reach this conclusion, but the white ones are actually prettier. Though they were truly dead as doornails on the sale table. The pinkies bounced back with a drink of water. Which prompts me to ask the age old question once again: Why don't flower shops water their flowers?