Winter Gardening?

by Susy Spence

Horticulture Chair

     After the holidays, when all the decorations are put away, it is time to add life to your abode! Spend some time at the garden center and shop for live décor. There is nothing better than live greenery to soften those cold winter days and bring on thoughts of spring.
      Green plants give off oxygen so they make our homes healthier places in winter. You don’t have to choose anything exotic. Actually, I have new respect for plain ‘ole’ philodendron. It grows in unlikely spots. ‘Terrarium’ palm, (Neanthe bella, which grows to 3 feet) tolerates low light, too.
      When that compulsion to watch something grow comes as you look out into your lifeless yard (which might be snow covered, too ) then it is time to go back to the garden center and look for the last amaryllis bulbs.     

      The best ones are not likely to be left but certainly some that will give you great pleasure. I have had great fun the last several years with paperwhites, too. Instead of growing them in pebbles and trying to keep them tastefully staked up by the time they are in full bloom, I’ve grown them in tall glass cylinders. The process is so simple you will never use pebbles again! Simply put five or so bulbs in the bottom of your container and add a small amount of water - 1/4 inch - and wait for the roots to awaken. As they form, keep adding water.
      It’s so interesting to watch the root formation; the tall vase itself holds the tall flower stems as they bloom and the clean up when the show is over is quick.

     I also have started paperwhites one at a time in a cylindrical bud vase at 7 or 10 day intervals. You always have one coming as another is blooming and just one paper-white can fill your  house with fragrance!!
     For instant color, add an African violet or a mini cyclamen to your windowsill! For both of these, once you find a happy spot for them, they will bloom their hearts out!! Violets like very bright filtered light or morning sun to bloom. They like to be above 55 degrees so don’t put them on a cold marble windowsill. On the other hand, the cyclamen needs very bright light or sunlight to bloom but they like it cooler. The mini ones are more tolerant of house-hold temperatures than the full size ones.   

     Cyclamens are very forgiving plants, if you forget to water them, don’t give up; get back on your regular watering schedule - even if those leaves yellow and wither, more leaves and buds will come!
     This is the time of year Phalaenopsis Orchids bloom, so treat yourself to one. They can bloom for months. You always want to buy one that is in bloom so that you are sure to get the color you want.
     Don’t resist bringing home a pot of forced Tete-a-Tete daffodils or fragrant hyacinths, from the grocery. They will give you a good ‘gardening fix’ and can later be planted outside to enjoy for many years.
     Last, but not least, herbs at your windowsill or under lights may also give
you a sense of actually gardening in winter. As you are cultivating them you can be making plans for your ‘outdoor’ garden.
     Enjoy indoor gardening this winter if you don’t already practice it year round.
      

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