February 24, 2007
There is a very good reason not to wear white after Labor Day and a very good reason to never give up on the Amaryllis. Both have to do with the dastardly winter of 2007.
First, about wearing white after Labor Day.
If one were to step into one’s own backyard in some parts of the country, one might blend right in with the snow, never to be seen again especially if one happened to be wearing white.
Emily Post does not approve of that fashion mistake, wearing white after Labor Day that is.
Ask anyone in Denver, New York, Minnesota, or anywhere in the Midwest to explain why one should not wear white during this winter of 2007. You will find it has nothing to do with Miss Post.
Many places have had so much snow this winter that residents are worried more about shoveling their roofs than their driveways, and they would not dare venture into their yards with white attire. They might sink so deep they would not be found until spring! No one would ever see them.
As we near the end of this winter with its incredible unrelenting weather, one might be tempted to give up on spring and succumb to the notion that the snow and ice storms will never end.
Granted we are not accustomed of late to such winter weather, but one has to admit this winter has been a beast by anyone’s standards, enough so that I was just about to give up on spring.
Thus, my second point.
Since my Christmas Amaryllis looked dead, I was about to give up on it, too.
The Amaryllis I received as a Christmas gift had not yet bloomed, let alone shown any growth at all. I called the giver to say, “I am sorry to report that the Amaryllis just didn’t make it. Thanks so much anyway.”
She replied confidently, “Do not give up on it yet, and be sure not to over water.”
Knowing it was already far past the projected time it takes for the plant to grow, I did nothing more for the bulb except sit it by the window and water sparingly once a week.
One icy, cold winter morning of late, as if on cue from the giver, I noticed a bit of green.
This plant is all about surprise let me tell you.
Growth began in thin flat leaves. Before my very eyes the plant shot up quickly, sometimes inches in a day. I reread the directions because I had no idea what to do. Up to now, it was easy. All I had done previously was watch.
At this point, I learned it was best to water every three days but only if the soil is dry an inch below the surface. The directions also said to provide some kind of support for the plant using a stick or wire to hold the stem because when it does bloom the plant would be top heavy.
As if by magic, the blooms began to emerge. Over a week, I watched in fascination as blooms opened within a day or two of each other. Finally, the plant boasted three blooms with only one never opening.
I have had Amaryllis plants before but never has one taken so long to bloom, just like the winter of 2007 that has taken so long to end.
Never has an Amaryllis bloomed so spectacularly for me either. One can only hope spring will be as lovely.
When all hope was lost and when it looked like the plant was indeed dead, it sprang to life. Based on that phenomenon, I know now that the Amaryllis will show its blooms when it is darn good and ready.
Just as surely as “the day follows the night”, spring will eventually show up, too. Won’t we be surprised when it does?
Fashion note: Emily Post still does not recommend wearing white after Labor Day, at least not until spring.
Pull out the white slacks and shoes. We are almost there.
