Indulge Decor Blog

Indulge's Beautimous Garden

 

We know you love our garden because we see (catch) you having a look around, snapping off our lovely little rose buds, sniffing their lofty aroma, and then cramming the delicate little flowers into your over-sized (over-priced) handbag as you innocently (huh!) scamper off. Now, I know harmlessly plucking a rose off a bush on 'public property' would never be considered stealing, so why, why all the shenanigans may I ask? Please, just ask us and we would happily cut a rose for you - our gift to you.

And, for those of you who are respectful of our many bountiful roses and just want to know what varieties they are, please read on.

*All roses were purchased 5 years ago through www.antiqueroseemporium.com

 

Ducher Rose (Introduced 1869)

Shrub - 3 to 5 ft. tall

White

Regarded as the only White China Rose

 

- - - - -

Madame Alfred Carriere (1879)

Climber - 15 to 20 ft. tall

White/Pink

 

 

- - - - -

Climbing Iceberg Rose (1968)

Climber - 8 to 10 ft. tall

White

 

 

 

- - - - -

Valencia Orange Tree

8 to 12 ft. tall

There is also a dwarf variety that grows 2 to 3 ft tall, and is typically potted.

- - - - -

My other personal favorite . . . .

Climbing Cecile Brunner (1894)

Climber - 20 to 30 ft. tall

Pink (Baby Aspirin Pink)

 

(The horror, please do not look at my slimy green awning. My house, my car, and my poor dogs are all covered in spring green pollen, just add a little rain & humidity and there you have it - the green funk, yeech.)

 

Please do note top left corner of photo - gorgeous purple wisteria! I had to hold my breath for 5 years waiting for that bleeper to bloom.

 

- - - - -

Not-Exactly-Real-Roses ($27)

Perfect for the brown thumb enthusiasts!

 

- - - - -

Just In, Never Before Seen Photos Of Indulge's Charming Olive Tree . . . . .

Blooming!

Yes, that is correct. My dormant, fruitless 5 year old Olive Tree is beholden with fruit. Well, I have no idea what will happen now, but I will keep you eager-ees updated.

Will flowers become fruit?

Will fruit be edible?

Will helpful pollinating bees choke on flowers du olives and fly away before finishing their task?

These pressing questions and more soon answered under Indulge's next Facebook Posting - Houston Urban Olive Tree Flowering Myth.

It's all so exciting, or not.

 

Bunny Mellon's Secret Garden

Rachel Lowe Lambert Lloyd Mellon

aka

Bunny

aka

 'The Queen of Green'

Bunny Mellon turned 100 years of age on August 9, 2010.

Photographed by Horst in 1965, Courtesy of Vogue

"Nothing Should Be Noticed. Nothing Should Be Noticed."

Mrs. Lambert said - saying it twice for emphasis - in one of her rare interviews to Sarah Booth Conroy of The New York Times in 1969. In her first bona fide interview, she told the reporter that she (Mrs. Mellon) only submitted herself to the interview because she was "tired of reading in the press all sorts of wrong things about the way we (I) live."

If Jacqueline Kennedy was a 20th-Century Icon, Surely Mrs. Mellon was Her Teacher.

As per our dear friends at Wikipedia, we (avid admirers) know Bunny Mellon to be "an American horticulturalist, gardener, philanthropist, fine arts collector, member of the International Best Dressed List, and thoroughbred racehorse owner/breeder". (Wikipedia.com, Rachel Lambert Mellon)

Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Mrs. Mellon was widely venerated as the epitome of good taste.

Few invitations were as coveted as those to the Mellon's 4,000 acre estate in Oak Springs Farms, in Upperville, Virginia, guests such as John and Jacqueline Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth, and Prince Charles (and, Bette Midler?) enjoyed the detailed perfection of Bunny's weekend get-togethers.

Discreet, Exquisite, Impeccable Taste.

Mrs. Mellon's entire wardrobe was created by Balenciaga until his retirement, at which point Givenchy took over. She had her own atelier in Maison Givenchy, where the couture house created every item for her from lingerie to tennis apparel, servant's uniforms to ball gowns.

with husband, Paul Mellon, in 1987.

