Amaryllis

Many years ago these lovely bulbs were all the fashion. We were given a pink and white one. It flowered regularly for a number of years. We were also given a dark red one. This was not quite so reliable, but the flowers were much bolder. Both the original bulbs got very big, and died in a cold snap, when they were left outside overnight.

After some years of neglect, in early 2006 I found 5 bulbs, dried up in their pots at the back of the garage. I potted them up, and they produced loads of leaf. All 5 were alive. Just waiting for the right conditions to thrive. This year, after again being neglected over the late summer, there are two that are doing well, one of which is flowering.

Here are a couple of pictures of the Amaryllis

Almost midnight on Jan 30th.

8am on Feb 1st

10am on Feb 3rd

You can almost see these things grow!

Given the right conditions and a little care and attention (it's called love!) anything or anybody will thrive. The other three bulbs are now inside, in the warmth and sun, and have lots of water - that's how you get an amaryllis started. They are all smaller, so are unlikely to flower yet.

I can't wait to see if the flower is red or pink & white!