A New Plant | Chickens in the Road

Dec
31

As each old year ends and the new one begins, I plant something. It doesn’t really matter what it is, and it doesn’t really matter if it grows. It often does not. That’s not the point. I need to grow something to greet the new year. I need to feel Spring inside me and bring it closer. By January, I am already tired of Winter. I need Spring, even if only in a promise, in a dream.

This pot of paper white bulbs on my kitchen sill is this year’s dream, reaching out its eager, hopeful arms to March.

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23 Responses
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12-31
1:13
am

What a great idea! I have to think about what I want to plant…
do I want something decorative ~ for in the house?
or something useful that the animals can eat?
HMmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Nancy K.

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12-31
1:20
am

You realize that once paper whites bloom, they have a stinky smell, similar to cat urine.

Cathy

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12-31
1:43
am

Dear Suzanne, planting something is a great idea. We always get an Amaryllis bulb or two as a gift during the holidays. I am always amazed at how beautiful they are. Plus our garden catalogs have been arriving and already we are selecting and planning for Spring. Such fun. It helps lighten the grip of Winter. It is supposed to be down to 14 degrees by morning. Brr! Thinking of the garden and all it’s bounty is a great way to welcome in the New Year. Of course, “Chickens in the Road” really brightens every day. Thank you!

Bev in CA

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12-31
1:45
am

I planted an amaryllis bulb Christmas Day for the very same reason. Time to get some new life growing in these dark days. I don’t care for paper whites, the scent gives me a head ache.

I’m thinking about growing some sprouts for eating next.

Sheila Z

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12-31
2:02
am

I usually plant an amaryllis every winter, too. I love the huge, colorful flowers. I especially like how amazingly fast they grow. I swear it seems as if everytime you walk by it has grown an inch!

knancy

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12-31
7:28
am

I too have paperwhites growing on the kitchen counter..Its so exciting watching them grow everyday and knowing spring is right around the corner.

Granny Trace

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12-31
8:07
am

I like this idea to plant something new. By January I’m definitely ready for spring, only it’s still a few months away.

Judy

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12-31
8:32
am

Please don’t say it is a few months away, I am winter poor also. We are not having snow, but it is 20` outside so the weather station says. Burr

I love planting also however and ma planning my peas for February planting, got to get them ordered.
I have never had luck with Amaryllis and have never planted Paper Whites. I know they are beautiful. I may have to plant some also.

holstein woman

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12-31
8:42
am

What a wonderful idea! I am not a “winter” bug…I prefer the other 3 seasons way more and count down to spring. Maybe I will start this little tradition as well. It is always good to bring a dream of spring into your life. specially in the winter time.

Julie Hardie

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12-31
8:47
am

I know the feeling I just repotted shamrocks and seeded chives ! Now it is time to bring out seed catalogs to drool over while passing the winter nights.

gailelaine

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12-31
8:57
am

The taller shoots look like little garden gnomes.

texwisgirl

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12-31
9:08
am

I am so with you…every year I am always saying “After Christmas I am so ready for SPRING”, I need the sunshine, green popping up from the ground and warmer weather.

Linda Segerson

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12-31
9:25
am

You always inspire me to do something. I think I will try and start some daffodils that I forgot to plant this fall.

Teresa

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12-31
10:00
am

Great idea!

Happy New Year!!!!

IowaCowgirl

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12-31
10:26
am

I have been noticing the buds on our bushes and trees.Not that they are ready to burst open or anything yet, but just the fact that they are there waiting is encouraging to me as I think about the future.

Jersey Lady

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12-31
11:15
am

Suzanne, I wish you a very Happy New Year.

sam

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12-31
12:07
pm

spring is my favorite time of the yr. when everything is fresh and waking up from winter.

Darla

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12-31
12:24
pm

I probably need to find a hook and install it somewhere in my kitchen so I can bring my beautiful spider plant inside and hang it up. I usually just take it in the garage but alas I don’t have room for it in there. Hmmm…

Merlin

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12-31
12:25
pm

Nice, now I want to plant something!

Shelly Messier

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12-31
1:13
pm

I have bulbs resting in the fridge right now and will plant them this weekend. We don’t get the snow, but it is still nice to see new green in pots around the yard.

Phyllis

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12-31
1:45
pm

I thought that I was the only one who did that! It gets especially bad when the Christmas greens are gone. My poor kitchen window is packed full of potted herbs right now. And I don’t care if Paper Whites do smell like heck….they’re flowers, they’re alive!! lol It helps to hold me over until the flower show in February. That helps me survive until spring!

Nancy Stickler

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12-31
4:41
pm

Was just out looking at my poor old veggie garden. Got some carrots, beets, and some wonderful swiss chard. Several herbs are doing well. All outside and no cover. Bearded iris are coming up too. So hasn’t been real cold yet here in
Willamette Valley of Oregon. I am going to start my tomato seed next week. Can’t wait!!!

Sharon Skelton

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1-4
12:56
pm

They are going to be pretty when they bloom!

Ramona

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