Preparations for winter blooms

Fall not only starts off with back to school, Halloween, fall foliage and the time going back. Fall is also a reminder for me in late October or early November to start planting my holiday amaryllis bulbs. The bulbs take about 6 to 8 weeks to bloom and to fill your home just in time for Christmas. I love to mix these flowers with faux flowers. The best place to find these kits are at home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowes. I always choose the Red Lion Amaryllis bulbs, there are also many other varieties.  The Red Lion grows very tall and stakes are needed to keep the plant from toppling over. You can plant them in a single planter or in groups in a single container. The kit includes soil, pot and bulb. All you have to do is follow directions and add water and sit back and watch the magic begin......it's that easy. If you do not want to display these plants in the drain container provided in the kit, you can display in your own if you'd like. I sometimes transfer the drainage pot and bulb into a clay pot and saucer. After blooming, these plants can be transferred outside to bloom once again so they are well worth the price.