Every winter around this time, hyacinths appear at my corner market: three just-sprouting bulbs nestled in dirt in an ugly plastic pot wrapped in gaudy paper. I treat myself to them because, liberated from their tacky dressing, they offer a glimmer of spring for a few dollars.
Once home, I remove the shiny paper, hold the base of the green sprouts firmly in one hand and tip the pot upside-down. I pull the sprout gently and the entire molded form of dirt and roots comes out in one neat piece. Then I place it in a shallow bowl…
…watering as needed…
I’ll enjoy seeing roots and earth – a private little garden – as the closed buds slowly open, day by day, into full blooms…
Related Post: D-I-Y Spring Blooms in Winter
You are so cool!
I don’t know the source of this poem (I’ve heard it’s a 13th c. Persian, but who knows). This post makes me think of it:
If of thy mortal goods you are bereft,
And but two loaves to you are left,
Sell one, and with the dole
Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.
Now I need to get a few. I saw them the other day and held back out of thrift. But that’s misplaced thrift.
Sorry, it’s still not very attractive. I would go a little further, making a sweet bed of moss for it to sit on, mound it up a little, add a little potting angel or something spring-like to the earth.
ooooo. lovely. i agree with pam.
Charlotte, Thank you for that amazing poem. Yeah, I know what you mean about misplaced thrift…I do it too. But I know these potted hyacinths to be a BARGAIN, doe days of pleasure watching them unfold, and then their scent.
No sorry necessary. I’m glad to have your honesty and your ideas…BTW: What is a potting angel?
You inspired me, Sally! I did my own version and posted about it today on my blog at http://www.nestingblog.us. With credit to you for the brilliant idea, of course!
Elaine, I’m thrilled to see your great improvisation, using an African violet. Really charming!