Monday, March 24, 2014

It's Spring Somewhere!


I know we've visited the Hidden Lake Garden conservatory before, but I thought we could all use a shot in the arm of color after this ridiculously looooong winter. Here in Michigan, we are ready for some green and warmth, but this is as close as we are getting right now. 
As we entered the show room yesterday, you can imagine from these pictures the aroma that met us. We were in heaven. I hope you enjoy the pictures and it adds a little joy and spring  to your day.
 




























































































A cart full of amaryllis

Amaryllis 'Misty'






















Amaryllis 'Prelude'























Amaryllis 'President Johnson'























Amaryllis 'Flemenco Queen '






















Happy Spring!

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

A Kid in a Candy Store

Blooming succulent
On Sunday, I went on a field trip with the cactus and succulent society to a greenhouse that grows mainly succulents. When I first walked in, it was so nice and warm and spring like. After a couple of hours, it was SUMMER! I forgot what is what like to be that hot.....except during hot flashes! 
I'm going to share some pictures of the plants. If there isn't a caption under the picture, I'm sorry, I don't know the correct identification. This is the second time I've been to this greenhouse and am amazed by the vast variety of succulents. Quite a few were in bloom. Maybe the reason I like them so much,is that a lot of them have orange flowers. The owner loves these plants and is so knowledgeable! I enjoy talking to him and I try to pick up as many tips and tricks as I can. A person who grows these for a living day in and day out knows his plants and there is always something new to learn. Enjoy!

 Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire'
Euphorbia stenoclada
A plethora of succulents!
Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty'
The plant above was HUGE! Below is a close up.

Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty'
Love these HOT pink flowers on Trichodiadema densum !
Crassula perforata 'Variegata'

Echeveria hybrid


Echeveria parva









Graptopetalum?


















Echeveria in bloom

























Crassula pellucida subsp. marginalis 'Variegata'



Aloe hybrid


















Aloe hybrid
















Crassula tecta




Graptopetalum superbum

Haworthia truncata Lime Green























Extra large hybrid watch chain or Crassula












Bulbine frutescens













Pagoda plant-Crassula




























Variegated fairy washboard or Haworthia limifolia variegata






Beautiful container with Kalanchoes, graptopetalum, portulacaria, jade and more.

Monday, March 17, 2014

All Things Green

If you know me, you know that green is my favorite color. My nails are green, my purse is green, my clothes are green, my vehicle was green...... So I thought today, I would post some green flowers and pics. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I'll start with 3 plants that definitely represent St. Patty's Day.....

Rhymcholaeliocattleya Ports of Paradise 'Emerald Isle'
'Irish Rose' African violet blossom























'Emerald Love' African violet











'Yukako' African violet

Dendrobium 'Burana Jade'













Begonia 'Baby Dress'



























Green anthurium flower
Dracaena 'Lemon Lime'























'Tiger' Boston Fern

Jade vine




















'Neverfloris' African violet
'River Nile' Begonia leaf





Ficus altissima variegata
Kohleria 'Ampallang'










Bird's Nest Sansieveria



















Philodendron 'Brasil'





















'Frozen In Time' African violet

'Limelight' Dracaena















Cymbidium orchid




























































African violet


A green owl in my crocodile fern
Have a green day!!!