Saturday, February 14, 2009

A long awaited bloom

The other day, late in the afternoon, the little P.neli finally opened up her little bud- at least half-way. It was a lucky thing I even caught the show, as it was brief, and she closed it right up as the sun went down. That was two days ago, and I haven't seen it happen since. The bud started to open up yesterday a little, but never even made it half-way. The third picture is the current state of affairs. I suppose maybe the colder weather we have been having is keeping it closed. But even half-opened the flower was wonderful! I never expected orange at all, as the only ones I have seen pictures of were yellow and white, with maybe some pink. So orange is unexpected, but oh so beautiful!





My son started me some pansies from seed last fall, and the first of them have finally started to bloom. I've been enjoying Pansie blooms regularly from the small plants I purchased, but these are the first from the seed started plants. I fell in love with this color combination- it is the prettiest Pansie in my yard so far.




I had so many comments on my little reindeer dude so here is a picture of all of him. He stands guard in the bird area, and the passion vine tangles through him. I bought him down in Mexico and I adore him too! I think there is a better picture of him at the end of this post I made last September.
Happy Green Thumb Sunday everyone! For more wonderful GTS posts please visit "As The Garden Grows" and join in yourself!

11 comments:

Corner Gardener Sue said...

I grew that first plant a long time ago, but can't remember if it bloomed. I do remember having different kinds of cacti blooming, so maybe it did.

I love that pansy, too.

Raph G. Neckmann said...

Beautiful bloom on P. neli!

Everyone here loved your photo of the Valentine Cactus - thank you!

Teri said...

I have never ever seen that cactus bloom anywhere. It's gorgeous!!

Phoenix C. said...

I'm a friend of Raph's!! I love all plants, including cacti. Currently creating a cactus mural for the Cactus House in a botanic garden in the UK.

AthenayBarbara said...

Buenos Tardes,

I am also here in Tucson. On the deep South West side of the City.

My gardening is in my home and on my balcony, but I spend as much time out in the Wild as humanly possible.

I am studying botany as my self-assigned course this winter.

It has been a pleasure running around your blog.

Thank you for sharing with all of us!

Con regard,

Tomato

Julie said...

oooooohhhh...what a really pretty bloom that nelii has!!! I love the color!

Pudgeduck said...

I have two lithops left out of five. Never have flowered! Yours are just beautiful! Thanks for visiting!

Appalachian Lady said...

First time visit to your blog and I will be back. I love cacti blooms and that P. neli is a beauty. I actually do pretty good with cactus in the house since I don't like to water much.

Diane AZ said...

Gorgeous pictures of your cactus with the orange blossom. Maybe it will bloom again when the weather is warmer? Your pansies are so pretty, my favorite is the violet and yellow color combo.

Claude said...

Great little bloom on that P. nelli...

I always liked these, and lithops, but I never grew them because I know myself... 1 wouldn't be enough, I'd have to have a few dozen... at least until the next group of plants caught my attention...

Aiyana said...

I'm surprised at the flower color on your P. neli. The only ones I've ever had were yellow, and that's the only color I've seen on other one. The orange is really great!
Aiyana