Planting season is not over, indoor bulbs wait
By Thea Steinmetz
Insights
Published Nov. 26, 2008

The snow is falling on the pumpkins and I am still thinking of planting bulbs. No, I have no desire to dig in the frosty soil. Although, a while back on a balmy January day, I planted tulips in the garden. Low and behold, by end of April they were in bloom. However, the bulbs I am thinking of at the moment are for our indoor gratification. Get a bag of good potting soil, a clean pot and start planting.

The first choice that comes to mind is the elegant and pure white narcissus, “Ziva.” We know it better as the “Paperwhite” narcissus. This is truly a flower that is adored by many but not tolerated by others. The fragrance is distinct and strong, while almost overpowering to some. I had a person leave the room once where I had these flowers in bloom.

The bulbs are usually available from late fall right through mid-winter. By planting some a few weeks apart, they can be enjoyed for longer period. It will take about four to five weeks after planting before they flower. I do not find their heady scent unpleasant and thoroughly enjoy having them in the house. It reminds me of how powerful nature is and even in the frigid season of the year brings forth a strongly scented flower.

My absolute favorite winter time flower in the home has to be the glorious “hippeastrum.” Don’t say you never have heard of this large, lily-like blossom. We know it as the astonishing amaryllis. I am so daffy about these show stoppers that every year when they are in bloom I feel like issuing invitations that proclaim: “The amaryllis are in bloom, it is party time.”

This year I have eleven of the large bulbs set in decorative pots and half of them already show some growth emerging.  Eight of the bulbs spent the summer outdoors, sort of neglected under the potting bench. It is not a sure thing that they will bloom since some of the bulbs have a few years of mileage on them. It is important not to bury the top of the bulb as it needs to breathe. Also, do not over-water them, once a week is enough. Over-watering will result in the bulb becoming soft and mushy and that spells the end. Freshly purchased bulbs give the greatest assurance of flowering.

There is a range of colors with these flowers that surely will please you. Be it the pure white or the white tinged with pink on the petals, three to four inches across. The blossoms are astonishing. There are a number of red varieties available that will fit any décor for a surprise pop.

The majestic stout stem mostly supports itself but if not, it needs to be staked to keep it from falling over. As not all the buds will open at the same time, cutting off the spent ones will improve the look of the rest of the blossoms. Planted in a rustic basket or antique urn will customize the look.

A handsomely potted amaryllis in flower makes for a wonderful growing Christmas gift for anyone that admires beauty. Look for an attractive container and you might even have one on hand. Then, plant an amaryllis bulb and cover the top with sphagnum moss for a neat and finished look.

Whatever happened to the celebration of giving thanks on Thanksgiving Day? Perhaps, I was less aware of it in past years but now I think there is some serious disconnect. It seems to me that some folks made a really big day of Halloween. Then, the next day all of a sudden Christmas sprang forth with all it’s commercial glitz.

Where has Thanksgiving gone? Right after Halloween I was looking for something to trim the festive table. I searched for anything showing a turkey or a pilgrim on it and all I could find was Christmas merchandise. Oh, yes, grocery stores have plenty of turkeys for the table. No shortage here. Perhaps this is a good time to mention that the average Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings has over 3000 calories.

I am still curious of how a tur-duck-en tastes. The latest on that gastronomic anomaly is that the turkey stuffed with a duck, then stuffed with a chicken. The latest fad calls for the addition of sausage with spinach for  the center. Why not throw all of it in sheep and really have a party or a heart attack. No wonder we all need a nap.

Thanksgiving used to be even a week later until President Roosevelt moved it up  to increase the shopping time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Canadians do even better than that. Their Thanksgiving is a whole month ahead of ours. That makes sense since it is the end of the harvest season, and that is what we are celebrating after all. The growing season is at an end by October.

Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving and remember we have much to be thankful for, even in these perilous times.