There's no shame in being slightly late. After all, on North America I'm in the next-to-latest time zone (Newfoundland is half an hour ahead of us) so it's still late afternoon on the West Coast. Okay, yes, it's tomorrow in Europe and other parts of the world, but at least I'm putting in an appearance for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day! There are actually quite a few things in bloom in the house, and several of the poinsettias are still here, despite my threat to put them outdoors for some air with one of their cohorts. In my office, the big bromeliad, some cyclamen, African violets and a couple of kalanchoes are providing me with cheery colour, much appreciated what with the ongoing case of grey skies we've been enduring. A couple of geraniums and amaryllis 'Sydney' are entertaining in the kitchen, while a tired abutilon and small hibiscus provide colourful flowers almost larger than their plants.
What I like as much as the actual blooms is the promise of more to come. That bromeliad I purchased a few weeks back has told me I should get another one, because its geometric flowers are just so pleasing to the eye. Amaryllis 'Pasadena' is going to open in the next couple of days, and suddenly the hyacinths have gotten the growing bit in their teeth and have surged in the past few days. But the experience I'm most waiting for is growing on an epiphyllum or orchid cactus given to me in the fall by a friend of mine. It DID have quite a few buds until the other night when someone who shall not be named (I'm looking at YOU, Spunky Boomerang) batted at it and knocked it over, severing a few limbs and knocking several of the buds off. However, the rest of the plant is unscathed (and now securely out of reach of curious paddypaws) and the buds are swelling nicely. It's been a few years since I had an orchid cactus, so I can't wait.
Because the past several posts have been photos or very minimal, or else poking absurd fun at myself and plants, I haven't had a chance to really thank everyone who has left such nice comments and wishes on the occasion of 4 years of blogging. I know I promised some older posts and some dialogue on encouraging other bloggers, but deadlines got in the way and one must work if one wants to buy more plants come spring. Those posts will come in the days to follow, but in the meantime, thank you all again. More bouquets of lavender spread around to all.
Post written by jodi
WHAT!
ReplyDeleteYou mean you didn't put out your red christmas flowers to die a cruel death!
WELL... that's the last time I listen to you....I wonder if I can do CPR on mine!
Your indoor blooms are beautiful, and i like the look of buds swelling before they actually bloom - Orchid cactus? This isn't the same as a Christmas cactus is it? I don't think I am familiar with it. I look forward to seeing it bloom! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteLOL! Suz, I did put two of the poinsettias outdoors, but the other two (the pink and the creamy-almost-yellow one) are still behaving nicely, so they don't need fresh air just yet.
ReplyDeleteDeb, orchid cactus is related to Christmas cactus but the flowers are much much bigger and (to my mind) showier. It'll probably be a couple of weeks before this bud is big enough to open, but when it does, I'll post a photo.
You did save the severed limbs of the orchid cactus? They'll easily root and make more plants. Let them cure for a day or two and then lay them on some good cactus mix, hardly covering the ends. You knew that, right?
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, life goes on, long after the thrill of poinsettias is gone!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, that's some major bloom you've got indoors in January Jodi - just the ticket for winter cheer!
So this is how you get through a Nova Scotia winter! Your home is full of such colorful blooms, Jodi, and looks so cheery on this gray and gloomy day. I'm glad you were able to save the orchid cactus. The amaryllis I posted today survived a similar accident when Toby decided it needed to be moved from his favorite perch:)
ReplyDeleteJody, Your blooms are gorgeous. I wish I had so many. You big softie. I knew you couldn't throw out a plant.
ReplyDeleteJodi, I am totally admiring the swirly glass forcing vase...it's lovely. Hmm! Could beautiful forcing vases help me to commit to the relationship! Thank you~~I am so glad you explained what an orchid cactus is! Btw beautiful blooms! gail
ReplyDeleteDid you know that you are listed on this site?
ReplyDeleteA new blogger told me about it, I found my blog, and Nancy Bond's on it also. The world is full of surprises.
Jen
http://www.gardenwriters.ca/novascotia.html
WOW... those collages are loaded with some perfect blooms.
ReplyDeleteHappy Bloom Day - so Happy I stopped by.
Beautiful collages Jodi ... each photo so stunning! So much 'promise.' I tend to love buds as much as the fully unfurled blossoms. Lovely flowering plants and bulbs. So uplifting and cheery and all right in your home! ;-) Carol
ReplyDeleteMy goodness! What an utterly gorgeous array of blooms. I am impressed with all that you have growing indoors; makes it much easier to deal with all the cold and gray days, I bet.
ReplyDeleteIt's like looking at a kaleidoscope with all your bright blooms.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes your blog very special is its unique balance of captivating images and interesting text. I decided immediately to become your latest 'Follower'.
ReplyDeleteHow reassuring that you also believe that there is nothing wrong in being late. I seem to be constantly behind where the garden is concerned and, as I remarked on a recent blog, even my tulips have yet to be planted.
I loved the pictures of your cats which also saddened me as I lost mine after twelve years just before Christmas. Two is the maximum I have ever had at any one time.....how do you cope with seven?
I shall look forward to reading your thought provoking posts.
I'm glad your epi is recovering after its run-in with some in-home spunkiness. I have a number here that I coddle, and it's a thrill whenever they decide--on their own terms, of course-when to bloom. Thanks for the tour of your indoor winter paradise.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you've surrounded yourself with flowers, Jodi - maybe their beauty is better insulation against winter's gloom than wool!
ReplyDeleteOrchid cactus, eh... if regular Schlumbergeras AKA Thanksgiving Cactus live for me, maybe I'd have a chance with your Epiphyllum. But googling "Orchid Cactus" has me very confused.
Happy Blooming Weekend!
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Jodi, your indoor garden looks wonderful and it is blooming! I am eagerly waiting for them to bloom, especially the orchid cactus. I have never seen an orchid cactus in my whole life. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteLuckily Christmas the cat has not seen fit to get into my plants although he does wind his way among them. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. An African violet in Jan. or Feb. is a treasured thing.
ReplyDeleteOh Jodi I wish that I could reach into your photo and take some leaves off those African violets. Some beautiful colour there to see you through the winter.
ReplyDeleteHi Jodi~~ It certainly looks like you've gotten the "bloom where you're planted" axiom down pat. I love your colorful collages. No problem with being late. You're among friends.
ReplyDeleteyour photos are just gorgeous! It is wonderful to meet you...a fellow Canadian blogger! I am an alberta blogger...so we are far apart...but still...just so glad to know I am not the only garden nut in Canada!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I have updated my Aerogarden post!!
ReplyDeleteI love your collages. It looks like you have a very colorful room full of blooms. Congrats on your 4 years. Wow. I'm not sure I even knew what a blog was 4 years ago! :-)
ReplyDeletewow, winter doesn't stop you, does it!
ReplyDeleteI see you're dispelling the gloom quite nicely this frigid February, Jodi! Those beautiful colors will keep you from going stir crazy while we wait for the long, white days of winter to pass.
ReplyDeleteYou have a lovely array of blooms. The Orchid Cactus is really something. I'm glad Spunky's game didn't completely do it in. Cats will be cats :)
You have a beautiful collection of blooms. I'm so glad your orchid cactus survived its cat encounter. I cat-sit occasionally, and the few plants that have gone into the arena with my feline house guest have never been victorious.
ReplyDelete