Nancy Marie Allen

February 5, 2019January 27, 2020

February Awakenings

Although the year is divided into four neat segments, there are many seasons within seasons and winter is no exception. Many people would like to skip over winter altogether, but it’s the one season when we’re most likely to appreciate those subtle natural shifts and awakenings taking place around us. Today on my walk I noted some of these interseasonal changes due to the unusually warm temperatures we’re experiencing this week in the Northeast. With the snow and ice leftover from our last storm furiously melting, I found some photo opportunities that otherwise might have been missed.

Mill 2-4-2019 — The Mill in Early February (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

It’s hard for me to resist taking photos of the mill pond next to our property; no matter what the season, it’s always captivating! There are still large chunks of bluish ice, but you can see that water is flowing freely over the little waterfall and rushing to fill the pond below. In the foreground, red maple buds are already swelling with life, reminding us that spring can’t be far away.

rhodie buds 2-4-2019 — Rhododendron Buds (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Rhododendron buds are also getting fat in anticipation of their May blooming, while in the still sleeping perennial garden, clumps of Irish moss appear once again between the stepping stones, sporting straggly coats of bright Kelly green. In the warmer weeks ahead this moss will spread to fill in any gaps, creating a lush carpet underfoot.

Irish Moss 2-4-2019 — Irish Moss (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

I can hear more rushing water as I stroll by another small stream weaving its way into the woods. There’s another sound, too, breaking the winter silence. The birds, awakening from the cold, are singing and flitting from tree to tree. They simply cannot contain their happiness over the spring-like warmth and are celebrating their good fortune!

Ice Melt II 2-4-2019 — A Meandering Woodland Stream (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

It’s only early February but there are already many signs of the earth awakening and readying itself for the coming of spring. Now that I’m retired I have the time to enjoy these seasonal changes on a weekly, if not daily, basis. There is always something in the natural world to take note of and be astounded by, all of those tiny changes that move us quietly but steadily onward.

Lichen 2-4-2019 — Winter Lichen (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Lichen is one of those amazing life forms that moves so secretly and slowly that few take notice, yet its many forms and colors create natural works of great beauty; the ubiquitous rock walls of my native Massachusetts are liberally covered with them. One can easily miss this in other seasons, but in the starkness of winter, any green growth begs our attention and reminds us that life goes on.

chickadee peter-lewis-491699-unsplash — Black-capped Chickadee (Photo by Peter Lewis, Unsplash)

In the meteorological world, spring begins on March 1st. The few short weeks between February and March bring about great changes as the earth prepares once again for rebirth. By getting outdoors and taking the time to observe the natural world around us, we can find those seasons within seasons and take joy in witnessing the wondrous awakenings of life!

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January 28, 2019January 27, 2020

Garden Dreams

Winter is garden planning season, that precious window of time after the bustle of the holidays and well before the first spring plantings. It’s a quiet time of year when I easily find myself fantasizing over this year’s garden. Of course, the fantasy and reality of my garden experience are two very different things, but that doesn’t discourage me in the least. Over the course of many long winters, I still remain a hostage of my garden dreams.

upside down photo of a woman — Photo by Criativithy on Pexels.com

If I could choose the perfect place to bask in warmth, beauty, and peace, it wouldn’t be a tropical island. For me, the ultimate vacation is in my mind, where I wander blissfully amongst all my favorite flowering friends. In my garden dreams, the sun is always shining but it’s never too hot or humid, and all the plants are glowing with health and vigor. Everything is blooming and fruiting, all at once, for there are no boundaries of seasons here; there’s only the magical garden of continuous bloom – my fantasy Eden!

beach hat beautiful book child — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

If I didn’t have my garden dreams to hold onto, I doubt any real gardening would ever take place because, once spring arrives, there’s a continuous battle going on just outside my back door. Last year alone, I struggled with voracious deer, rabbits, and voles, all of whom consider my garden a five-star restaurant. Insects also do their share of damage, leaving once beautiful plants shredded, their colorful blooms in tatters, while mysterious blights and fungi turn fruits black with rot. The harsh reality of gardening is that all the life forms in your neighborhood are looking for a good meal and you’ve just set a welcoming table!

