"Oh the weather outside is frightful...." Well, not really, but that's how the song goes! The backyard has actually been quite beautiful after several recent snowfalls. It's not quite so "postcard perfect" right now but don't these photos just make you want to sing "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...."
I'm not the biggest fan of the winter season, but I do love these gentle snowfalls when the snow sticks to the trees and turns the backyard into a winter wonderland. It doesn't take too long for the novelty to wear off though, and that's when I love being able to turn my attention to some indoor beauty.
Coming downstairs in the morning and seeing this beauty blooming on my windowsill just puts a big smile on my face. I have amaryllis in several different colors, but this new one is my current favourite. It's name is "Flamenco Queen" and it was a new purchase this fall. You pay more for a larger bulb, but it is SO worth it.
It was already sprouted when I bought it in mid November. I potted it up and after about a week, it just took off! The first stalk, seen here, had five blossoms. We are now enjoying the second stalk with four blossoms and there is a third shoot, about 15" tall right now, so more blossoms still to come. Definitely worth the few extra dollars I paid for the larger bulb. As you can see the petals are a deep red on white, mottled on the upper petals and spotted on the lower, with a bright green centre. How perfect for Christmas!!
What a joy to look at such delicate beauty each day. The blooms are large and the current stalk is so tall I had to tie it up for support. Right now it is 32.5" from the top of the bulb to the tip of the blooms! I wonder if the third stalk will be even taller?!
Another amaryllis (a pure red, I think) is budded and growing quickly, I think it will bloom before the third stalk on Flamenco Queen. The bud is just starting to break open, so I think the timing will be just about perfect for a big red blossom on Christmas Day! I bet Santa will love it!
I am linking up with Judith's
Mosaic Monday here. Do drop by and see all the lovely seasonal mosaics.
Peace,
Linda
"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." ~ Norman Vincent Peale
