As our days grow shorter, many bulbs begin growth in earnest. The bees are buzzing so loud around the large long-tom pot of Nerine masoniorum, that I can hear it from 12 feet away. This morning, not only was it busy with bees. but with small, colorful moths, eagerly extracting every drop of nectar.
Cyclamen graecum flowers stay low and close to the bulb., which sits on the surface of the soil. This Cyclamen, which is different than the typical florist Cyclamen we see in garden centers, is tender, and must be brought indoors, under cool glass, like many of these bulbs on this post, but I try to keep all of my Cyclamen collection outdoors so that the bees can actively pollenate them all.
A top view of the Nerine masoniorum and Cyclamen graecum, grown in pots so that they can go back into the greenhouse once freezing weather arrives, also makes them easy portable fall color for displays, and an interesting alternative to Chrysanthemums.
A ten year treat is coming soon! It has taken me ten years to get this now giant Brunsvigia josephinae bulb from South Africa big enough to ever hope for a blossoms, and it seems like one might be emerging. Stay tuned!
that Nerine is fantastic!
South Africa has the best bulbs… I wonder why that is? Anywho, that first photo was phenomenal. I love getting a little bit of glare and backlighting in my shots!
Congratulations on your Brunsvigia josephinae!!!!
Jacob Knecht