Hooray! I finally have both blooms to show and the wherewithal to post on the 15th of a month for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, hosted by Carol at
May Dreams Gardens. So say hello to my African violet, who's greeting you in blooms and who is the only living plant inside or outside my house in bloom. I've gotten at least half a dozen of them from people who couldn't get them to bloom, handed over in part disgust and part challenge ("You're a master gardener, see if
you can get it to bloom"). Despite not being that attentive to house plants, and doing nothing special with the African violets, they do bloom.
Moving on to real blooms of non-living flowers, here is a nice colorful bouquet I got at my leaving do at work.
Next we have an almost-bloom. I got this amaryllis on sale after Christmas (OK, hands up anyone who
doesn't yet know I'm cheap!), and it's almost ready to bloom. I just love the red lines on the bud!
Moving on to fake flowers, look at the nice bouquet on this retro Valentine my friend Aunita sent me. I love, love, love older Valentines. And check it out, the kitten is actually
wearing mittens!
And now some plastic flowers in this cute Playmobil set my friend Julia got me. It's a garden faerie, just like me! Note the wings are removable, which is handy as it does get tiring lugging them around when working in the garden. Note also that the wheelbarrow is shaped like a leaf. There's enough detail in the pruners (though they don't open) to tell they're bypass, not anvil! And the rabbits are just darling (thank goodness they're not groundhogs!).
Fiona (who's 8 pounds on a good day) wants to give you a size reference (everybody, say "Thanks, Fiona!"). Well, that's all that's blooming here at Garden Faerie's Musings. Cheers!
Hooray! I finally have both blooms to show and the wherewithal to post on the 15th of a month for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, hosted by Carol at May Dreams Gardens. So say hello to my African violet, who's greeting you in blooms and who is the only living plant inside or outside my house in bloom. I've gotten at least half a dozen of them from people who couldn't get them to bloom, handed over in part disgust and part challenge ("You're a master gardener, see if you can get it to bloom"). Despite not being that attentive to house plants, and doing nothing special with the African violets, they do bloom.
Moving on to real blooms of non-living flowers, here is a nice colorful bouquet I got at my leaving do at work.
Next we have an almost-bloom. I got this amaryllis on sale after Christmas (OK, hands up anyone who doesn't yet know I'm cheap!), and it's almost ready to bloom. I just love the red lines on the bud!
Moving on to fake flowers, look at the nice bouquet on this retro Valentine my friend Aunita sent me. I love, love, love older Valentines. And check it out, the kitten is actually wearing mittens!
And now some plastic flowers in this cute Playmobil set my friend Julia got me. It's a garden faerie, just like me! Note the wings are removable, which is handy as it does get tiring lugging them around when working in the garden. Note also that the wheelbarrow is shaped like a leaf. There's enough detail in the pruners (though they don't open) to tell they're bypass, not anvil! And the rabbits are just darling (thank goodness they're not groundhogs!).
Fiona (who's 8 pounds on a good day) wants to give you a size reference (everybody, say "Thanks, Fiona!"). Well, that's all that's blooming here at Garden Faerie's Musings. Cheers!
I love the garden faerie and all her tools. Such a thoughtful friend. Your blooms are great. I think the trick to violets is the right light and under watering. :}
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that african violets were difficult for some. I had so many plants around the house until I got the two cats that I have now. None of my cats ever bothered the plants. These two are in to everything....Loved the photos...Hello to your kitty...Michelle
ReplyDeletePurrrfect kitty scale:}
ReplyDeleteEveryone needs a garden fairy.
ReplyDeleteHow accomodating Fiona is!
ReplyDeleteI didn'y even think of showing my African Violet. It's been blooming for a couple of years now, so I suppose it's kinda faded into the back of my mind!
The playmobil fairie made our mom squee. We would like to nom on her to be honest. ; ) Cilli's eyes went really big when she heard about Fiona. The thought of being opened up again didn't really appeal to her. Good job, they saw the scars! Fiona, you look very silvery grey and beautiful! Hey, we've got an African Violet blooming too, but mom just bought it. Maybe we have to give it to you afterwards...
ReplyDeletePurrs, Siena & Chilli
HA Monica, that garden faerie is the cutest thing ever! What an appropriate gift. Love the callas in the leafy wheelbarrow too. And many congrats on your big leap! :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
Getting African Violets to bloom sometimes is a real feat, good job. I've found that with the right lighting they will bloom happily on & off most of the year. The garden faerie is adorable, I love the Calla Lillies in her wheelbarrow. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat photos - and I love the playmobil faerie gardener!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your new career - I'm right behind you in your choice to do it!
Monica, What a fun post with pretty flowers, a sweet cat and toys! Have a good day! gail
ReplyDeleteWay to go Monica! Very creative and plentiful February blooms! The garden faerie is adorable (just like you!)