In the late 1950s, Jackie Kennedy phoned her dear, new friend Bunny after a visit to Bunny's estate in Oak Springs Farms, in Upperville, Virginia and confessed, "I loved your house, but I don't like mine."

Bunny agreed to help the Senator's wife fix up her home and it was the beginning of a lasting and close relationship. Following are some of the projects and events Mrs. Mellon collaborated on with Mrs. Kennedy:

Decorating ideas (and financial contributions) White House, The Kennedy Years

The Rose Garden - The White House

Jacqueline Kennedy Garden - The White House

Flowers at the Capitol upon the President's Death

Caroline's Wedding in Hyannis Port

Gardens at Mrs Onassis' Summer Home on Martha's Vineyard

Gardens at Kennedy Library in Boston

Funerals of Jackie and John junior.

* Not to mention - the gardens for her dear friend Hubert de Givenchy's French country Estate.

Monsieur Givenchy is quoted describing his (Bunny designed) garden as, "delicate pieces of embroidery."

For a 'Blogger' (moi) doing due diligence on actual 'Reporters' writing real articles about Mrs. Mellon and her 100th birthday, all I can find is articles filled with catch phrases from Mrs. Mellon's friends such as . . .

"No comment."

"I don't remember."

"I'll call you back."

Apparently, Mrs. Mellon's BFFs are just as private as she is, ha ha. 

 "She (Bunny) is seldom seen on the party circuit, the world came to her, not the other way around." - said Ms. Bedell Smith, a Washington, D.C. based writer.

"If She (Bunny) were to show up at a glitzy New York party today, most people wouldn't know who she is, but in what passes for society in New York today, Bunny Mellon stands apart and alone." - David Columbia, Newyorksocialdiary.com

 - - - - - -

The Second Bona Fide Interview Bunny Mellon Ever Gave Came 41 Years Later.

As the article's writer James Reginato confesses, he had waited "nearly his entire career" for this interview. "It's almost like the Holy Grail for journalists who cover society and design."

The V.F. magazine article begins with an invitation over the phone from Mrs. Mellon to the article's author, Mr. R. to come and visit the legendary gardens of Oak Springs Farms.

"Monday I'm planning my funeral, and Tuesday I've got Bette Midler. Come Wednesday at 11:30." Mrs. Mellon cheerfully states.

Bunny Mellon's Secret Garden

Vanity Fair Magazine, August 2010

Photographs by Jonathan Becker

Article for V.F. Written By: James Reginato

Mellon, photographed by Henri Cartier-Bresson in her Oak Spring Garden.

 

   

The greenhouse at Oaks Spring would not be out of place at Versailles. Trompe l'oeil murals by Fernand Renard.

 

 

 

An arbor of pleached Mary Potter crab-apple trees leads to the garden entrance.

 

A bronze rabbit by sculptor Jane Canfield perches atop the garden gate.

 

 

A teahouse with reflecting pool.

 

A quiet corner of the garden

 

 
A birdhouse and pots of citrus.

 

Mellon's vegetable garden.

 

One mile long airstrip to accommodate Falcon 2000 (not seen in photograph).

- - - - -

When I read articles about legendary women such as Bunny Mellon, I sadly realize that such grace, fortitude, and style might just be part of an era that America is no longer interested in. 

Young Women Today Pride Themselves on How Modern They Are, and How Open They Are to the Times.

Angelina Jolie and her, ahem, tattoo for Brad

(As seen in same month's Vanity Fair issue)

When asked in a separate interview about her obvious new inner-thigh tattoo, Angie coyly replied, "Um, it's for Brad."

Jennifer Aniston and her desperate need to keep emphasizing that - 'Yes, she would like to have children, someday,' through her latest movie, The Switch, where she not only played the lead, but also served as the movie's executive producer.

     

Hanna Montana and her not so discreet shout out (and earful) to boyfriend - Inked: June 16th. 

Relationship Defunct: August 28th.

Whatever!!!

- - - - -

I Just Can't Believe What T.V. and Pop Culture Has Done to Our Sensibilities. 

