Bulb Time

You planted your bulbs? I started today with some out front in the flower bed and some amongst the ivy where my tree was cut down this fall. I have plans for this small space but until then, I'll plant some spring bulbs. Roots from the ivy was tough and didn't get to plant as many as I wanted and hope the squirrels don't find them. Now that the tree is cut, I haven't seen any squirrels near the front of my house. Hopefully they'll be safe without chicken wire covering them this year. I've always wanted some vintage bulb forcing vases. These are not vintage, but I still love them. (Correction, they are vintage vases) Ordered them from Etsy. They're delicate and were package well and had no cracks or injury. Vintage hyacinth forcing vases are expensive. My clear vases froze and bust in the cellar last winter. I have a few left. They will go on the porch this year for the first time so I can keep an eye on them and take them indoors on nights below freezing or I'll lose these also.

The saga of the houseplants. Removed 1/2 of the leaves on it today. The plant was bone dry. My fault. Trying to avoid over watering at this time of year.

Love scindapsus Pictusa. A little water when the leaves curl and across from a window. I love easy care plants.

Had to throw some plants out in this area. Mealy bugs and I have low tolerance for needy plants. I must say, I haven't taken good care of my house plants this year. The strong have survived. It's almost winter and my favorite time to buy house plants and start seeds. If a plant blooms, I'm even more excited about it.

Amaryllis starting to open. Blooms in the house at this time of year is wonderful.

The sun porch is really messy this fall. Discounted pots for bulbs to go on my daughter's balcony in spring. Hope to get to them tomorrow. I also want to put up my Christmas tree.

Bulbs from Homedepot. The ones in the center are for my daughters' containers and the others for out front. She currently has her container of sunflower plants growing in her living room. Removed them from the balcony when frost came. Can't believe it. I love red and orange tulips.

Will add tulips to this container. The plants in here didn't do well this summer. 

Look at the baby amaryllis growing on it's mother. I need to plant this, soon.

Sorry for the next few side way pictures. These are amaryllis I have to plant.

They're past ready to be planted.

Sad to learn my drill is broken but I'll get a hole in it. It has to have drainage.

Left from Thanksgiving arrangement. They're still alive because the porch is so cold.

Have to get this organized but not today.

First paper whites to bloom. Another container started at the same time is still just making roots. That's okay so I'll have staggered blooms.

Amaryllis needs staking.

Got to rehab that knee. I joined the gym and continue to do exercises that I did in therapy. Graduated from physical therapy this week and returned to work after 3 months. The knee replacement is continuing to heal. Don't know if I want the other one done. I'll decide in 1 year. Love my fold away bike. The stationary one I have takes up too much space and it doesn't fold to put away. 

First snow showers I think last week. The flakes were so pretty and large. I hope this is not an indication of what winter will hold. Gaillardia still blooming. Frost has not killed it along with one bloom on the black-eyed Susan plant.

Pumpkins put on the porch and bulbs planted in their spot. They'll be cut up and go in the yard for the critters. Haven't started feeding the birds yet and the Jays been looking at the empty feeder.

Seed Buying Time

Spot something different? I had my tree cut down. The tree was here before I move in 30 years ago, but safety was more important. I'll miss the birds and squirrels but part of it had also started dying.  Now to decide on whether to pull the ivy, add fresh soil and planting this small area. Now that the shade is no more, I can have some sun perennials. Ivy can have large roots. Don't think I'll be removing it myself but will hire someone to remove it, add the soil, and maybe some type of new boarder. Winter dreaming. I have time. Until then I'm going to dig some holes for bulbs and put up a bird feeder. I have to see the birds and squirrels. They'll be happy.
.

A few pansies added after pulling most of the summer annuals. Dichondra is still alive even with nights in the 30's. Frost will get it. It's not hardy here.

 

The first 2024 catalogue to arrive.

Paperwhites

They're going to grow anyway. They have been in this bag on my porch for a while.

I'll start these on another day in soil. I also received 3 more in the mail last week.

Placed on top of pebbles and water added only touching the basal plate/bottom of bulb where new roots will emerge. I usually put a small amount of rubbing alcohol in the water. It keeps the foliage from growing too tall. Some use vodka. I don't drink so don't have this in the house. Now to wait for roots to start growing and the beautiful blooms in about 6 weeks. Seven left but have to find a container for them. I'll wait so I can have some in bloom later.

If only I could start on other bulbs that need to be planted in containers and some in the ground, This was a start. I think I'll do some amaryllis and hyacinths next.

A Fall Day

On my way to physical therapy today. Leaves are starting to fall.

The knee is making progress.

Wood is now stacked in place of the chair. Haven't had my first fire yet.

Reached a milestone since we last talked. I had my 60th birthday. The pumpkins are artificial this year. I love them. They look so real.

Cleaned up the flower bed some today after physical therapy and put down some mulch. Moved the pumpkins from the steps to the flower bed. My pumpkin patch. Didn't think I would do anything for Autumn, but the knee replacement has not disabled me. I love its strength and no arthritic pain. The bumble bees are still loving the remaining blooms on the verbena.

Hydrangea paniculata survived summer. I love its Autumn color.

 

I have to take some house plants indoors before it gets too cold. First, I'll spray them and put a systemic in the soil.

They died. My fault. It's time to start planting bulbs and force paperwhites, amaryllis, and hyacinths for indoors. Hope you are enjoying the change in season.