Sunday, February 15, 2009

Gardeners' Bloom Day - February





I was hoping they'd make it for today. I've been watching them for a month now, at first hardly visible amongst the leaves, then gradually elongating and holding up little swan-like heads. Timidly starting to unfurl.

But we're shy. And then, it's been so cold ...

Too cold. I've lost a lot this winter. Plants which have made it through other winters have blackened and died ...

But it's better now. The sun is shining and we can feel its warmth. Perhaps we will come out and open up ...



There's still a chill wind though, and the nights are cold. Careful.

We will be. But it's been so long ... It's time, it must be time.

And yes, today for the first time it did almost seem as if spring was in the air. The temperature on the balcony at lunchtime was a comfortable 11°C (52°F) even if it did drop considerably as the sun passed over and left us in the shade. But it wasn't so much the temperature as the quality of the light - or was it the smell in the air? I don't know. In any case, it didn't feel like winter any more.

Dangerous words. Most of Italy is still grappling with snow, and there's plenty of time for it to come back here. Am I just imagining the spring? Is it just wishful thinking?

My little cyclamen don't think so, and neither do the tulip and daffodil bulbs which are starting to push through. Or the lily bulbs. Or the agapanthus. Everything is starting to put out shoots, or to look just that bit greener, as if they're slowly coming out of a long, long sleep.

So no, I don't have much to show you for Gardeners' Bloom Day this month. But I will have soon. It's time to get ready ...

15 comments:

Cathy S. said...

Don't you just love the Cyclemens?
Their leaves are just beautiful...
Mine blooms all winter long....

Gail said...

Sue, Oh the frustrations of February! We've had sixty degree weather and now in the thirties, with lows in the twenties...Our poor flowers and trees are not sure what to do! Ah March will be better! gail

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

I love cyclamen. such a pretty plant.
Janet

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Those sweet promises of blooms. Happy GBBD.

Nancy said...

It looks like the flowers are just aching to bloom...

Here's hoping spring arrives soon.

VP said...

But that little hint of pink shows there's hope doesn't it?

It felt 'different' outside yesterday over here too. 3 hours spent outside - bliss. I felt like I was coming out of a winter sleep as well!

Carol Michel said...

Yes, it's time and those buds are oh-so-close to opening. Patience is a virtue, they say, as is surviving a colder than normal winter.

Carol, May Dreams Gardens

Anonymous said...

those Cyclemens are pretty. I've never seen them life. I wish I could. I wonder if they survive the hot weather in Malaysia.

Chandramouli S said...

An apt description - swan-like heads. They do look so. Though you have just one to show, it's an eye-catcher, Sue!

Kerri said...

It feels like spring here too, Sue, although like you I can't help thinking we're just being teased.
Your cyclamen is looking beautiful. They're such a gorgeous plant. I need to buy a new one. My lovely plant did so well last winter (inside) and all through summer and fall on the porch, but died this winter in the house.

Jan said...

Ahh, that last photo was lovely, Sue! You do have some blooms! And isn't it so tempting to want to work in the garden and add more plants or seeds on those wonderful 50+ degree weather? I almost did something like that when we had similar weather. I'm glad I didn't because it was snowing today and it's now turned to ice and sleet!
I went out and purchased 2 cyclamen from Lowes last week, and some primrose and other green indoor plants. I couldn't take it any more and went a little crazy!!!! Happy GBBD to you:)

Dreamybee said...

Oh, so much promise in those little blooms poking their heads up to look around! I hope they have opened for you by now!

growingagardenindavis said...

I hope you have continued warming weather and your cyclamen flourish. The leaves themselves are lovely too!

Iowa Gardening Woman said...

What a lovely pale pink bud!

Sue Swift said...

Hi everyone, and thank you very much for all the comments.

Blossom - cyclamen aren't very happy in heat and humidity, but mine do survive the summer. We have temperatures between 28° and 36°C from late June to early September. I put them in complete shade and they usually make it.

Kerri - I've never tried them indoors, though I know they're often sold as houseplants. The smaller leaved varieties in particular are less hardy. Maybe it was the shock of a sudden change in temperature? Was it already cold when you brought them in?

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