In Search of Blooms

With temperatures dipping to 5° F this week, I know there is nothing blooming outside. I didn't even purchase a poinsettia this year. I had to scrounge for a few measly blooms and even then I'm a day late for participating in gardener bloggers' bloom day hosted by Carol at May Dreams Gardens the 15th of each month. It's a challenge to participate this time of year for some of us!

This shamrock is already thinking spring. Good little shamrock!

This Christmas cactus is really a Thanksgiving cactus and these blooms have already faded.
Sad, very sad. I do like this one because the blooms are almost white.

I don't know what the name of this plant is and I can't seem to get a good shot of the
little pom pom-like blooms, but I'm desperate here.

I don't know the name of this plant either (in the same pot as the one above), but it has
been blooming for several months. I had it outside during the summer (ah, summer).

I transplanted most of my violets just recently and some are not too happy, but this one is.
Her blooms are edged in purple ruffles.

So, there you have it – dark, somber pictures in a winter mood. Let's hope some of my orchids decide to bloom for next month!

Bloom Day, April 2010

Bloom day is celebrated on the 15th of each month and was originally hosted by Carol at May Dreams Gardens.

 

I started this forsythia from a cutting brought with me when I moved from Maine to the river. The variety is 'Meadowlark' and this is its third year. It is finally showing off.

 

It makes for a nice backdrop for this bed of daffodils. In another couple years I hope this fills in even more so.

 

This one reminds me of butter or eggs - maybe because I'm hungry and ready for breakfast.

 

These little daffodils have spread themselves around and surprised me alongside the potager this year.

 

 

This was also a nice surprise this morning ... the first forget-me-nots have started to bloom. When all of them are blooming it is a sea of blue waves.

  

These wild violets are blooming like mad. They are everywhere and are a host plant for the fritillary butterfly caterpillar. I'll have to be on the look out for the caterpillars and butterflies!

These muscari are just beginning to peek through. I planted these last fall. It's exciting to have new, and more, blooms this spring!

Leaf Study

This past weekend I spent with my house plants (which I admittedly tend to neglect during the summer gardening season). Some received new pots, some were topped off, most received some organic slow release fertilizer and some were relocated (upon request - they do talk). It takes me awhile to find the perfect spot for all my houseplants. Hopefully, all will be a little happier. We'll see what they say. Anyway, during this major project I could not help but notice their different leaf structures and I wanted to capture that here. It's not always all about flowers.

The soft, grass-like blades of the Spider Plant,

compared to the stiff spikes of the Pineapple

(yes, the one I started from the grocery store),

compared to the even larger saw toothed leaves of the Aloe.

This variety - I am not sure of the name - has beautiful, lizard-like stripes.

There's the cactus with its hair-like, but sharp, spined ribs.

This one is much taller and "snakes" its way upward.

Even sharper yet, is the Crown of Thorns silhouetted here.

There are rounded, "fleshy" leaves such as the ones
belonging to this succulent in a foamy sea green,

and the emerald green leaves of the Jade Plant.

I have plants with needle-like leaves such as this Rosemary,

and this Creeping Rosemary,

and truly needled Norfolk Pine.

I have plants with "designer" leaves such as this Begonia.

This one looks "frosted."

Look at the mottling on the leaves of this Slipper Orchid,

compared to the green, rabbit-ear-like leaves of this Slipper Orchid.

 

This orchid is producing not just leaves, but kikis (baby orchid plants)!

Look at the large, broad leaf on this Moth Orchid.
It is striking next to the aerial roots.

Look at the lines of this Plumeria leaf - so sleek.

This Violet should "leave" you all warm and fuzzy.

(Would it surprise you to know that we had to rent a separate truck to move here just for my plants?)