An escape to my greenhouse
You can see, from reading my recent blogs, that it has been a rather harsh winter here, where I live, as well as in many other locales. Bracing winds, heavy rains, and blankets of snow, makes one long for the arrival of spring. This time of year, it's always a pleasurable escape to visit the local botanical gardens. I look forward to the annual orchid show at The New York Botanical Garden, which begins on February 27th. I also love going to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where there are always exquisite displays. Of course, I am very fortunate because I have a greenhouse of my own, where Shaun Kass, my gardener, has been doing a fine job of nurturing my plant collection. Please enjoy this little escape tour.
1 This unusual flower is called Scadoxus.
2 Another name for Scadoxus is paintbrush lily.
3 Shaun uses this very descriptive book for reference all the time.
4 It's called Container Plants by Byron Martin and Laurelyn Martin of Logee's Greenhouses. www.logees.com/
5 This beautiful plant is called Calliandra.
6 Its common name is pink powderpuff.
7 These buds are full of energy.
8 These giant elephant ear leaves add so much height and interest to the greenhouse.
9 With sunlight behind them, their texture is stunning.
10 Burbidgea scheizocheila - Golden Brush is a dwarf ginger.
11 It's flowers last for 2 weeks or more.
12 The very unusual flower of Aristolochia gigantea
13 A miniature spiny cactus garden
14 Shaun is rooting cuttings of Salix, or pussy willow - they will be planted outdoors near the wetland.
15 Some of the cuttings are already blooming with a fuzzy catkins.
16 These flowers are amaryllis Exotica.
17 Very beautiful, indeed.
18 This colorful leaf is coleus Odalisque.
19 These cuttings from it will root nicely. It is a trailing plant, good for containers and ground covers.
20 I love the vibrant orange of this Clivia, commonly called kaffir lily.
21 There are many buds about to burst.
22 The oxalis is even busy blooming!
23 The leaves of this begonia are covered with pink, fuzzy hairs.
24 I love the way they look in the sunlight.
25 The extraordinary bloom of a Lady Slipper orchid
26 And another
27 Shaun is testing how much light the orchids receive. You need at least 3,000 foot candles for orchids to bloom. He's happy to report that they receive about 5,000!
28 This is the light sensor in one of the orchid pots.
29 A darling miniature orchid blooming happily
30 The waxy blooms of a Cymbidium orchid
31 And another
32 And another
Photos By Eliad Laskin
Martha,
I am excited to be the first to comment! One thing is for sure, these photographs make me eager for spring. I do not have a greenhouse, but I hope to one day. I think it would be so wonderful to be able to wander through those beautiful blossoms on a cold winter day! You are so blessed!
Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Carrie Tucker | February 5th, 2010 at 12:48 am
Feeling the need for spring!! ME TOO! take a look on my website for is it time yet!! ]Great shot of a sprouting amarilys! http://www.meandmartha.webs.com Yes another fan!! If you weren't so darn fantastic!! Made your mashed potato's the other day!! They were great!
Posted by: Daniel Viger | February 5th, 2010 at 1:37 am
Up at 2:30...cannot sleep...thought I'd see how early you post. Wow! Love the pics. My orchids are in bloom too. Nice in my front window. Thanks.
Posted by: Gretchen | February 5th, 2010 at 4:35 am
I love this Scadoxus flower. It is very beautiful and unique!
Posted by: Clara | February 5th, 2010 at 4:41 am
Hi Martha,
You are fortunate! I love your greenhouse beautiful and amazing plant collection. Shaun is doing a wonderful job.
Good luck!
Rowaida
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | February 5th, 2010 at 4:45 am
Wonderful escape. How Beautiful is that Scadoxus. Now that is a flower I would love to re-create in paper?
Posted by: Kay | February 5th, 2010 at 6:22 am
The greenhouse inhabitants are so beautiful! I love the photograph of the clivia. It's just gorgeous. Here in Toronto there are no bracing winds, no snowfall, no rain. We've had one of the mildest winters on record. (I have photographs of roses blossoming at the local park in late November!) I actually miss winter this year.
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | February 5th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Beautiful pictures! Maybe I can find a greenhouse nearby to visit...
Posted by: how it grows | February 5th, 2010 at 9:07 am
What kind of digital camera do you use? Do you use the same camera for all your various pics? It's always a treat reading your blog and viewing your pics.