 Keeping Up with the Kardashians- Season Premiere, August 23rd, 2010- 4.7 million viewers

  

Housewives - The Real Housewives of New Jersey, New York, Atlanta, Orange County, and Houston ???!!!- New Jersey Season Finale, August 24th, 2010- 3.4 million viewers

       

Jersey Shores- Season Premiere, August 14th, 2010- 5.5 million viewers

 

 

The phrase that comes to my mind in regards to the above T.V. reality shows - Everything Should Be Noticed. Everything Should Be Noticed. 

Stated twice for emphasis, ha ha.

- - - - -

Personally, I am going to add Mrs. Mellon to my short list of the 10 most fascinating women who ever lived that I would like to invite to my 'Fantasy Dinner Party'. For my 'Fantasy Dinner Party' I can pull from any country, any century, any society. I haven't added to my 'Fantasy Dinner Party' list in probably 5 years. I wonder who I will have to 'bump' to make room for Bunny, hmmm?

I wonder if I could get Mrs. Mellon to host my 'Fantasy Dinner Party' at her Oak Springs estate, hmmm? Wouldn't that be lovely!

I wonder who would be on her 'Fantasy Dinner Party' invite list, hmmm? Suddenly I'm tinged with jealousy because she (Mrs. Mellon) has probably actually dined with everyone on her 'Fantasy Dinner Party' list and mine is yet only . . . a fantasy.

I think that I will seat Mrs. Mellon next to my dear 'Fantasy Dinner Party' BFF, Nicole de Vesian, or should I sit between them? After all, I have so much still to learn and it is my 'Fantasy Dinner Party.'

(For sure I'll seat Mrs.Kennedy next to Mrs. Mellon because they have been besties for so long and they will be able to get the conversation at the dinner table rolling.)

What am I thinking! I don't have to 'bump' anyone, I'll just arrange to pull up 2 more chairs. 12 is a lovely number for a 'Fantasy Dinner Party.'

Well, that leaves 1 more seat available; I wonder who I should invite, hmmm?

***Note - As I was sitting at 'The Boulevard Store' researching my 'Bunny Mellon' blog, a most charming woman comes in the store -'to have a look.' When I asked her if she knows who Bunny Mellon is, 'most charming woman' declared that she most certainly does know of her and that her nephew was best friends with Bunny's son in college.

"I'm planning a big splash for my 100th birthday also, I only have 8 years to go!" Most charming woman declared with a heartful laugh.

That is when I remembered the 6 degrees of separation theory. Me, . . . Most Charming Woman, . . Most Charming Woman's Nephew, . . ..Mrs. Mellon's Son, . . .Mrs. Mellon!!!

I made the Bunny connection in just 5 degrees!!!!!

75th Annual Azalea Trail

 

 

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the River Oaks Garden Club's Azalea Trail!

The Azalea Trail began in 1934 when 12 gardens were opened to the public for an entry fee of 5 cents (what a bargain!). Thousands are expected on this year's three-day, seven-stop tour. A $5 individual admission includes home and garden.

The tour includes 4 homes and gardens, the Bayou Bend estate gardens, the Forum of Civics, at 2503 Westheimer, and Rienzi, the 4.4-acre gardens at 1406 Kirby.

Bart Brechtor (you may remember him from Bulbilicious), the talented garden curator responsible for keeping the beautiful 12-acre grounds at the Bayou Bend estate, says that despite the nippy weather this winter, the "Jennifer" Kurume (purplish-pink) azaleas are beginning to bloom and show color as are the "Elegans" (lilac-pink Indica azaleas). With the long winter we've had, many azaleas are holding their buds, as you may have noticed driving around Houston, but a few days of sun should encourage these otherwise shrubish-looking plants to bloom.

In the meantime, Garden Club volunteers have cleaned Bayou Bend's sweeping beds and filled them with flowering annuals and tulips to spread color throughout the garden.

