Yesterday I went to the dentist. I hate the dentist. Notice, I didn’t say I hate MY dentist, I just hate THE dentist in general. Who in their right

Not much a fan of the dentist...but it is a necessary evil.

mind would actually find enjoyment sitting reclined in an uncomfortable chair, their mouth wide open while someone digs around in there? Then of course it never fails: the hygenist will ask you a question WHILE your mouth is open and there’s no possible way to answer. Don’t get me wrong, I love idle chit chat as much as the next gal but there is a time and a place for anything.

So you may be wondering why I’m talking about the dentist in a gardening blog. The truth is, I actually am quite fond of my dentist. Again, it’s definitely not on my list of favorite places to go but I’ve actually been going to the same clinic since I was five years old and had to have a tooth pulled after a jungle gym mishap. Therefore, I wanted to bring my dentist a small token of my appreciation. A way to say “Thanks” for making a not-so pleasant experience a little more pleasant this year. So I brought him an amaryllis! In fact, while I was there he put his out at the receptionist’s desk. I think it’ll add a nice “holiday flair” to their clinic.

This beautiful Apple Blossom Amaryllis is sure to make someone's holiday bright!

I have found amaryllis to be the perfect gift for those unique people in my life. These are the people who deserve a “thank you” but not necessarily your typical “gift” that can make for an awkward situation if he or she has nothing to give you in return. I have given amaryllis to my hairdresser, my mailman, the babysitter, even the doctor who delivered my beautiful twin girls this year! It’s nice to know as I finish my Christmas shopping that I’ve already got those “everyday” people taken care of. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy a vibrant flower blooming indoors during the bleak winter season? Most of them are even sold in kits that are extremely easy to put together and have everything you need to grow one.

As a side note: I DID survive the dentist…and even put a smile on his face in the process!

Until next time,

These indoor blooms make wonderful gifts and come in a variety colors!

Amaryllis: The Gift that Keeps on Giving!

As hard as it is to believe, the holidays are just around the corner. That being said, whether you’re the organized shopper who bought everyone’s Christmas gift over the summer or you’re the procrastinator without a clue, there’s bound to be someone who seems to have everything. Or what about that person that you think might drop by and need a gift “just in case”? Have you thought about your child’s teacher or Great Aunt Gertrude or your hair stylist?

How about a unique gift that they will actually enjoy? Try bringing plant life to the cold days by giving an indoor bulb! One of the most common of these indoor growing bulbs is the Amaryllis. Now I already know what you’re thinking: I don’t want to give a gift that requires WORK…let alone a plant that I know will never survive. So what if Gertrude’s thumb isn’t that green! The best part about these gifts is that they are extremely EASY to grow and fun to watch! Have grandchildren that are interested in the way things grow but are bored with the “expandable sponge animals”? Give them each an amaryllis bulb to plant and record the progress! And the best part: many times bulb websites such as Holland Bulb Farms sell these indoor bulbs in giftbox kits which include everything you need to grow the bulb. Sure takes the difficulty out of a unique gift, doesn’t it?

A close up picture of my sister's Amaryllis on her desk at work.

Allow me to tell you about my sister: My dear sister, a wonderful person full of great ideas and motivation, is not gifted with the talent of “growing things.” Or maybe better said, she has difficulty keeping plants alive Yet as far as I’m concerned, every house could benefit from some “greenery” so I gave her an amaryllis. Of course, I received the response I knew I would: “Oh thanks, Bridget. But…ah…you know how I am with plants. Do I have to water it?” I laughed and assured her that even SHE couldn’t mess this one up. I also told her that the great thing about amaryllis is that they only need to be watered once a week! Sure enough, three weeks later, I received an email from her, pictures attached. She had taken her amaryllis to her office and it had bloomed beautifully! Her only complaint was that she couldn’t get any work done because her co-workers would constantly stop to ask her what the gorgeous plant on her desk was called!

So why not try giving a unique gift this year rather than the same old gift card to McDonald’s or gaudy Christmas ornament? The blooms last for weeks and they couldn’t be easier to grow!

Until next time,

Have a question for Bridget? Be sure to email her at bridget@bulbblog.com. Have your question featured in the blog and receive $5.00 off your next order with www.hollandbulbfarms.com!