ReplyDeleteI used to have tons of African violets when I was a kid, but swore off house plants about 20 years ago. Little by little I find more plants creeping into the house, especially since I started overwintering tender garden plants indoors. It would be fun to add an African violet or two (or ten) to the mix. I've been sorely tempted a few times now after seeing pics of them on other blogs. They are such nostalgic plants for me. . . make me feel all warm and fuzzy!
Your post made me smile Monica. My mum grows African violets to perfection. She has a row of different coloured ones on a window sill. I have lost count of the number of little plantlets that she has rooted for me, and that I have succeeded in killing :( Mind you I don't have much joy with houseplants. That sweet little garden faerie looks most industrious, and Fiona looks like an absolute giant beside her.
ReplyDeleteHow cute !!! Love every bloom, Monica!!! I love african violets...isn't your kitty eating yours? Mine did! I love your garden fairie mascot, too:) It IS tiny!!! My favorite bloom is Fiona!! (I also like your floral arrangement, given to you...). Hope things are going well for you.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it nice how sometimes things come together, like you having blooms and joining us for bloom day!
ReplyDeleteI also love that little garden fairy!
Carol, May Dreams Gardens
Monica this was a delight view of your blooms! I'd say that Spring is in the air at your fairy house..Fiona is a wee girl at 8lbs..mine are 14 and 13 lbs.
ReplyDeleteYour little fairy is adorable!
I think it's nice to have "amaryllis"
blooming after Christmas because there is so much color with the decorations and NOW is the time we need a hit of flower power!
Fiona looks a little shy. I gave my violet away. Got tired of picking it up off the floor and scooping the scattered soil back into the pot. Some kind of kitty game;)
ReplyDeleteMarnie
I want that Playmobil set! I've never seen it, although my daughter isn't into Playmobil. My son has the pirates and the knights.
ReplyDeleteI must learn the secrets of getting/keeping the African Violets in bloom. I'm dipping my toe in the water, so to speak, with a very small one.
Hi Monica ~
ReplyDeleteThe garden fairy sounds so sweet.
I, too, love to have a blooming violet or two in the house. I also like to find a good deal on plants and think your Amaryllis bud is gorgeous! I feel so good when I can revive a plant that was destined to be tossed out by the retailer.
Thanks for visiting the 'Artists in the garden'interviews.
Karrita
Now I've seen YOUR African Violet! I'm hoping my Clara is growing roots. :-) And, how are you doing now? I've re-read your previous post. A lot of history, and a lot of growth. I'm excited for you, here. Keep us posted and I will look for your gardening book before long! :-) And then Everyone will want their picture taken with you!!
ReplyDeleteI love your little garden faerie! And Fiona is a charmer! She is a gorgeous cat.
ReplyDeleteMonica: I am back again to let you know that I will be going to "the Desert Botanical gardens" once again this year while in Scottsdale!
ReplyDeleteI will post photos for you if I havn't already in my last year postings of my 'Vacation Arizona' lables....may I take you to one here:
http://nature-trail.blogspot.com/2008/04/beauty-beast.html
Just click on the label box below the posts and you'll view all that I shared last year.
Yes I'm a snow bird in the winter..love to fly to warmer climate..and besides my son lives there!
See you soon from Spring in the desert! hugs aNNa
Monica, It's been a busy week, and I completely missed this post--so sorry! Your violet looks very healthy; I used to have some but gave up when I got so busy I neglected them. Maybe it's time to try them again. But my favorite is your Playmobil garden fairy--how cute! I agree wearing wings can get a little tiresome after awhile:)
ReplyDeleteJames, I just checked your polka dots! They are furry cute!!!
ReplyDeletePurrs, Siena
Hey Monica,
ReplyDeleteI really like your cat. I'm totally there with you in buying plants after Christmas when they are deeply discounted.
Thanks, Fiona!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I saw the scale of the wheelbarrow before I went looking to buy one. I only wish I had the skill to make a life size one. The leaf shape is too cute.
Monica the Garden Faerie on the other hand is a bit scary waving a chain saw around. I wouldn't dare disturb her garden. 'Ground Hog' takes on a whole new meaning for me now.
Hi Monica
ReplyDeleteLove that Violet, I've been growing them for years no problem. In the 50's my Mom actually raised them under lights in our basement in Rochester NY. Feel like I've been growing them all my life!!
Beautiful post!
Wow, a lovely African Violet it is too. Well done. What wonderful presents and cards you have received. I love things in miniature, especially the wheelbarrow etc. Tiny secateurs, how fabulous.
ReplyDeleteSuper cat photo too.
I remember these vintage cards, Monica! Happy V-Day! ♡♥Hearts♥♡
ReplyDelete