 

1. River Oaks Garden Club Forum of Civics - 2503 Westheimer

2. Bayou Bend Gardens, Philadelphia - Enter at 2940 Lazy Lane or One Westcott

3. Rienzi - 1406 Kirby

4. Home & Gardens - 3606 Chevy Chase

5. Home & Gardens - 3637 Del Monte

6. Home & Gardens - 3617 Inwood Dr.

7. Home & Gardens - 3650 Inwood Dr.

 

Ticket Information

Dates: March 5, 6, and 7, 2010

Hours: 11 pm - 6 pm

Prices: Seven Admissions $20; Single-Site Admission (available at each entrance) $5

 

Ticket Locations

River Oaks Garden Club Forum of Civics   -    The Arbor Gate in Tomball, TX

Another Place In Time    -    Bering's     -   Condon Gardens    -    Cornelius Nurseries

The Empty Vase    -    Garden Gate    -    Museum of Fine Arts     -   Bayou Bend

River Oaks Plant House   -     Tanglewood Gifts & Stationary    -    Teas Nursery       

Thompson + Hansen      -     Leisure Learning Unlimited     -   Randalls

Rice Epicurean

River Oaks Garden Club is a member of The Garden Club of America and was founded in 1927. The club has made many contributions to the Houston community in the areas of conservation, horticulture, education, and civic beautification.

Proceeds from The Azalea Trail support these ongoing projects:

• Maintenance of the River Oaks Garden Club Forum of Civics Building and Gardens (the gardens are open to the public).

• Maintenance of the 14-acre gardens of Bayou bend, the former estate of Miss Ima Hogg and now the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

• Continuation of the Bayou Bend Gardens Endowment, a charitable trust for the perpetual maintenance of the gardens. The endowment is also supported by public contributions.

• Hosting of the annual Sadie Gwin Blackburn Environmental Seminar, which is open to the public (admission is free).

• Publication of A Garden Book for Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast. In 2009, the River Oaks Garden Club made contributions to the following: Holly Hall, Casa de Esperanza, Trees for Houston, Lamar High School-HISD, and Students Conserving America.

Oh, and Don't forget to mind your manners when you're stomping through these beautiful homes...

Don't stray from the delineated path - there are plastic floor coverings and ropes to guide you so you can't pretend you got lost.

Don't go upstairs (the stairs are always blocked off with rope but you'd be surprised how many people make it up there).

Don't walk through the house backwards. Again, delineated pathways. Narrow. Crowded.

Don't ask how much the house costs. That's just tacky.

Don't pick the posies. Um, hello?

Don't ask where the powder room is. Seriously. Don't

Don't say "Do you think that's real?" out loud. Sure, the homeowner will probably not be there. But let me tell you, her big-eared friends will be.

Do wait to say something tacky when you're safely outside (not that you would ever say anything like "They obviously have everything they own out" but in case you know someone who would). Again, friends with ears.

Do say how lovely everything is. Those wonderful Garden Club volunteers have come through and made the gardens absolutely perfectly beautiful and I'm sure they would love to hear how much you appreciate it.

 

Happy trails!

 

 

Are They, Or Aren't They?

C:

How is it that we are so-o-o comfortable with having fake nails, fake lashes, fake hair extensions, and even fake boobies, for the sake of beauty? We are even O.K. ingesting fake butter, fake ice cream, and even fake bacon, for the sake of dieting and our hips?

Well, the other day, a really cute stylishly dressed young girl (and by young, I mean she was in her early thirties) held up one of our not-exactly-real flowers and asked -"Can I really use this in my house? It's fake, isn't it?" 

When I started Indulge 10 years ago, I sold two things - European bath products and beautiful orchids. I thought the combination of the two was perfect because orchids are so visual, but most of them do not have much of a fragrance, and the European bath products smelled so wonderful, but were small and therefore not very visual. So, I had the visually beautiful orchids and the small fragrant soaps. A winning combo! Unique too.

At that time, you could not get an orchid very easily. Orchids were not for sale at Whole Foods or Home Depot. You had to know someone, who knew someone -  that might be able to put you in touch with a guy. The book "The Orchid Thief" had not been written yet and orchids just had a certain mystique. Not that they have any less wonderment to me today, they are just more regognizable and more common to most people. I would go as far as to say - people think they are a lovely plant to decorate a room with.