pink petaled flowers — Photo by Asad Nazir on Pexels.com

In spite of the many setbacks and losses I experience every year in the garden, I soldier on and take heart in the battles won! By late July, most of the vegetable plants have grown quite large and vigorous, thus better able to fend off any four-legged ambushes. Beneficial insects flock to the echinacea, coreopsis, phlox, and catmint, waging their own quiet war on my behalf. The worst of the garden assaults are over and the survivors have rallied; the garden is buzzing with life!

brown moth hovering over purple flower — Photo by David Bartus on Pexels.com

For avid gardeners like myself, one of the greatest pleasures in life is seeing the garden not only survive but come to exuberant fruition. It’s at this point that I realize all my efforts have been worth it and, once again, I’ve made that marvelous journey from the winter dream to the thriving garden itself!

January 20, 2019January 27, 2020

Snow Days

If you live in a northern clime where winter snow is a regular occurrence, then you already know the special joy of snow days.

adult blur close up cold — Photo by Brigitte Tohm on Pexels.com

For those not familiar with this phenomenon, snow days are the storm cancellation days when schools, churches, and many businesses make the choice to close for the day. For some, it’s an easy decision, such as schools closing to keep children out of harm’s way and school-related traffic off of roads. For others, such as businesses, it’s often a money-losing decision but one that has to be made, like it or not, when the weather gets serious out there and driving becomes downright dangerous.

photo of girl beside a huge snowman — Photo by Sarah Jane on Pexels.com

Of course, what people consider serious weather isn’t always the same. A snowstorm in Virginia, for instance, feels a lot more threatening than a storm in New Hampshire or Maine where people are used to dealing with heavy snowfall all winter. But, even in these seasoned States, many storms lead to cancellations until people can safely dig out and get driving again.

car road snow winter — Photo by Chris Peeters on Pexels.com

It’s really just plain old common sense to stay put and hunker down until a snow storm passes but it’s something more, too; it’s a feeling of sweet liberation! Snow days can bring us back to our childhoods when we listened for the “no school” whistle (yes, I’m that old!) or heard our town’s name announced over the radio; they can also bring that sense of relief and freedom from the responsibilities of the work-a-day world. A snow day is that rarest of days when you can chart your own course, albeit usually within the confines of home! Whatever that “snow day” feeling brings to us, I think we can all agree that it’s a fine thing to have an unexpected day off – no matter from what!

tim-gouw-457682-unsplash — Photo courtesy Tim Gouw – unsplash

I think this is particularly true in today’s fast-lane world. We’ve become so accustomed to constantly rushing through our weeks that a “snow day” is a welcomed respite. Since we don’t willingly give ourselves permission to take a day off for mental and physical health, it’s especially nice when that permission is given to us. Even in retirement, I still find these days to be particularly relaxing and freeing as I take renewed pleasure in just being home and doing whatever I like.

arranged table with chairs and plates near window — Photo by Ben Maxwell on Pexels.com

Today, while the snow continues to softly fall outside, maybe I’ll prepare some comfort food or re-pot a plant; maybe I’ll just sip a soothing cup of tea and browse seed catalogs. Whatever I do, I’ll be sure to enjoy this snow day as the precious gift it truly is!

January 14, 2019January 27, 2020

The Pleasures of Homemade Bread

One of my favorite pastimes during the coldest months is baking homemade bread. The heat of the oven warms the kitchen while the heavenly aroma warms my heart and brings back fond childhood memories. For me, making and enjoying fresh-baked bread is one of life’s sweetest pleasures!

bread with sliced green vegetable and meat on white and blue plate — Photo by Markus Spiske temporausch.com on Pexels.com

I grew up in a bread-baking family and received some serious early training. My Sicilian grandmother made bread almost every day to feed her large family. It was a necessity, yes, but a task that I believe she enjoyed; plus, all that slapping and kneading of dough was a great way to alleviate the stress of caring for so many children! My mother, too, baked her own bread in pretty much the same manner as her mother and grandmother did. It was an art passed down through many generations!

baguette bake bakery baking — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The Sicilian-style bread I grew up with was a white bread that was lovingly kneaded until the dough felt soft as silk, then placed in a large bowl and coated with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Of course, the olive oil also added extra flavor! After rising, the dough was formed into long loaves or, as my mother came to prefer, sandwich-sized rolls which were then generously topped with toasted sesame seeds before rising again and baking.

bread with toppings and gray and green olives in bowl — Photo by Ceyhun Özden on Pexels.com

One of our favorite ways to enjoy this fresh bread was to cut it while still piping hot from the oven, drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and/or Romano cheese, whatever my mother had on hand. The taste was heavenly and, served along with a green salad, made a quick and satisfying meal!

selective focus photo of cheese and grater on plate — Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Being a busy retired gal, I like to keep my recipes simple while still trying to maintain a health-conscious diet. One recipe I love to make is Whole Wheat Bran Bread, a hearty white and wheat flour bread that is light in texture yet satisfying plus it slices easily for sandwiches. Here’s my own recipe which yields one loaf.

