Tag Archives: Houseplants

In a Vase on Monday: Carmen

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I am cheating today, as I do not actually have anything new for a vase. But I do love joining in Cathy’s meme (see Rambling in the Garden) so here is a photo of ‘Carmen’, my gorgeous velvety red Hippeastrum which started flowering on January 2nd. 😃

It has a second bud just appearing, so will bring me pleasure for a while yet. And I have a pink one waiting to be brought into a warmer room for spring flowering.

And to substantiate the fact that my garden is offering nothing but soggy grasses here is a photo of the landscape at the weekend.

I look forward to seeing what other contributors to In a Vase on Monday have found today, especially those in warmer parts of the world!

Have a good week everyone!

In a Vase on Monday: Charisma

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Over the past few weeks I have been taking liberties and showcasing my lovely potted Amaryllis instead of cutting flowers for a vase, just so that I can join in the weekly meme that Cathy hosts at Rambling in the Garden.

I planted four Amaryllis/Hippeastrum bulbs in early December and all of them have been fabulous, blooming nicely one after the other and not simultaneously as is often the case. And each has produced two spikes, some still to flower. This week this lovely small pale red one is flowering. It has remained as straight as a rod so far, and with the relatively small flowers it will hopefully remain so.

Hippeastrum ‘Charisma’

So over the past few weeks I have shown you Red Pearl, Alfresco, Apple Blossom and now Charisma. I think Alfresco was my favourite. 💕

Have a great week!

In a Vase on Monday: Apple Blossom

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Ha, I wonder how many of you thought I would be showing a branch of apple blossom! Hope this is not a disappointment…

Hippeastrum ‘Apple Blossom’

This is my third Amaryllis this winter. The first one, Red Pearl, is flowering on a second stalk, and last week’s ‘Alfresco’ is still looking wonderful with another bud just showing.

Our snow has almost melted away and I can feel the first ache for some spring colour. Just a little green would be nice. Still, I have these lovely indoor plants to tide me over, and today I will be looking at all the other vases participating in Cathy’s meme. Do go and visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden to see what treasures she has found (in more ways than one) today!

Indoor Colour for Winter-Weary Eyes

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A few really warm days with lots of sunshine (and showers – hey, it’s April!) have got me outdoors in the garden at last. But indoors some of my houseplants caught my eye as the evening sun shone on them the other evening. What glorious colour!

Above, a beautiful Begonia I bought last year. I am proud to say it has flourished… I am not terribly good at looking after houseplants, but this one is easy. If it needs watering it droops noticeably. Then immediately recovers once given a drink.

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I have several Kalanchoe (Flaming Katie) in various colours – also very easy to care for – but this one is new to me…

I couldn’t believe those gorgeous bell-shaped flowers belong to the same family. The thick dark green leaves are a tell-tale sign identifying them clearly. I just hope this one is as undemanding as its sisters!

Do you have some indoor colour?