A couple of years ago, I wouldn't have dared to lower myself by selling fake plants in my stores. I was all about the real thing. In fact, I honestly couldn't have predicted my reaction today to them. In fact, it's not just me, it's the hundreds of not-exactly-real plants that we have sold over the last year.

So, I thought it would be fun to play a little game - you tell me which orchid(s) throughout the blog are real and I'll give you 20% off any single item in the store. Good luck to you!

  

Charming Assortment of Orchids in Mossy Pots:

 

 

Phalaenopsis:

 

Perfect in almost every room! For years I was never without one in my home.

Lady Slipper:

 

These guys make me laugh out loud, and not just because they look like Jay Leno. Couldn't you just see yourself having a conversation with one of them over morning coffee?

 

Mini Phals:

 

What cuties, great in a cluster!

   

Mini Phals:

 

Decorating Tip:  You can use them almost anywhere in your house.

 

Casually, On a Bar Tray:

 

In a Guest Bath:

 

On  a Bedroom Dresser:

 

Beside a Bed:

 

 

 For a Dash of Color:

 

10 very good reasons why it's actually O.K. to use not-exactly-real flowers in your house:

 

They look so real.

They don't have to be watered every week.

When you come back from a long trip they're not dead.

The flowers never wilt and fall off, leaving just a bare stem.

They can survive in that room in your house that nothing else can survive in.

No scale or ichy spider infestation.

They don't have to be replaced every month.

When you get tired of it, just put it in a closet.

There are so many different varieties - cattleyas, lady slippers, oncidiums, phals, and vandas.

And, last but not least, the smile on your face every time a friend compliments you on your

orchid growing prowess.

 

They really are that beautiful !

 

And, how cute are the mossy pots they come in!

Change the pot, completely change the look.  One beautiful phalaenopsis orchid - 3 different pots, three different rooms in my house.

 

Phal. in my Crown Planter on my Entrance Table:

   

Phal. in my Antique Planter on my Bedroom Chest:

And Finally, Phal in an Old Basket on my Family Room Table:

   

Did I mention how great the not-exactly-real orchids do in that room in your house that doesn't get a lot of sun - that's the room in my house that you'll find my kitty asleep in.

   

The bathroom is beautiful and bright with the sconces and chandelier lit, but I was taught well by my father to turn the lights off when you leave a room - bathroom light remains off when I'm not home.

 

Cymbidium Orchid:

  

Can you tell the difference yet - real versus not-exactly-real?

All not-exactly-real orchids available at our Indulge Blvd. store if you were thinking you might want to pick one up for yourself or for a friend.

 

Garden: Live At Bulbmart

C:

 

Live At Bulb Mart !

 

Hosted by: The Garden Club of Houston

 

The 67th Annual Bulb & Plant Mart

If  you are new to Houston and think it would be fun and social to join a club, do not be mistaken - this is not a club you call and say, "My husband would like to make a generous donation to your organization, but I really don't like to get my hands dirty." If there is one thing for certain that I can comment about this particular garden club, it's this - The women of The Garden Club of Houston are serious about their gardening.  At Bulb Mart, you will find the most eager and helpful volunteers up and down every aisle, excited to share their knowledge and personal growing tips with you. And, although it's all in the name of charity (the proceeds from Bulb Mart help support 6 different Houston projects.) don't think these gals don't mean business - dirty business. In other words, this ain't your average garden variety social. No pink tea or lemonade served here today!

Tip: Dress comfortably - although it's October, it's hot.

Tip: Jewelry - leave it at home.

Tip: What's important at this event is not your designer handbag but the red wagon you'll need to haul your loot around.

 

 

Did I mention that there is no admission fee? There is no charge at all for looking, but just try to leave there without buying something, I dare you. Wait until you see my wagon - I think I went a level over Bulbilicious.

Insider Tip: Usually, I'm an early bird when it comes to bulb shopping. I've always gotten to Bulb Mart in the a.m. when the doors open, but this time I couldn't go until after 3:00. Let me tell you - that was so much better! At 9:00 a.m. the lines are down the street and at 3:00 I walked right in. I guess the rest of the bulb buyers were either in a carpool line, at a field-hockey game, or already home unpacking their bulb bounty.