Begin by buttering a loaf pan and setting aside. Pre-warm a large bowl and then add:

1 1/4 cups warm water
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon dry yeast

Gently whisk above to mix well. Cover bowl a with dish towel and place in a lukewarm (pre-warmed but turned off) oven to sit for approximately 10 minutes, then add:

1/2 cup wheat bran
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 to 2 cups white flour, added gradually

After adding in the white flour and when the dough has lost its stickiness, turn dough out on a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately five minutes, adding more white flour as needed. You should have a smooth and non-sticky dough that forms a ball. Place about a teaspoon of vegetable or olive oil in the bottom of the bowl, add the dough and swirl to coat it on all sides. Cover with the dish towel and allow to rise in a lukewarm oven until doubled in bulk, about one hour.

WW Bread Risen — Dough ready to be punched down (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Punch the dough down in the center to release any air bubbles, then turn out again to knead for a few more seconds until smooth. At this point, I like to sprinkle some bran on the work surface and “roll” the ball of dough in it until it’s covered. Place in buttered loaf pan, cover with dish towel and let rise again in a warm place, for approximately 30 minutes.

WW Bread after rising in pan — Dough after rising in Loaf Pan and Ready to Bake (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Once the dough has rounded and risen to just above the loaf pan, remove dish towel and bake in a preheated 325-degree oven. NOTE: I use an old-fashioned heavy ceramic loaf pan (pictured above) that requires a longer baking time of approximately one hour. Your bread may only need about 45 minutes, depending on the type of loaf pan used, so monitor its progress. It will be nicely browned when done. Remove from loaf pan and place on a small rack to cool before slicing. Enjoy!

WW Bread finished 2 — Freshly Baked Whole Wheat Bran Bread (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

January 7, 2019January 27, 2020

Forever Green

“All the leaves are brown and the sky is grey,” from the classic California Dreamin’ song, seems such an apt description of winter here in New England. Indeed, winters here can be so harsh that many of us feel the need to flee to warmer climes for some tropical respite! But, all is not as bleak as one may think, because upon taking a closer look the landscape is filled with myriad exclamation points of green.

Pond View with Evergreens in Early January (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

The color green symbolizes life. It’s the first color we notice in spring as tiny green leaves begin to unfurl on trees and shrubs; it’s the color of early flower bulbs just poking through the warming soil of our gardens; it’s the color of lawns and fields turning verdant again. Green is the color of renewal and rebirth and yet remains with us year round, even in the dead of winter.

January White Pine — Eastern White Pine (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

The old German song, Oh Tannenbaum, expresses our love of evergreens perfectly:

“Thy leaves are so unchanging
Not only green when summer’s here,
But also when it’s cold and drear.
Such pleasure do you bring me!”

January Pieris 2 — The lacey flowers of Pieris patiently await spring (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

It always amazes me just how much green can be found in the cold and stillness of winter! The most well-known of the evergreens here is the Eastern White Pine with its towering straight trunks and canopies of green branches that reach towards the sky. They are so abundant that the fresh fragrance of pine permeates the air! There are also hemlocks and spruce with their more familiar, Christmas-tree shapes. Large rhododendron shrubs grow closer to our homes, their fattening buds just waiting for warmer weather. On the coldest days, the leathery leaves curl up to protect the shrubs from moisture loss and serve as a visual warning that we need to bundle up before heading outdoors!

January Azalea — Purple-bronze Azalea adds drama to the winter landscape (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Smaller evergreen shrubs also dot the winter landscape. Pieris already sports sprays of tiny flower buds in readiness for spring. Mountain laurels remain a dark, shiny green along with spiky hollies. Some azaleas keep their purple-bronze leaves, providing a bright spot of contrasting color. At ground level, blue-green vinca shines along the edge of the road while velvety mosses abound on rocks and shaded paths. Last but not least are the few tough perennials that remain green in our flower gardens – heucheras, lamb’s ears, iris, and ajuga.

