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Sunday 20 March 2016

The Wait

Last autumn, as we have done for the last eight years, we placed pots containing amaryllis bulbs in a dark, cool place and waited. Within a few months, new growth appeared at the top of the bulbs. Now it was time for a well lit place and we waited again. Before long, leaves and a bud appeared



followed by a beautiful bloom which lasted a few days. 



The flowers are spectacular, large and showy, with vivid colours.



Their prominent place in our living room, means that we enjoy every minute of the bloom. They are a source of conversation every day they exist.





And each year we lament the fading flowers and look forward to the next cycle. The leaves thrive for a number of months, wither and die. Again we place the pots in a cool dark place.

Two years ago, leaves grew on the side of one of the pots,



and we discovered another bulb sprouted off the original. We planted it separately and it grew another amaryllis the following spring. This year again, a mother bulb is generating progeny, a new bulb to give to a friend. 

It begins again!

20 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

That's impressive. My dad used to do this, but then he got too senile. I tried it once and failed.

Angela said...

You got 3 beautiful ones! I only had lilies once and that was many years ago. Happy First Day of Spring!!

DJan said...

How wonderful! They are so beautiful, and they just keep on giving. Thanks for the brilliant flowers to brighten my day, too. :-)

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Wait a few years -- you'll be drowning in amaryllis!

Hilary said...

What a lovely way to usher in spring. They are indeed mood-lifters.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful red color. Your post reminded me to water my Clivia.

Unknown said...

Beautiful!! They're triving because there's so much TLC in your house.

Marie Smith said...

Delayed gratification with these plants.

Marie Smith said...

They do brighten things up, Angela.

Marie Smith said...

They are a brilliant, though brief wonder!

Marie Smith said...

We will share them.

Marie Smith said...

The red is incredible!

Marie Smith said...

I am not familiar with clivia. I will look it up.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Aunt Marie.

Barbara said...

Beautiful. I have the perfect area in my garage for storing bulbs but never thought of it. I think I'll try some.

Tomoko said...

I like to see your step-by -step flower photos! Beautiful.

Marie Smith said...

The garage sounds like a perfect place to store the bulbs. Good luck with them.

Marie Smith said...

They are beautiful, Tomoko.

Mage said...

Wow. I can't do this in my living room, but how beautiful in yours.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you. We love them.