Gift Idea - Ceramic Floral Bulb Garden

Fall Planting Bulbs

Hyacinths are a Fall Planting Bulb. I learned from the Netherland Bulb Co that in the summer Holland growers box up their bulbs and ship them out to places like the US to to plant before the first hard frost. This site also says that bulbs need to be planted within 6 months of purchase.

Colorado State says that:

September and October are the best months for planting bulbs because they can become well rooted before the ground freezes. Bulbs planted after October may not have time to root adequately and therefore may not flower uniformly in the spring.

Doityourself.com says, however, to plant "after the first frost, so the bulbs will stay cool throughout the fall and winter."

This link from Cornell University shares the details about planting bulbs in the Fall for spring planting (although the information is targeted toward the New York area):

• In Zone 4 and 5, plant by late September to early October.
• In Zone 6, plant by mid-October.
• In Zone 7, plant by early November.

Hyacinth flower in a glass vase

Hyacinth flower in a glass vase
Originally uploaded by zopeuse.

This is my favorite moment in a hyacinth's life cycle... when it just busts out of that bulb for the first time.

Bulbs on top

hyacinth
Originally uploaded by missai.

This is an excellent potting of Hyacinths. Obviously not planted to the 4-6 inch depth they generally suggest, but this way we can see the tops of 3 very large bulbs.

Buds o'Hyacinth

Hyacinth
Originally uploaded by Nens.

I found another great picture on flickr. I envy the way this photographer's house will smell in a week or so. Nice pic!

Great picture of a Grape Hyacinth

GRAPE HYACINTH
Originally uploaded by mark h2.

I couldn't pass up posting this beauty. It's a wonderfully done photo of a normally tiny flower.

The Fruit Bin

misc0099.jpg
Originally uploaded by 2820Design.

Part of the forcing process of a bulb is to make the bulb think it's winter for a few weeks. I admit I've used my fridge to do this. But I had no idea about this little tidbit:

"You can use the vegetable compartment of your refrigerator, but keep bulbs away from ripening fruit (a gas emitted by fruit can ruin bulbs)."

Apparently it can create deformed blooms.

Source: http://www.flower-gardening-made-easy.com/bulb-planting.html

The Pink Ladies

The Pink Ladies
Originally uploaded by pancakeman157.

I am thoroughly jealous of this picture of a pink Hyacinth in full bloom. Beautifully done!

Pictures of Different types of Hyacinths

A great site with explanations of the different types of Hyacinths (with pictures) can be found here from Exquisite-Gardens.com.

I was interested to see "White Grape Hyacinths."

Hyacinth in a Forcing Vase

Christmas2005 Bradford5
Originally uploaded by JoDay.

This picture is a great example of how a successful Hyacinth (or any bulb) would look in a forcing vase.

The top area holds the bulb whose roots grow down into the bottom area where the water is.

This was a very nicely forced Hyacinth. Bravo!

Hyacinths - Spring in Rock Center

Spring in Rock Center
Originally uploaded by tschopper.

I would love to be near this to smell all those Hyacinths in a concrete jungle.

Hyacinth Row in Full Bloom

Hyacinth Row in Full Bloom
Originally uploaded by TRBerwyn.

And here are the Hyacinths now in full bloom. I'm so proud.

Hyacinth Row in Bloom

Hyacinth Row in Bloom
Originally uploaded by TRBerwyn.

Here is that same row of Hyacinths as they are blooming.

Hyacinth Row in Bud

Hyacinth Row in Bud
Originally uploaded by TRBerwyn.

I had collected several white Hyacinths and planted them under a tree in my yard. Here they are starting to bloom.

Another Close Up of the Purple Hyacinths

Closeup of Purple Hyacinths
Originally uploaded by TRBerwyn.

These are sitting on a table in my front room and there is a TON of light that comes in in the morning. I can't think of any better way to see a Hyacinth than under a morning sun so I had to take another picture.

Baby buds

This little guy is one of my Hyacinth bulbs that I replanted from an indoor bulb garden. Now he's in my yard under a tree. I think he's about 2 or 3 years old (since the transplant).

Most Recent Addition

Hyacinth Photos on Flickr

I found a user over at Flickr who had some great photos of Bunches and Bunches of Hyacinths: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oiseauxbleu/tags/hyacinth/. Thanks Ms. Marly!

For more check out: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/hyacinth/clusters/flower-spring-flowers/

Cool Pic & Products - Hyacinth in Snow

I found this originally on eBay and followed the links since I liked it so much. There are a bunch of choices of prints, cards and posters at: gc10 Hyacinth at December's Rose, llc.

Collapsible Vase

Collapsible Vase travels flat, but transforms to full size so you can enjoy colorful flowers in your otherwise-boring hotel room! It’s made of thermal-sensitive polymer, so it comes as flat as a few sheets of paper to fit easily into your suitcase. When you get to your room, fill it with warm water and hand-form it to any shape you want. Then empty it and fill with cold water to “freeze” the shape. When you’re ready to travel again, follow the same steps to flatten it. Use it at home or in your office as well. Safer than a glass vase, since it won’t shatter if dropped. Set of two; please specify clear or green.

I've been meaning to tell you...

I personally just think of JOY when I see or smell any Hyacinth. But apparently there was a time when every flower had a meaning.

"The Language Of Flowers: What They Mean (A-K)

All flowers have
a meaning. The Victorians used to use flowers as a symbol to express their
feelings. Here is a list of different flowers and their meanings."

• Hyacinth (blue) - Constancy
• Hyacinth ( purple) - I'm sorry; please forgive me; sorrow
• Hyacinth (red or pink) - Play
• Hyacinth (white) - Loveliness; I'll pray for you
• Hyacinth (yellow) - Jealousy

Source: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/flowerlanguage.html

Hyacinth Crystal for Sale on Yahoo Auction

Very Interesting Hyacinth Crystal on Yahoo Auction here. Auction ends March 5th.

Pic: Pink Hyacinth in the Morning

Good morning.

:)

Blue Hyacinths at Amazon

Blue Hyacinths available at Amazon.com

Available as of this post. Usually ships in 1-2 weeks.

White Hyacinth Products

Purchase items with this Hyacinth picture (some variations) Blank Journal Mousepad for your PC US Postage White Ladies t-shirt

Hyacinths on the Cover of this Magazine

I found this flower magazine with Hyacinths on the cover:

Origin

Origin: It was brought to Western Europe in the 16th century and was first cultivated in Austria in the 1500's. During the 17th and 18th centuries, like the tulip, it was to be found only in the collections of very rich flower collectors. Because of the hyacinth's pervasive perfume, the bulbs were exorbitantly expensive. The bulbs are now grown in Holland and Great Britain. Source (for article and picture)

Annual Philadelphia Flower Show

Click here for more Information on the Annual Flower Show in Philadelphia.