Hi Neighbor!
“It’s amaryllis planting time!”
My friend, who I affectionately refer to as Main Line Martha, is at it again. She sent a friendly text reminder in mid-October, asking for a common date in early November for a small group of women to gather at her house, in her potting shed (I am not kidding – she has one, and it’s adorable, like her!), to plant our Christmas amaryllis bulbs.
I know Christmas is still weeks away, but the bulbs need to be planted NOW so they bloom around Christmas. Who knew there was such a science to the art of planting bulbs?
I wish I could remember how many years we have gathered for the planting, the first time being in the parking lot outside of Terrain on a frigid fall day pre-pandemic, so yeah, we’ve been at it while. I dare say, our first planting happened organically; it was random yet special. Now, I look forward to this annual tradition and would be sad to miss it.
Since then, we have streamlined our technique. The process involves little planning and prep beyond selecting the right bulb (they come in various colors and hues), the perfect pot, and the accoutrements to adorn the pot, surrounding the bulb with moss or tiny stones or even mini Christmas balls and bows. Think festive, but keep in mind, the bulb is the main attraction.
This flower is seeped deep in history and tradition, dating back to the Victorian era. Because of its height and sturdiness, the amaryllis came to represent strength, pride, and determination, presented as a Christmas gift because of its beautiful color in the darkness of winter.
If you have never planted one before, now is the perfect time in anticipation of a Christmas bloom. My mother, the Scorpio, will receive one for her birthday this week, and she will dutifully send me pictures of its growth over the next month leading up to its inevitable bloom. It is fun to watch the progress. Both Terrain in Devon and Valley Forge Flowers in Strafford have a sufficient supply of bulbs and pots; Terrain even has a chart to follow so gardeners can time the perfect bloom.
So, get your potting gloves on and have at it. Create a new tradition this Christmas that has some colorful flare!
Up to my elbows in dirt,
Jackie
🥰👍🌷🌸💐
🥰👍🌷🌸💐
View lessLove this! U might have actually inspired me to do one this year! ❤️s to Jackie and her Main Line ‘Martha’!!!!
Love this! U might have actually inspired me to do one this year! ❤️s to Jackie and her Main Line ‘Martha’!!!!
View lessYou definitely should! You know who our Main Line Martha is, always inspiring us!
You definitely should! You know who our Main Line Martha is, always inspiring us!
View lessSo fun Jackie’s article. Keep them coming
So fun Jackie’s article. Keep them coming
View lessAmaryllis bulbs mimic the anticipation of the holiday. What I like best is when all of the decorations are taken down and all is said and done you still have beauty in January . Traditions rooted in friends and flowers! Thank you. 🌸🌺
Amaryllis bulbs mimic the anticipation of the holiday. What I like best is when all of the decorations are taken down and all is said and done you still have beauty in January . Traditions rooted in friends and flowers! Thank you. 🌸🌺
View lessGreat!
Looking forward to my annual gift!!
Great!
View lessLooking forward to my annual gift!!