Blooming Friday – Christmas

I thought I would join in with Katarina’s weekly meme – Blooming Friday - the theme this week is not surprisingly Christmas.  I must start my apologising as my photos are not up to my normal standard.  It is gloomy outside and the camera flash etc has caused shadows etc but there you go.

Anyway, me and flowering houseplants isn’t the best of combinations.  In fact me and houseplants of any kind isn’t a great mix and to be honest I am often surprised at how many keen gardeners struggle with houseplants.  However, at Christmas I do like to have a couple of flowering plants in the house to add some color and to make everything that little bit more special.

The Azalea above is a gift for my uncle and aunt but I am enjoying it before I pass it to them on Boxing Day.  They are both in their 80s and difficult to buy for, after all there are only so many biscuits you can give!!  I am hoping that my Aunt may be able to plant the Azalea out in her garden in the spring and get some more enjoyment from it.

I have the obligatory Poinsettia although it will be a miracle if it lasts to Christmas Day.  I made the mistake of buying it on a freezing cold day and I suspect the plant was shocked by the blast of cold air during its transportation home.

The final flowering houseplant which is holding on, just, to its flowers is a cyclamen which is in the bathroom.  It was originally in the dining room but I think it is too warm in there for it so I have moved it to the cooler bathroom but it still isn’t looking too perky!  Funnily enough I have half a dozen cyclamen  in the greenhouse which I grew from seed just over a year ago and I am hoping will provide  some color next Christmas.

Finally I shall leave you with a photo of my garden assistant who has adapted quite well to assisting with wrapping Christmas presents although she has a penchant for removing bows

For more Blooming Friday posts visit Roses  and Stuff

I leave you with Seasons Greetings and I hope you and your loved ones have a lovely Christmas and best wishes for 2012