Amaryllis Surprise!

Before Christmas, one of my friends gave me an amaryllis bulb kit. Such a small square box! The picture on the front sported a tall stemmed bright red flower of gargantuan size, and when I took the bulb out of the box, I certainly believed it could turn into such a huge flower. The kit included a pot almost the same size as the bulb, and a small brown disc of what they claimed was enough potting soil to do the job. I was skeptical.

I followed the directions, and sure enough - add water and POOF! Enough dirt to fill the pot and bury the bulb two thirds down in soil. I watered thoroughly and set it in a pie pan atop the china cabinet. For a week or so, nothing stirred. Then one morning I noticed that the dry husks at the top of the bulb looked a bit green. On closer inspection, I discovered a tiny green shoot making its way out of the bulb towards the light. Life!

Christmas came and went and the plant continued to grow. I faithfully turned the pot everyday to keep the plant from growing lopsidedly toward the sun streaming in the kitchen window. One morning, at the top of one of the dark green shoots I noticed a cluster of pods forming. Surely soon there would be a bright red cluster of flowers to enjoy. I couldn't wait. I kept checking every morning for some glint of redness, but still no bloom appeared.

This morning, one of the flowers opened - a glorious PINK and white! How absolutely beautiful! It took me off guard since I hadn't even considered any other color than the one printed on the side of the box. How much more wonderful. I can't wait until the other pods open. Its like an early Easter. Even the boys remarked on how pretty it is. I hope I can keep it going for years. What a delight. Thank you thank you thank you.