Once I finally did it, it was a wonder what took me so long. I potted some narcissus bulbs. I don't mean finally this year. I mean this life.
Go ahead and laugh. Remember when Lady Sibylle learned to boil water on Downtown Abbey? Well, I guess it's like that. Mrs. Hughes and Daisy were delighted at the absurdity of it all. In this case, you plant them. They grow. You don't even get your hands dirty.
I had to hunt up containers that I liked that had no drainage holes. (Now that's just the opposite of what is usual!) And no soil, just rocks. And really no planting. Just setting. (confusing! haha!) And of course I had to find pebbles I liked too. Add water and a sunny window, and keep the pot topped off to just root level at the base of the bulb as time passes. And wait for time to pass.
Now who can explain the joy to be found in a little green sprout? I picked this container thinking the handle will help to support the growth. You may hate it, but I love the rust. And so earthy! It feels like spring all over again!
I am also happy to report that my angel vine still lives! I just read how easy it is to train into a topiary. Oh the wonders of nature!
So I am learning about the mindfulness of keeping houseplants. It's not unlike keeping toddlers. Never let them out of your sight, and keep an eye on what they're doing!
I'll keep you posted on the developments . . .
Have a great week and a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Jacqueline
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Hi, It has been my experience that it is beneficial to give your bulbs time in the dark as otherwise they get extremely leggy and weak. Perhaps you could put them away for a week or so
ReplyDeleteRegards
Janine
Hi
ReplyDeleteI love you Blog, ein hauch von Frühling mit den Blumen Zwiebeln.
liebe grüße aus Berlin,
Chabby
Hi Jacqueline,
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to watching what happens here! I, too, have never 'planted' these, so I will learn from you, dear teacher! Lol Feeling inspired this morning...Happy Sunday.
Hugs,
Linda at Beautiful Ideas
REALLY? You can just set them in stones? No dirt? WOW! MUST TRY!
ReplyDeleteSusan (don't look for anything on my blog...my efforts pale next to yours and others in blog-land!)
They are going to be beautiful. I tried this last year for the first time and really enjoyed taking the little plants as hostess gifts as well. We are away this winter so I will miss doing this again this year. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDelete''Now who can explain the joy to be found in a little green sprout?''
ReplyDeleteexactly :D.....it is magical and mysteriously joyful! One year, I found amaryllis bulbs at Lowe's all reduced on clearance for $6.00, I think I bought them all, around a dozen, put them all in pretty containers. I cannot tell you the beauty they gave my home at Christmas time! Then planted them all outdoors because here they do come back and for years I've been enjoying them twice a year but grasshoppers find them a delicacy and can wipe out every single one planted in a week without my noticing. Broke my heart that I cannot cut them and bring them in anymore, but I will go out to buy some more to plant, they are beautiful and joyful!!
Maybe I could even grown some narcissus bulbs if that is all you have to do.
ReplyDeleteI have planted paper whites for forcing every Christmas since the children were wee....they smell heavenly and it is fun to watch them grow. I think that you have a new tradition now!
ReplyDeleteYour whites are so soothing, I could be very comfy in your home.
Hi J,
ReplyDeleteoooohh looking lovely, I can't wait for all the blooms! I like the part about your hands not getting dirty!!
a topiary how fun!!
Hugs,
Bella
Jacqueline,
ReplyDeleteI know these will bud beautifully. Love the post you put them in too. Keep us posted for sure.
Kris
Good luck with this. I'll be interested in how this comes out.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, they are fun to watch, I am always reminder of a story. When my children were about 10 they went to a dear friends house for a visit ( I was under the weather did not go). Nancy lived in a wonderful early 18th century house. I asked the children what did Nancy's house look like, trees everywhere and greens...but 'Auntie " Nancy had onions all over the place ...hahaha To this day when they come home for the holidays they still say hey you are growing onions too.
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone I have never done it .
ReplyDeleteMerle........
I keep planning to start bulbs each season ...maybe this is the one! Looking forward to keeping up with yours if you will share in case my plan doesn't develop this year...again.
ReplyDeleteJacqueline, you are so brave. Going where you have never gone before. For that matter, neither have I!. I thought I was the only one who never forced a Christmas bulb. Now, I will keep a close watch and maybe get up my courage..Happy Thanksgiving..Judy
ReplyDeletealthough I have lots of these in the garden I, like you, have never tried forcing them and they are so lovely for the holidays. I will be watching to see how yours turn out ~ good luck!
ReplyDeleteI love forcing bulbs in winter! Paperwhites are so beautiful, for the eyes and the nose, they have a lovely smell.
ReplyDeleteI planted paper whites one year and they were a joy to watch grow and so beautiful in all their whiteness but the scent was too over powering for me. It filled our home with its fragrance. I ended up moving them onto the front porch!
ReplyDeleteyou taught me something new, jacqueline! so easy, and so pretty! i'll have to try this:) happy thanksgiving to you!
ReplyDeleteWow-that's my kind of planting!
ReplyDeleteAll of your containers are so pretty, too :)
Susan
I would love to try growing some bulbs. It would be fun watching them evolve. I have the worst time with any sort of indoor topiary, they die on me every time!!! Wishing you luck and have a lovely Thanksgiving;)
ReplyDeleteI hope your bulbs thrive and continue to bring you the joy of anticipation throughout the holiday season!
ReplyDeleteYour bulbs are looking fabulous! And all your holiday decor - beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHa! I had an angel vine that didn't make it. I love plants indoors, but i always feel so guilty if they die! and you're right, they need attention, and the just right sunny spot... i'm not sure if i'm emotionally stable enough to bring up plants...
ReplyDeleteCindy