Further DIY Adventures of Tedious and Tinkle in the Mule Barn

Spring just opened right on up while we were in the throes of watching the Mule Barn get built. Now we are inside trying to make it the fun place I dreamed of.

When we're done there will be more than 47 running feet of 2 foot shelving around most of 3 sides at desk top level. Meanwhile there are plants of interest in the greenhouse.

While I was hardly paying attention to the greenhouse, Benfica bloomed.

Nymph

Exotica

Appleblossom

None of these are new this year. As a matter of fact, Exotica spent a couple of years outdoors and I dug it up last summer. 

Tomatoes are still ripening back there and new 'maters  coming on.

I did manage to take time to root four new tomato plants from suckers and they've already been potted up to bigger pots. Despite all the excitement and activity I tried to keep the watering done and once in a while something got planted or repotted or at least maintained.

Persian Shield and Purple Heart,

Lemon Grass and Bromeliads.

 

Begonias and friends, a clump of Echinacea and some Rhipsalis still blooming.

One more look into the Mule Barn where I brought in a piece of garden equipment to see how it is going to fit. 

... and I finally located a pic of the Mule (and Buffy). 

Daffodil season has almost flown by without notice except when I go to the mailbox. Today I noticed that Minnow jonquillas have decided to bloom for the first time in years. 

There's lots to see and do in the garden while I am caught up with work with Tedious and dealing with making sure water drains away from the building properly.

We talked today about how Spring seems to have arrived and the always present possibility that a late killing frost will happen on April 15. 

Amaryllis Benfica and Appleblossom

My favorites are always the ones in bloom. There are 4 more in bud: 3 new Appleblossom and one from a previous year that isn't labeled.

Benfica has another bud developing. Companions are Donkey Tail

Sedum and pots of white Kalanchoe.

   These are bulbs that I brought back to bloom again, third year for Appleblossom. 

Benfica was new last year, an excellent choice.

Nymph Amaryllis from last year has great foliage, no bloom has appear. 

I gave away Elvas and have not heard about its fate.

Appleblossom  showing buds yet to open on a single stem.

For those of you who like the down the throat view.

Appleblossom has a wonderful sweet fragrance.

Benfica is the truest red I've seen in Amaryllis.

I stood on a stool to give you this view.

Up close with Benfica.

Perfectly Red.

My plans for next fall's order changes daily. Will I order more and different Amaryllis? Should I get Hyacinths for forcing, how many and what color? Maybe all my bulb money needs to go towards Daffodils. I've never tried forcing minature Daffodils. What about minor bulbs like Muscari and Bluebells?  So many choices and a whole summer to plan....

Linking to Tootsie Time's Friday Flower Flaunt.

Amaryllis 'Benfica'

 Second year bloom. It grew last summer and rested in the fall before I repotted it.

The plants around it are "Appleblossom' 

The reddish bud nearest right is in its third year to bloom.

Benfica, quite a beauty even with Epi foliage hanging overhead.

Is it Benfica or Benefica? Depends on whether you are speaking in Spanish, Italian or Portuguese I think. Or maybe it's two different words and meanings. Benefica means charitable or beneficent. Benfica is the name of a sports stadium in Portugal. I can find no history on the name of this bulb. Different vendors give it different spelling.

Mors Benefica

Give me to die unwitting of the day,
And stricken in Life's brave heat, with senses clear:
Not swathed and couched until the lines appear
Of Death's wan mask upon this withering clay,
But as that old man eloquent made way
From Earth, a nation's conclave hushed anear;
Or as the chief whose fates, that he may hear
The victory, one glorious moment stay.
Or, if not thus, then with no cry in vain,
No ministrant beside to ward and weep,
Hand upon helm I would my quittance gain
In some wild turmoil of the waters deep,
And sink content into a dreamless sleep
(Spared grave and shroud) below the ancient main.

Edmund Clarence Stedman