Each fall I plant an amaryllis bulb in hopes of it blooming at Christmas time. This year with the craziness of our busy time, I knew I was a tad bit late in planting. Not getting it potted until early November. I was off by just a week...but what better way to usher in 2009!
Besides the beauty of this flower, I get enjoyment from just being able to dig in dirt & plant when it is much too cold outside to do so.
The rule of thumb for these bulbs is, the larger the bulb the larger the bloom. The Smith & Hawkins bulbs are bulb of choice (available at Target near holiday time), often times producing more then one bloom.
These bulbs make wonderful gifts & little ones love watching them grow too!
December 30th....
December 31st....
January 1st....the first flower is open! Doesn't Mother Nature produce magnificent beauty?
THE MEANING & SYMBOLISM OF THE AMARYLLIS
Legend has it that the amaryllis - the stunning red flower we've come to associate with the holidays - began as a shy, timid nymph. Amaryllis fell deeply in love with Alteo, a shepherd with Hercules' strength and Apollo's beauty, but her affections were unrequited. Hoping that she could win him over by bestowing upon him the thing he desired most - a flower so unique it had never existed in the world before - Amaryllis sought advice from the oracle of Delphi.
THE MEANING & SYMBOLISM OF THE AMARYLLIS
Legend has it that the amaryllis - the stunning red flower we've come to associate with the holidays - began as a shy, timid nymph. Amaryllis fell deeply in love with Alteo, a shepherd with Hercules' strength and Apollo's beauty, but her affections were unrequited. Hoping that she could win him over by bestowing upon him the thing he desired most - a flower so unique it had never existed in the world before - Amaryllis sought advice from the oracle of Delphi.
Following his instructions, Amaryllis dressed in maiden's white and appeared at Alteo's door for 30 nights, each time piercing her heart with a golden arrow. When at last Alteo opened his door, there before him was a striking crimson flower, sprung from the blood of Amaryllis's heart. With this romantic - albeit tragic - tale as its beginning, it's not surprising that today the amaryllis has come to symbolize pride, determination and radiant beauty.
Happy New Year,
brenda
2 comments:
Ahhh...thank you Brenda! I really needed that touch of nature on this chilly night. The flower color is magnificent. Hmmm...I wonder if I can dye that color? I've seen pomegranite but never amaryllis! Thank you for your inspirations (and patterns)this year, and I hope you have a Happy New Year.
Lauri
These are certainly beautiful flowers. Thank you for sharing. A friend of mine has some that bloom in her yard. They are huge and so breath-taking when all are in their blooming stage.
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