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| Daffodils (February) We can all use some Screaming Yellow
Daffodils during the dreary winter.
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Flowers outside in the winter? Isn't it too cold? Not for the bulb
variety. And it's time for the family to give a gift y'all will begin to receive
in about February by planting bulbs now.
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| A daffodil bulb; see you in February! |
In my zone, I start planting daffodil
bulbs in fall so I can wander lonely as a cloud and come upon daffodils
dancing spritely (reference to Wordsworth's poem.) There are other early
spring bulbs, too. Children of all ages can participate and be astounded when such beauty
comes up from something that looks like an onion. And they make an
appearance every year. Bulbs are inexpensive, directions are not
complicated; it is well worth the effort. Something to anticipate during
the let down of grey, blustery
days after the major holidays.
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| Tulips (March) |
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| Hyacinth (March) Great scent. |
I am always so thrilled to see the little plants coming up.
As Spring approaches, it is as if the flowers are playing Vivaldi, it is
so joyous and lovely, straight through to summer. It is amazing every year.
Of course, I'm not alone in this celebration, even if I'm posting these
pictures of my flowers as if they are my beloved children.
This is a sentiment I share with Vincent. (Van Gogh, that is.)
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| Van Gogh, Flower beds in Holland |
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| Van Gogh Irises |
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| Iris (March/April) |
Children can help grandparents or auntie and uncle plant some bulbs in their garden--what a lovely memory that is.
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| Lilies, Easter and Tiger (June) |
Some flowers are associated with holidays, like Easter Lilies--but
spring flowers are always good for Mother's Day or even Father's Day
(lots of dads, grandpas, uncles and cousins are gardeners. It is
America's favorite hobby.)
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| Matt's Ongoing Garden Gift to his mom. |
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| Red tulip. |
My
nephew was a wonderful gardener, and put several winter bulbs in his
mom's (my sister's) garden.
Sadly, Matt is no longer with us, but his gift
of flowers comes up every year. What a lovely way to be remembered.
I added a red tulip to my sister's garden in Matt's area last year to honor him.
Bulbs will multiply every few years, so they will need to be separated
and replanted, which expands your garden. Or, you can share the bulbs
with friends or family. They can also be planted in small containers as
gifts.
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| Gladiola (June) |
Some of my earliest memories are of my grandmother's garden,
particularly the gladiolas. And my grandpa took time to tell me the
names of all the flowers and plants when we would take walks around the
neighborhood. So--it's now your turn to plant some precious memories!
Strategies for Helping Students Motivate Themselves