Well, here we go.  We're in!

   

I've been such an aggressive bulb buyer for the last few years that I'd completely forgotten how cool the rest of Bulb Mart is. Let's just take a look around before we head over to the bulb building.

  

 

This is The Citrus Aisle:

 

This is Margaret Wallace Rotan - today's Citrus Specialist. Margaret is so enthusiastic about their citrus selection this year that I almost forgot about my bulb mission. All of the citrus plants sold at Bulb Mart are grown locally, so you don't have to worry whether they can survive Houston's horrible climate.

 

Ujukitsu Orange - An orange that looks like a pear?

 

Mexican Thornless Lime: Very popular in Texas with the husbands.

 

Buddha's Hand: A slice of its tentacle is refreshing in vodka, according to our GC Citrus Specialist.

    


    

(Sensing that all the citrus sold at Bulb Mart is refreshing with alcohol...)

 

Some of the other types of plants for sale at Bulb Mart -  bromeliads, gingers, herbs, iris, lilies, orchids, perennials, plumeria, roses and vines, just to name a few plants that aren't very 'bulb-y.'

Lady Slipper Orchids

 

Does anybody else think they look like Jay Leno, or just me?

The Bulb Building ! (Ahhh, airconditioning!)

 

I bought The Orange Soverign for Thanksgiving.

The Red Lion is for Christmas.

 

And maybe next year...

  

 

 

And, of course The Paperwhites!

Bulb Mart has three types of paperwhites for sale. I bought the 'Home Depot' variety - they are so easy, they would probably grow in the brown paper bag they come in.

   

Maybe next year...

    

 

This is Gail Wolf Orr:

And her charming mother Mrs. Wolf:

 

Insider Tip: Houston Garden Club Tip - mother and daughter agree - "A little gin slows the plants down -keeps them from getting too leggy."

(Hmmm, same tip as CB from the ROGC.) I figured that there would be some professional differences between the two garden clubs, but apparently gin isn't one of them.

Insider Tip: When you do buy something at Bulb Mart, they graciously give you what many have dubbed - 'The Commandments of Gardening.' Their 100 page booklet is one of the most helpful gardening books I've ever used. Although they print a new version every year, I hold on to my old tattered copy like it was some sacred  page torn out of the bible.

Insider Tip: Don't plant a bulb in the center of your arrangement, instead put a bamboo stake. Later, if the plant gets too leggy, you can tie some rafia around the leaves and use the stake for support.

Bulb Mart even has a Low Impact Development Specialist. I think this is important to the future and I would really love to know more about this.

   

  How cool is that roof?

If you do over-do it at Bulb Mart, there are porters available to help you out to your car. I managed myself.

   

Manners: Don't forget to take your wagon back.

  

Don't they think of everything, . . .almost?

 

Can't wait to get started!

And oh, for you impatient types! Don't forget about the 'not-exactly-real' paperwhites that we sell at the store. They would be so cute to put out now while you are waiting for your bulbs to grow!

  

Look forward to a fun new blog post most every Monday!

Bulbilicious

C:

It's that time of year again ladies, when garden clubs across the country open their doors / gates to the public to sell their wares, and by wares - I mean bulbs not calendars. And, with Smith & Hawkins closing (sadly), this might be one of the few opportunities you will have to load up on bulbs. Don't worry about excess, bulbs store nicely in a dark closet, cool garage, or an empty basket.

I don't know why you couldn't even store some under your bed next to those new suede boots you haven't quite confessed to yet, that you might have bought at Neiman's a while back. (Maybe I should type in "I" statements - you probably don't store your new fabulous purchases under your bed. Or, over rationalize "I'll wear those all the time!" - suede boots in hot, rainy Houston, not exactly an investment piece, ha!)

I buy my paperwhite and amaryllis bulbs every fall at Bulb Mart. Trust me, if I can do this with my brown thumbs so can you. In fact, we'll do it together. I'll post my progress on the blog, it'll be fun. It'll be bulbilicious.

