Jersey Island

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I am on Jersey Island for a few days and it has been delightful. Was surprised with a 10 minute interview with the BBC; live of course but I think it all went fine. The island is covered with bluebells. We used to refer to them as Scilla but now I believe most people call them Hyacinthoides. In all cases, the common name remains bluebells and they are beautiful. We also visited the renowned Eric Young Orchid Foundation that offered some spectacular displays.

There is obviously much, much more to discuss, but the schedules have been pretty tight and as I am not yet over my jet lag I must retire. One interesting note, one of the earliest references we have to the red spider lily (Lycoris radiata) was it's shipwrecked appearance on another Channel Island just to the north of us called Guernsey Island.


Leaving Atlanta

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Well, we loaded up to leave Atlanta for JFK and a baggage handler ran the vehicle into the side of the plane. After lots of buffing and FAA approval, we were on our way but I was sure I wasn't going to make a connecting flight to London. Looking at the watch and realizing we made up some time in the air, I thought we had it made. Then came the landing at JFK. Already short as it is, this one was real short. As the run way began to become shorter and shorter, the breaks went on harder and harder. When we finally turned off the main runway, I looked out my right window to see smoke coming from under the left wing. It didn't stop and it took 4 fire trucks and a police escort and a lot of water and foam and we were cleared to come in. The announcement "Hi folks, really nothing, should be at the gate in a second." The entire staff was actually very professional about the entire matter and in the end it really was nothing, BUT I've never seen nothing produce so much smoke. We're in safe now and catching the later flight out!


Forgot Passport

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Had to drive from Houston yesterday afternoon, to the farm, and back to Houston. Went across Texas this AM and almost hit 1) an armadillo then 2) a skunk then 3) racoon. They must have all been having a party. Farm continues to bloom nice and a huge thanks to Ben who came out this weekend to help us keep the rows under control!


Hardy Amaryllis and Byzantine Gladiolus

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Both of these wonderful bulbs are blooming right now, unfortunately I haven't been around the farm to enjoy them. I just arrived back from Atlanta this afternoon and have to leave again! Brad has been working on so many things, but the most important thing is getting ready for his wedding. Yes, he is getting married.




I know the hardy amaryllis (Hippeastrum x johnsonii) and the Byzantine (Gladiolus byzantinus) don't make the perfect color match, but they always compliment each other nicely in the garden. Leaving again tomorrow at 5AM. Here long enough to pull some weeds and check the office voicemails. I am happy to report that the Lycoris bulbs I ordered from Japan over two years ago have all come up this year. Those unhappy little bulbs just needed an attitude adjustment. Lycoris just does not like to be out of the ground. I look forward to the blooms later this summer.


I will be reunited with my dog tomorrow who has been vacationing in Dallas with another Weimaraner.


Bluebonnets and Byz.

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There is so much going on in Spring that I am having a hard time to keep up with my postings. All across Texas the bluebonnets continue to hold out. I took this picture screaming down some old road in North Texas.




I took the other picture from the farm this evening. The bees were all over our row of now beautiful Byzantine gladioli.


Happy Easter

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It has been awhile on the blog because I'm sure you can imagine how Spring is around here. Our Byzantine gladiolus have begun to open up.

Also, our hearts have suffered at the loss of our beloved Mrs. Diane Welch.

May tomorrow by a special Easter for all.


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