January Lambs Ears — Soft Lamb’s Ears huddle in a blanket of oak leaves (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Where there is green, there is life! And the color green is never more appreciated than in the dark months of winter when it reminds us that the promise of spring lies just around the corner!

January Moss 2 — Velvety Moss brightens the forest floor (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

January 1, 2019January 27, 2020

A New Year of Possibilities

One thing I’ve learned over the years is not to set myself up for disappointment; as in, forget the New Year’s resolutions! Many of us make all sorts of plans in January which we resolve to carry out, but they are only plans, and plans are easily broken. These days, I prefer to think in terms of possibilities or things that may happen. That way, I’m under no pressure or obligation to make something happen; I’m just open to it, so that I’m pleasantly surprised when it does happen!

fireworks display above trees — Photo by Matej on Pexels.com

We all make plans and lists to structure our lives, sometimes with a great sense of urgency to them. I have to admit I’m a big fan of checklists to help me organize my days and weeks. I love the gratification of checking things off once they are done but have also learned not to be held hostage by things left unchecked. A good example of this is my humble grocery list which I add to on a daily basis, but once I’m at the store I may not purchase a certain item on that list. Maybe my favorite brand isn’t available that day or I decide it’s something that can really wait until next time. Whatever the case, it’s OK to leave something undone because eventually, when the time is right, I will make it happen and check it off the list even if it takes several weeks. The satisfaction of checking something off my “to do” list may be delayed but it’s no less satisfying.

orange and green pen on graphing notepad — Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

And that’s the key for me these days – to allow things to happen eventually in their own time. By doing this, I free myself of the chains of resolutions and intentions. It’s such a relief when I just let things be, like taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. It’s a chance to observe what will come to pass without forcing it to happen, without all the urgency and drama. By behaving in this way, I’m letting nature take its course.

adult air beautiful beauty — Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi on Pexels.com

While out walking on this bright and balmy first day of the new year, I saw many signs of winter life – velvety green mosses and ruffled lichen clinging to stones and stumps, fattening buds on azaleas and forsythias, hungry birds pecking at seeds and poking at bark for hidden insects. All around us, nature continues its circle of life but does it so quietly, and almost secretly, that it appears as if nothing is happening. On the contrary, there’s a whole lot happening all the time in tiny, slow and steady changes. Life is constantly moving forward.

moss covered tree trunk surrounded by fallen leaves — Photo by Kaboompics .com on Pexels.com

As we succumb to everyday pressures and rush through our days in an effort to get it all done, as we place all our focus on what should be, it’s not always easy to appreciate what is really happening in our lives. We, too, are always moving forward but sometimes we need to sit back and just bask in the enjoyment of what we have today. We need to take the time to appreciate those tiny miracles happening right now, rather than constantly seeking to fill our lives with something that’s newer, bigger and better! While it’s exciting and healthy to make plans for the future and improve upon our current situations, it’s also beneficial for us to find contentment in the present, for the present is all we really have.

brown wooden dock in middle of hay — Photo by James Wheeler on Pexels.com

Once again, this January, we can make many demands on ourselves only to end up feeling frustrated when we can’t achieve them, or we can take a lesson from nature and practice patience with ourselves. We can let the new year unfold before us, without any requirements, and be pleasantly surprised at all the possibilities.

December 14, 2018January 28, 2020

The Joy of Blogging

It’s hard to believe that my first full year of retirement is almost at an end and what a fulfilling year it’s been! Back in July, on a whim, I started a personal blog with no prior experience and no real theme in mind. Being an avid gardener for many years and one who loves to talk about all things plant-related, I figured that was a good place to start. Besides, writing seemed like a great way to fill my newly freed-up days. What I came to realize is that blogging freed me up as well, in ways I never anticipated. The experience has been inspiring, motivating and energizing; it has truly changed my life in a positive way!

person using inspire typewriter — Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Over the past six months of blogging, I’ve made many new friends; some are professionals, some are amateurs like myself, but all of them are enthusiastic about writing and eager to share their life experiences. And I’ve discovered there’s a whole lot of stuff out there to write about – from accomplishing the most ordinary of everyday tasks all the way to seeking higher consciousness!

