Winter Weather

Hold on to those hopes of spring. We woke up to a howling blizzard Saturday morning, and are supposed to get another snowstorm this week. There's only about 2-3 inches on the ground right now, but we're supposed to get another 5. It has been deceptively sunny during the day, still very cold.

I have one little patch of crocuses on the slope that are about 1/2 inch high, but I didn't get any pictures before it snowed again. Just as well.

I'm still debating if I should start any flower seeds this year. With baby coming in April, that will definitely put a damper on any seedling care, probably right when they would need it most. So I'm thinking not, although it would sure be nice to have my own flat of petunias or nasturtiums or marigolds to put out. See, that's part of the problem, though. I have a hard time just doing a few.

Oh well. I guess they're not that expensive to buy, and it would be better (no doubt) to be able to plant them directly, rather than kill them off due to neglect once the little one arrives.

Houseplants

I have been having some houseplant success, as of late.

I was about ready to give up on this orchid--give it away or something.

It didn't seem to be thriving at all.

I was not giving it any special treatment--infrequent waterings and whatever sunlight it got from the kitchen window.

Now look at it!

Phalaenopsis, the Moth Orchid
Wow, pretty blossoms!

I was going to re-pot it, but never got around to it.

Then its roots started snaking out and attached themselves to the rock that was next to its smaller pot (the rock was merely keeping the smaller pot upright).

Ever since then it has been doing quite well.

So I guess the new pot will have to have room for the rock, too!

Still not sure what to do about the extra root and plant growing off the top. The two big, main flowers you see are coming from that one, actually. I need to do some research and find out how to plant that offshoot or something. Those roots just reaching out into the air probably could use something to attach to. I do make sure to splash some water on them every time I water the main plant.

Also, the aloe on the left, above, is doing great! I've only been watering it every other week--sometimes I go 3 weeks between waterings for it. It seems to like that schedule.

The little plant on the right is a spider plant that also needs repotting soon. It was a Christmas gift from a friend in the ward. Finally, my prayer plant has been putting out a bunch of new leaves, ever since I moved it to the kitchen and started watering it once a week. Go figure, eh?