January 4, 2009

Paperwhites In Winter

It's Paperwhite Season - there's something so special about the fragile, delicate blossoms of the Paperwhite to lift the spirits and whet our appetites for Spring bulbs like daffodils, tulips, crocus, ooohhh don't you love them all!

White perfection - my favorite combination white and green.  The fragrance is a love it or hate it type of scent.  I love it and my husband hates it.  I keep them out of the rooms that he frequents as a compromise.
Look how lovely they are in vintage ironstone.  I pack them in as tightly as possible for maximum bloom production in my container.  They are so carefree and easy - you have to try them in your home.  

Push the bulbs into pea gravel just covering the bottom part of the bulb and water.  Make sure the water touches the bottom of the bulb and place in a sunny window.  In just a few days you will have lovely green stalks and a couple of days later blossoms. 

Move the blooming paperwhites away from direct sunlight once they are in full bloom to prevent the blossoms from drying out too soon.  

I plant them throughout the Winter months in 3 week intervals - this gets me through the Winter while I dream of Spring bulbs and gardening.

2 comments:

Lee Weber said...

I can't stand the smell either, too sweet. And I love plants, and love to garden... weird, huh?

Anonymous said...

I like to force cherry blossom or forsythia branches this time of year. I also start sorting through my odd bit collections. This can be a slightly desperate season for people who love gardening and the outdoors.