books stack old antique — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I’ve found that people who write also read, and they read a lot! A lifelong lover of books myself, I now love reading blogs as well. By reading different blogs, we open ourselves up to new worlds but also educate ourselves by taking the time to learn about and appreciate those topics that excite others to write. There are so many people blogging regularly now and so many different things to read about that you never get bored. Generally quick reads, blogs are endlessly entertaining, and there’s always something new on the horizon.

alphabet class conceptual cube — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Instructional blogs are a great way to learn something new as they generally don’t require a lot of time to read yet pack in a lot of information. When photos are also used, it’s like a personal mini-class and just as enjoyable as watching a video. I do a lot of this type of blogging when I talk about gardening and plants. Although far from a professional, I have many years of experience and love to share what I’ve learned with others through the blogging medium. I also regularly seek out the wisdom and wit of my favorite bloggers.

let your dream be bigger than your fears signage beside plate with fruits — Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Many blogs are stories of real-life experiences that come from the heart and, as such, they can touch us in a very personal way. They’re a communion between the writer and the reader. With this type of writing, a catharsis takes place that can bare your soul and leave you feeling more than just a little vulnerable. As part of the blogging community, we respond with encouraging and understanding comments; we hand out gold stars and cheer each other on in hopes that by doing so the good stuff will just keep coming – and it does!

brown star and red tree decoration — Photo by Markus Spiske temporausch.com on Pexels.com

And so, as 2018 comes to a close, I’d like to thank my faithful readers and fellow bloggers for enriching my days with inspiration and joy! Thank You and a Happy New Year to All!

alcohol alcoholic beverage celebrate — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

For more on blogging, visit my previous posts:

Redefining Ourselves in Retirement

Into the Blogosphere with Lyme

December 7, 2018December 8, 2018

Bittersweet December

December is a month of great extremes – excitement and peace, joy and sorrow, beginnings and endings – all tied to our present and our past.

advent architecture blur business — Photo by Torsten Dettlaff on Pexels.com

December is a sacred month. Christians observe the birth of their savior, Jesus. Gentle Buddhists practice sharing gifts of peace and goodwill to others. People of the Jewish faith celebrate Hanukkah with the Festival of Lights. Hindus enjoy a holiday called Pancha Ganapati, an expression of the natural season of worship, with chanting and gift-giving. No matter our faith, we are all united in observing this most spiritual of months.

Mother and Child grant-whitty-694040-unsplash — Photo courtesy of Grant Whitty on Unsplash

December is a time of feasting. People all over the world enjoy preparing traditional foods with recipes that often go back many generations. When we gather with family and friends and partake of these special foods, we are connected to everyone who has ever graced our lives. It’s a ritual of love which we repeat again and again, year after year, savoring not only the classic flavors but the fond memories they evoke.

christmas food brooke-lark-176362-unsplash — Photo courtesy of Brooke Lark on Unsplash

December acknowledges our losses. Of all the months of the year, now is the time we most acutely feel the loss of our loved ones. It doesn’t matter how many years ago the loss happened or in what season it occurred; it doesn’t matter how old or young the person was or whether the death was sudden or lingering. At some point this month most of us will relive precious moments spent with family and friends and mourn them all over again.

cemetery chair countryside empty — Photo by Mikes Photos on Pexels.com

December brings us full circle. John Lennon expressed it perfectly, “Another year over, A new one just begun.” It’s a time of gratitude for all the good things in our lives and a time to look forward in hope and faith. Happy December, Everyone!

affection appreciation decoration design — Photo by Carl Attard on Pexels.com

November 23, 2018

Counting My Blessings

I remember when I used to count the days until Christmas – Now, I count my blessings!

beach during sunset — Photo by b. on Pexels.com

The day after Thanksgiving is considered by many to be the official start of the Christmas season but, for me, it’s a time of reflection and a time to be grateful for all that is good in life. And my mantra these days is “cherish the simple things” as I seek and find blessings in everyday circumstances.

