Look Who Came to Visit?

After reading an article in a magazine about watching Amarylis grow in a vase at Christmas, I sent away for one. I took the bulb and vase to work and everyone enjoyed coming by my desk to see the progress of the growth. This Amarylis was called Dancing Queen, so we nicknamed her Abba. Each day, I would be asked, "How is Abba doing?" For the longest time she was just a long stalk, with a closed fist at the peak. There was a temptation to just cut her open. I remember that Christmas season fondly as it brought us co-workers a shared conversation peice. Abba did not bloom until the week after Christmas, but what a BEAUTY! Everyone was impressed. I brought her home and planted her into a pot and set her in the front garden. We havent seen her since. That was 3 jobs ago, back in 2008.

Yesterday, we received the surprise of this BEAUTIFUL bloom! I didnt even notice the stalk growing. I admit I feel like a negligent parent. But I am also enjoying the fond memories of her first Christmas and that last job, which I do miss often.

Also new in the yard this season: Four Cucumber plants. Last year the cucs were too close to the Zucchini and got crowded out. They did try to choke some of the Zucchini, and after the HUGE batch I ended up with, I wish they had succeeded with at least one of those plants (did I say that out loud? Oops!) This year, I got creative making a trellis from an old window that I refused to let Scott take to the dump, because I just KNEW that ONE day, I would be able to use it for something creative. Cucs.... meet.. CREATIVE!

 I ran out of room for planting, so moved to a different part of the yard. To the side of the spa is a nice long patch of area that seems to only want to grow weeds, not grass. So I cleaned out the weeds, and planted Yellow Crookneck Squash. Not that I need that much squash, but how could I pass up the deal, 4 plants for $1.99! Will be fun to see how this area grows.