 

Note the dates: Oct. 8, 9, & 10

  Let's start with Paperwhites and Amaryllis - commonly known as the easy bulbs.  These bulbs do not need to be chilled, are low maintenance, and easy to grow.

Here are some helpful tips for growing bulbs indoors from Bart Brechter, Curator, Bayou Bend Gardens:

 

Paperwhites

 

 

Planting Period:  October - December

Growing Period - Bulbs will flower in 4 weeks ( depending on light and temperature) i.e. the more light and heat - the quicker the bulbs will grow.  If you need them to grow super quick, set them outside on a warm day in full sun.

Flowering Time:  Ten days to two weeks.

Growing:  In a pot filled with soil or in a shallow glass bowl with pebbles.

Water:  If you're growing your bulbs in a bowl with pebbles and water, the water should only cover the bottom 1/3 of the bulbs.

Intervals:  Plant in intervals to have beautiful flowers for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.  

Tip:  Pointy side up (for you brown thumbers.)  Tee, hee.

 

Indoor Planting Schedule: recommended by Bart

For Thanksgiving - plant bulbs mid to late October  

For Christmas - plant bulbs mid to late November

   For New Years - plant one week later.

Tip: Have an idea of which pots you might want to use and how many bulbs you will need to buy before you go to Bulb Mart.

Tip: I buy two of each style pot and plant in intervals, then I can rotate out the bloomed out bulbs. Sounds very OCD, but don't laugh it's actually quite brilliant.

 

River Oaks Garden Club Tip: (a la CB) To slow the paperwhites down a bit, add a little Gin, tee hee. You may even invite some friends over to help you slow down your bulbs - a little impromtu garden party. See, indoor gardening can be really fun and social, too.

 

Amaryllis:

 

 
This is a Peach Blossom Amaryllis.

Planting Period: October and November
Growing Period: Bulbs will flower in 6 weeks.
Flowering Time: Not long enough! About ten days, and then you will hopefully get a bonus second stalk.
Preparation: Base and roots of bulb should be placed in lukewarm water for a few hours before planting.
Planting: Plant bulb up to its neck in soil (again, pointy side up) and press the soil down firmly to set the bulb in place.
Water: Sparingly until stem appears, then more when leaves appear.
Intervals: Plant in intervals of two weeks to have beautiful flowers for Christmas and New Years.

Indoor Planting Schedule: recommended by Bart

For Thanksgiving - plant bulbs mid October  

For Christmas - plant bulbs mid November

   For New Years - plant one week later.

There will be over 30 varieties of Amaryllis for sale at Bulb Mart, so I asked a few friends which ones they have had the most success with and here are some of their recommendations: 

Tip: Try to think ahead of which rooms you are going to display the flowers in - for color and, again, which pots you would like to use. The bulbs sell out really fast, so plan on having some back-up choices.

Orange Sovereign - Orange. Perfect for Thanksgiving.

(I'm going to try this one in my family room this year.)

 

Christmas Gift - White

(One of my favorites, looks beautiful in any room in my house.)

White Peacock - White

 (Gorgeous, my white back-up!)

Red Lion - Red, red.

(I love this one in my house at Christmas time.)

Dancing Queen

 

(Red and white striped, like a candy cane for you party girls)

 

Cynthia Tip: Cut the stamen (powdery pollen stem) that leaves horrible yellow dust on everything - flowers will last longer and it will save your tablecloths from ruin.

If you just aren't up to all that this year, no worries. Remember when I said that they are making fake flowers that look just as good as real - check these out! Are they or aren't they? Tee, hee.

We got these 'not-actually-live' paperwhites at the store a couple of weeks ago and we've already reordered them three times!!! And, the best part is - they don't have any planting schedule and they never bloom out!

How cute are these tealights!

And, how cute are they in the Juliska glass votives!

 

 And, how cute is it all together! !

 

Look forward to seeing you at Bulb Mart. And don't forget - it's better to have too many bulbs than not enough (extra bulbs can be planted just for cuttings and mistakes.)

Look forward to a fun new blog post most every Monday !