dried leaf cover by snow at daytime — Photo by photos_by_ginny on Pexels.com

Beyond the crowded malls and frenzied shopping, far away from the hustle and bustle of the season, there is peace and simple beauty all around us, if we only choose to see it. The stillness of a December dawn, the flash of a red cardinal through evergreen boughs, the sparkle of frost on fallen leaves – all so simple and common in their occurrence that they are easily overlooked and, yet, so stunningly beautiful that they can stop us in our tracks.

red cardinal bird on tree branch — Photo by Harvey Reed on Pexels.com

And what is more precious than the warm embrace that greets us as we open the door to loved ones, the prayer of thanks murmured as we gather around the table for dinner, the laughter we share together. These are my blessings, the most prized of all gifts!

advent advent wreath burn burnt — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Wishing the wonderful people in my life, and my dear readers, all the simple blessings life has to offer!

November 16, 2018November 19, 2018

Amazing Amaryllis

Prized for their large, multicolored winter blooms, Amaryllis plants are also one of the easiest to grow. In fact, you can grow Amaryllis in just water, but I like to keep them potted up to bloom yet another year. In an earlier blog, Holiday Decorating With Winter Blooms, I included a brief description of Amaryllis which I’ll expand upon today in hopes of inspiring more of you to take these amazing plants for a test drive. They are really the perfect “beginners” bulb and this is the perfect time of year to plant them!

“Apple Blossom” Amaryllis (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

There are many different types of Amaryllis available for growing indoors. The earliest variety is the South African Amaryllis or Christmas Amaryllis which blooms anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks after potting up. This means that if you plant your bulb sometime in November, you should have flowers for Christmas and New Year’s. For this reason, they make ideal holiday gifts! South African Amaryllis have different sized flowers and heights and fall into three groups: Sonata, Sonatini, and Symphony.

A Single Amaryllis Bulb creates a Living Bouquet (Photo courtesy of Harry & David)

Dutch Amaryllis usually bloom in 8 to 12 weeks after potting up and there are single as well as double varieties; there are also mini and giant Amaryllis. These vigorous plants grow so quickly that you can almost sit back and watch it happen! By choosing a variety of different types, or by planting fresh bulbs every couple of weeks, you can stagger blooms for a continuous show from winter into spring.

Growth Stages of Amaryllis (Photo courtesy Jackson and Perkins)

I like the fact that individual Amaryllis take up little tabletop space; they’re easily tucked into holiday decorations and grouped with other flowering plants. By placing three or more pots into a larger decorative container and covering with moss, you can create quite a dramatic effect for larger spaces. Some varieties grow up to 18″ tall so you may need to place stakes in the pots for support (as shown in the photo below). Shorter varieties do well on their own. Large or small, Amaryllis create quite a show when grouped together!

Amaryllis Varieties (photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply)

The flowers of Amaryllis, or Hippeastrum as they are known in the horticultural world, can be as large as dinner plates and usually come three or four to a single stem. The many vivid colors are iridescent and because of their shimmering quality, the blooms blend particularly well with sparkling holiday lights and decor. They also range in style from demure to brazen, so there’s truly an Amaryllis for everyone’s taste!

Cut Amaryllis Stems in Holiday Display (Photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens)

Unless you purchase a plant that’s already growing, you will start your journey with an Amaryllis bulb such as the ones shown below. The better the bulb, the better the bloom, so it’s wise to purchase healthy plump bulbs from a reputable garden site that features Amaryllis. I highly recommend the John Scheepers, Beauty from Bulbs, website. Use a quality potting mix as well, one that is light and fluffy in texture. Pot them up with roughly the top third of the bulb remaining above the surface; this will keep the bulb from getting waterlogged. The pot should be only about an inch larger in circumference than the bulb since Amaryllis like to feel snug in their beds. Placing pebbles or moss on the soil surface finishes the look with a decorative touch.

Amaryllis Bulb (Photo courtesy of John Scheepers)

Potted Bulbs (Photo courtesy of John Scheepers)

I hope I’ve encouraged you to give Amaryllis a try. For very little effort on your part, you’ll be rewarded with beauty and color to fill your winter days. The boxed Amaryllis “kits” that you find everywhere this time of year are inexpensive and suitable for beginners in that they contain everything you need to get growing. More experienced gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts can choose from the myriad types of Amaryllis now available and plant with abandon!

For an excellent article on everything you need to know about growing and caring for Amaryllis, click on this link: https://www.johnscheepers.com/hamaryllis.html