Jemma's Tales
Paperwhites ~ A Time To Grow
November 20, 2015
The joy of nurturing will always delight me; my children, family, friends, and flowers.
But today I spend time with the Paperwhite.
Waiting and watching with quiet anticipation, as the tender white blossom unfurls it's fragrant petals-when just a few weeks ago, it was artlessly, a brown bulb, hibernating quietly from months of rest.
Slowly stretching, perhaps even a yawn may be heard if one listens and respects the
sounds of nature, as the restful moments give way to reawakening.
It is extraordinary how something can be transformed from an object which appears to be
nothing...
Into a perfectly orchestrated something.
Slumber time is over, dusty gray begins to give way to green and growing.
Perhaps even a little gaunt, while greedily reaching toward the morning glow.
Each tender blossom must be treasured, for the season of living is so fleeting.
Hold on to the fragile moment of every hour, drink in the fragrance of the day.
Do not waste, or muddle your time in worrying.
Be as if you were the flower and make this your time to grow.
Source
And so my dears, it is time to plant your Paperwhites in order for them to grow while
providing you with joy and spectacular blooms for Christmas.
When you click on the above link it will take you to one of my very first posts-on growing
Paperwhites. Here is another link for more information on growing Paperwhites as well.
Have a joyful weekend and be good to yourself,
But today I spend time with the Paperwhite.
Waiting and watching with quiet anticipation, as the tender white blossom unfurls it's fragrant petals-when just a few weeks ago, it was artlessly, a brown bulb, hibernating quietly from months of rest.
Slowly stretching, perhaps even a yawn may be heard if one listens and respects the
sounds of nature, as the restful moments give way to reawakening.
It is extraordinary how something can be transformed from an object which appears to be
nothing...
Into a perfectly orchestrated something.
Slumber time is over, dusty gray begins to give way to green and growing.
Perhaps even a little gaunt, while greedily reaching toward the morning glow.
Each tender blossom must be treasured, for the season of living is so fleeting.
Hold on to the fragile moment of every hour, drink in the fragrance of the day.
Do not waste, or muddle your time in worrying.
Be as if you were the flower and make this your time to grow.
And so my dears, it is time to plant your Paperwhites in order for them to grow while
providing you with joy and spectacular blooms for Christmas.
When you click on the above link it will take you to one of my very first posts-on growing
Paperwhites. Here is another link for more information on growing Paperwhites as well.
Have a joyful weekend and be good to yourself,
Such a lovely post and thank you for the reminder ...I have to run errands today and will see if the grocery store floral dept has any to start !:)
ReplyDeleteDeb,
DeleteI am thinking it is about time for Amaryllis too. Have a good weekend!
Such a lovely post and thank you for the reminder ...I have to run errands today and will see if the grocery store floral dept has any to start !:)
ReplyDeleteI love paperwhites and your analogy with them to our lives. "Make this your time to grow"...and can I add, in each day, in the here and now because you do not know what tomorrow will bring. Beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, we must embrace each day!
DeleteGood morning beloved friend! I LOVE THESE FLOWERS! I must get some for my home to enjoy during the two week holiday! The photos are magnificent! I must run....my late night last night was too much for me, and I woke up at 6:00, when I am usually ON THE ROAD TO WORK! AH!
ReplyDeleteI will be back!
Oh dear, I know you had a very long day, thank you for visiting me this morning!
DeleteHello, Jemma, thanks for the reminder. I love these pretty blooms. Happy Friday, have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning!
DeleteTime to plant:)
I grew Paperwhites last year for the first time - they were so lovely and that scent - heavenly!! Do you know how long Amaryllis needs to 'rest' before bringing them to life again? I had them out on the porch all summer, fed them with everything else, and let them go dormant in a downstairs closet about a month ago, I think. Any advice would be most appreciated from a master gardener like you! Thanks for this lovely post and reminder to pick up Paperwhites! xo
ReplyDeleteCan you believe that wonderful Paperwhite pungent fragrance-I mean WOW! Well I don't know if I am a master gardener (hehe) but I do have the passion to nurture and grow living things.
DeleteIt is time to bring your amaryllis out into the light, check to make sure the bulb has not rotted and replace some of the soil-begin to water and in a relatively cool room! I'll email more details:)
xo
This is beautiful, Jemma! I almost bought a paperwhite pot at Trader Joe's the other day. They were only $4.95 and now I'm kicking myself that I didn't do it. I love all your photos and instruction. Maybe if I get back there (the nearest is an hour away) I'll pick that one up!
ReplyDeleteI have never grown Paperwhites. I am not a gardener at all. These look rather easy though, maybe worth a shot! SO pretty!!
ReplyDeleteI think they are just enchanting.
ReplyDeletePaper whites are so charming..delicate and feminine but they pack a fragrance that surpasses their demure appearance.
ReplyDeleteLovely post Jemma!
have never done this.
ReplyDeletethis would certainly be the time, to do so....
Paper Whites are so lovely. I don't know why I have never bought any. I so admire many who proudly display their beauty. Have a great day, my sweet friend. xo
ReplyDeleteJemma,
ReplyDeleteYour paper whites are beautiful! So nice to scroll through all of your lovely photos! I can see I have a lot of catching up to do. Been so preoccupied for the last month but glad I could see your highlights at least on instagram and FB. Hope all is well....have missed you!
xo
Linda
Jemma,
ReplyDeleteYour passion of Paper Whites is written beautifully in this post. I too love them and every year it's been my tradition to plant them the day before Thanksgiving. I love them and their graceful rise in beauty, each and every day. But I will share this, John finds their smell too heady for him. Every year I laugh and say well don't stick your nose near them! Your containers are lovely and the rustic feel enhances the feminine delicate leggy form of the Paper White.
xoxo,
Vera
Jemma, these flowers are so pretty. They really do look Christmassy. You know, I've never planted bulbs before, just the flowers itself. The evergreen you wrapped around your table looks lovely. Oh, I can't wait to decorate for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed weekend, Jemma.
love, ~Sheri
I have never grown paperwhites, but they are such a pretty bloom at Christmas time! I love these images you have gathered for this post. Thanks to you and your instructions, Jemma, my mother's amaryllis is growing again and is now about two feet tall! Still looking for the stalk with the bloom to appear, but it's in my sunny kitchen getting lots of light and love :)
ReplyDelete~Wendy
I have a friend that grows paperwhites every year. She just loves them. I do, too, but have never grown them. Love this post! xo Daina
ReplyDeleteIt's been a few years since I've forced Paperwhite bulbs, they are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
I love paperwhites and plant them Thanksgiving weekend every year. They really are fun. They grow so quickly, it amazes me! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann