Reminicing About Paradise-Part 1

"Never lose an opportunity to see anything that is beautiful. It is God's handwriting-a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, every fair sky, every fair flower."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson


Since there is absolutely nothing in bloom in my garden right now I thought I would reminice and share some beautiful photos of my dream vacation. Almost four years ago my husband and I were able to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary on two beautiful Hawaiian islands-Oahu and Maui. I took so many beautiful photos, so this is only a small sampling of the beauty captured. Everywhere you looked there were lush green plants and a rainbow of colorful flowers and plants! If only I could have bottled this trip and opened it up in winter, I would truly be in paradise again!!! The images in part 1 of my posts were taken on the island of Oahu.
The hibiscus flower just says "tropical" to me. You could find them in just about every color.

Something that amazes me about the vegetation in Hawaii, is that these plants are sold on the main land as indoor house plants. In Hawaii they grow everwhere and thrive outside in their humid climate!

If you are ever on Oahu, you must visit the Polynesian Culture Center. There is so much to see and do there. You will not be disappointed. The remainder of the pictures were taken there.

The handmade leis were exquisite and they smelled so sweet!

I believe this variety of plumeria was called "rainbow." Doesn't it look like it was drawn with pastels? So BEAUTIFUL!

These handcrafted hats were so cool!

'Apple Blossom' Imposter

O.K. This is my first time to force bulbs indoors, so I will admit I am inexperienced with this method of gardening, but I was completely surprised when my 'Apple Blossom' amaryllis bloomed into THIS!!! Don't think I don't appreciate this beautiful amaryllis, but what kind is she? Maybe she cross-pollinated with 'Red Lion' on the shelf next to her. Who knows???



Here's the proof that I purchased and potted what I thought was an 'Apple Blossom' amaryllis.


Correct me if I'm wrong, but from other posts that I've seen, 'Apple Blossom' is a pink and white amaryllis, as pictured on the box.

Here's my bulb a few weeks after planting...coming along quite nicely.

As the buds began to emerge, I thought they looked a bit more red than pink, but I guess I was still in denial that it was a different variety of amaryllis than 'Apple Blossom.'

I ended up with a beautiful cherry red and white amaryllis, but I have no idea what variety it is. Can you amaryllis lovers please help me out and tell me what variety I have?

Oh well, although this amaryllis came into my possession as an imposter, I'm enjoying the beautiful blooms and plan to purchase more amaryllis next year!