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Enchanting Amaryllis

12/29/2017

A beautiful amaryllis given to me by a friend cheers my windowsill
on a snowy day.

Enchanting Amaryllis
By guest author Avery Bartlett-Golden

In stores, homes and catalogs during December holidays, red and white Amaryllises are perhaps as evocative of the season as Poinsettias. Generally grown in the Netherlands and shipped over in time for the holidays, this voluminous flower has fascinated growers for centuries. The first bulbs flowering like today’s amaryllises were brought over in the early eighteenth century from the southwest cape of South Africa. These bulbs were the true amaryllis, Amaryllis belladonna. Since then new flowers from the Caribbean and South America were discovered. These were also called amaryllises and are related to what grace our homes today. They belong to the family Amarilidaceae, but are actually members of the genus Hippeastrum, hybridized with a wide variety of other related bulbs.

The symbolism of this flower is interesting. As the FloriSmart website explains, “The name Hippeastrum is a combination of two Greek words: Hippeus (knight) and Astron (star). Knight star refers to the star shaped petals which look like the medieval weapon. The flower symbolizes quite a few things: pride, enchanting beauty, friendship and affection. This makes the Amaryllis a perfect flower to give to a loved one.”

After flowering, new bulbs can be planted in a tall narrow pot about twice as wide as the bulb. Hippeastrums like well-drained soil and prefer to be planted with the neck of the bulb above the soil. Once frost danger has passed, they can be brought outside to a location protected from direct sun for the duration of the summer. This helps the bulb build reserves to enlarge and to produce flowers. Since Hippeastrums are from the tropics they are not winter hardy.

White crinum lilies blooming in June in our garden.

To extend the wonderful inflorescences, or flowering, of amaryllises outdoors, Crinum lilies can be used. Relatives of Hippeastrum, but with a number of species native to the southeastern United States, Crinum lilies are known for their durability and longevity. Another interesting bulb is the Xamarcrinum. Amarcrinums are intergeneric crosses between crinums and the true amaryllis. For a flower identical to the Christmas flower, Hippeastrum x johnsonii is a good intergeneric cross hardy to zone 7a.

With such variety, spanning arid climates to the southeastern United States and the tropics, the Amarilidaceae family provides nearly endless variety. Thus, perhaps the beautiful Christmas lily can not only bring beauty but serve as an introduction to a vast family of incredible flowers for nearly any climate.

For information on caring for your amaryllis visit:
https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/flowers/growing-and-caring-for-amaryllis/

Avery Bartlett-Golden is a Horticulture Science major at North Carolina State University.

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A New Season

12/26/2017

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©Annette Bartlett-Golden, Winter Carol. Collage, 9 x 12 inches. $165

A New Season
by Annette Bartlett-Golden

As the New Year approaches, I have been reflecting on many things and my home studio shows have been prevalent in my thoughts. For nearly a decade it’s been my tradition to host an annual Holiday Art Show at my home studio and also, for the past three years, a Spring Studio Show. Because of the shows I have met wonderful new people, made new friends and enjoyed the support of old friends. Indeed connecting with people through my art in the intimate setting of my shows has been one of my great joys. The sales of my artwork and note cards during these events have also been very helpful. I am so thankful for having had the opportunity to host these shows for the last nine years.

The studio shows first began as a once a year opportunity to share my art with friends, neighbors and the community during the holiday season and served as a major motivation to make art throughout the year. My son was much younger then and I was focused on educating him at home so I had little time for finding other venues or painting much. After he began college, I concentrated on art and have made it my practice ever since. Then as I began to make more art, I added a yearly Spring Studio Show in May to further expand my exhibit options.

Over the past three years or so, I have painted hundreds of oils and watercolors. Now I show my work in many area venues, have begun teaching monthly art classes, belong to several arts organizations and am on the board of one. I also have bigger goals: I want to bring my art to a wider audience; have more time to pursue artistic endeavors and teach more art classes. Certainly, things have changed considerably from when I first began my home studio shows!

With this in mind, I recently took a hard look at the continued value of holding the studio shows. From the beginning, there have been many challenges ~ this year’s included snow and a power outage ~and overcoming some of them has led to much personal growth. A persistent concern throughout the years, however, has been the enormous amount of preparation time each show required combined with a small number of visitors. I’ve realized that in order to pursue my goals, it is time to explore different opportunities. And so the season for my studio shows has come to a close and a new season begins. It is with heartfelt gratitude for all who have attended my home studio shows throughout the years and supported me that I say Thank You!

~Visitors are still welcome to my studio by appointment throughout the year. Please call 336-288-0307 or email me atmountaincanvas@gmail.com.

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December Greetings

12/24/2017

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Seasons Greetings!

The last Holiday Studio Show is over, and I have been expeditiously preparing for Christmas celebrations and the New Year. Here I am in front of my painting "Winter" in the Craggy Garden series. Among other things, I hope to finally finish this series in coming months.

Amidst the busyness of Christmas and Winter Festivities may you find joy throughout your day and peace within. Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year!

~ Annette

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Enchanting Amaryllis

Enchanting AmaryllisBy guest author Avery Bartlett-Golden

A New Season

A New Seasonby Annette Bartlett-Golden

December Greetings

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Enchanting Amaryllis
By guest author Avery Bartlett-Golden

A New Season
by Annette Bartlett-Golden