We were visiting one of my favorite places ... spring, summer, fall, winter, I can spend oodles of time at Al's Garden Center no matter the season. Their store was a veritable winter wonderland. We were admiring the intricate railroad town. My son couldn't take his eyes off the train as it chugged by again and again.
My eyes, however, were multi-tasking ... watching the train, taking in the beautifully-decorated surroundings, and people-watching, when the most gorgeous shock of color caught my eyes.
I had to investigate. Certainly, this beautiful plant was only flowering during this frigid time of year because it was currently housed in the greenhouse.
I abandoned husband and kids at the train table and made my way over to the colorful blooms. It was a Camellia 'Yuletide' ... a plant that celebrates Christmas by blooming in December with big, bright red flowers and vivid yellow stamens that pop from a sea of shiny evergreen leaves.
Talk about a cure for the winter 'brown-ness' that has overtaken most gardens by now!
Sadly, I do not have the space. But, if YOU do ... run, go get one! Put one of these stunners in a big pot on your front porch and - voila! - your entryway is effortlessly decorated for Christmas! (The blooms last through February!).
Enjoy your week!
22 comments:
Wow, that's a beauty. It reminds me of an Iceland Poppy.
We've never made the trek to Al's this time of year. We usually go in spring to "donate" our dollars. :)
I love greenhouses in the winter. I practically drink in the smell of earth and greenery. It helps when spring seems eons away.
Beautiful flower! And I love the story that trails with it.
I just wish I didn't kill plants. Sigh.
What a gorgeous flower!
Can u plant them in the South?! My mom gardens, and I'd love to get her one! :)
OOh! ANd- I'm making some cupcakes for Friday night, and I'm setting stuff up to make a little "tutorial" video for it. It should be up by saturday or sunday if u wanna check it out! I'd totally do some for ur kiddos if I could get them to you. I'm not sure that mailing cupcakes works for many people. Amanda at 'Cupcakes and Corsets' put a "cap" of white chocolate to encase the frosting so they're able to be shipped, but I dunno how to ship one with just normal icing-I saw some chocolate ones from Godiva that had icing already, but they're shipped in dry ice or something-I actually called their help center to find out how they ship them, and I think the guy didn't want to tell me exactly cuz I was coming off as someone who wanted to steal their method...or he was just ignorant of that area...
The only other way I've heard it's done is to send cupcakes and icing separately and the person they go to puts the icing on...I think that kind of defeats the purpose tho...
BUT- I'll give u a shout when I get that video up! They're gonna be vanilla cupcakes with a special christmas decoration.
Beautiful. I'm like Tamika. I tend to kill plants, so I'll just admire the picture for now.
That's the reddest flower I've ever seen!
That is so beautiful! I wish I could find one here.
It's gorgeous! So pretty. And you're right--such a nice change from all the brown around!
How gorgeous! I need to fine one--I love camellias of all kinds!
sf
They are lovely. I'm going to use a lot more of them next year. This year I had already got my poinsettias. xoxo
SC
You're right: perfect for winter. Thanks for sharing it. May your eyes be caught with many other bursts of colors this season!
I love it! You're right - the color is stunning! :)
Reminds me of my childhood... we had lots of camellias.
(Yes, Virginia, I was a child once.)
Oh, you've reminded me to buy a poinsettia. The flower is beautiful!
What a gorgeous flower! So fun!
I would love to have a small greenhouse-type room and have this color brighten up the winter. Thanks for sharing this beautiful flower!
Beautiful. :) And so metaphoric for life.
The color contrast is gorgeous! It's mesmerizing isn't it?
Love the bit about your eyes multitasking...I completely know what you mean!
Gorgeous flower, which reminds me that my front entry could use a little more color.
pretty!
Thanks to everyone for visiting and for your wonderful comments! Pen Pen ... you are too kind! :-)
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