Posted by: Wayne Mitchell | February 5th, 2010 at 9:25 am
Hi Wayne - So glad you enjoy the blog. The camera used in the greenhouse was my Canon 5D Mark II.
Posted by: Martha Stewart | February 5th, 2010 at 9:31 am
Is the pink powderpuff the same as the southern "mimosa" tree? they grow on the side of the roads in the wild here????
Posted by: chad | February 5th, 2010 at 9:37 am
We have some trees that grow naturally along our field, and they have similar flowers to the Calliandra, only the flowers are pink. I wonder what kind of tree they are?
We're supposed to get bunches of snow today & Saturday... Can't wait to see what the farm looks like with even more snow!
Posted by: Lynn from For Love or Funny | February 5th, 2010 at 9:59 am
The expected snow is coming for late today, Friday into Saturday to Philadelphia. I can feel it in my joints(car accident injury - the silver lining -- good storm predictors -- my joints). This tour so helps. Thank you to Shaun and Martha and all. Clivia, or kaffir lily is breathtaking. I just bought a blouse for a new suit that color. Hmmm. I intend to visit K mart today to look at seeds for the spring. It is my treat for a campagin project this morning and its completion. Thanks for the inpiration!
Posted by: Teresa Touey | February 5th, 2010 at 10:12 am
For Chad and Lynn - Yes, calliandra and mimosa, which grow in the wild, are related. They do have very similar characteristics.
Posted by: Martha Stewart | February 5th, 2010 at 10:13 am
I always find it fascinating how gardeners/bloggers (big ones like you, Martha and little ones like me) seem to follow a sort of seasonal rhythm with similar subjects in their posts, yet with different perspectives. I visited the Como Park Conservatory in St Paul MN a few days ago, and our photos are "on the same page". Your greenhouse collection is fabulous.
Posted by: Rhonda Fleming Hayes | February 5th, 2010 at 10:14 am
Martha you live the most amazing life......
n'est ce pas?
How fortunate you are.
J
Posted by: Judy | February 5th, 2010 at 10:41 am
Hi Martha
I love the pictures you post on your blog. My kids enjoy looking at all the pictures. Have you ever thought about publishing a photography book? You should publish one with pictures of your beautiful pets and another of your farm. Take care
Posted by: Vee | February 5th, 2010 at 10:51 am
MAN SHOW is great.. Go Saints
Posted by: ann | February 5th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Also agree with ann that the man show was GREAT! After all those compliments I'm sure Martha will be floating around all Superbowl weekend hehehe. The food was fabulous, and it made me wish you did more "Manly" dishes. I think you and Lucinda should have a Mad Hungry segment at least once a week
Anyways the point of this was I LOVED the Lady Slippers! Where I grew up in Ontario near the Niagara peninsula they grow wild, and I have many vivid memories of picking them with my Grandmother and doing oil paintings of our findings. As soon as I saw the photo I could smell the mossy woods and feel the sun breaking through the forest... great way to start my day!
Thanks again for all the wonderful inspiration...
Posted by: R. | February 5th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
What a changes from yesterday's lovely pictures. What sensational bursts of COLOR! You a suberb photographer Martha.
Also, I missed the show, but I just watched the replay of you and Jimmy Fallon making chili. You both had me cracking up! Thanks for the laughs.
Posted by: NeatNicole from Illinois | February 5th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Hi Martha,
Your greenhouse plants are beautiful - I especially like the Clivia. I thought I would go over to have a look at the cherry blossoms today at the Japanese gardens but it is raining so I’ll try again on Saturday. I hope this will be the end of the rain until after the Super Bowl!
~
When a friend on Twitter asked me to find a picture of you taken by Todd Eberle, (you are in your Starrett-Lehigh offices with Paw Paw and Zu Zu – Paw Paw is sitting in a chair opposite you (so cute), I had another opportunity to read the accompanying article Empire By Martha written by Matt Tyrnauer and dated September 2001. There are so many good things in that article that a lot of people may not know about you and since they are all the reasons I admire you so much, I thought I would include the link in my comment today. I’m really glad that my friend wanted that picture. Here’s the link, (if you don’t mind that is): http://bit.ly/zXrWu Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 5th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
So beautuful, Martha! I am on way to order the book that Shaun showed us in the photograph! Thank you! Enjoy your weekend!
Posted by: Robyn | February 5th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
The ultimate great escape! Such lovely things to focus on when the weather remains uncooperative. I am getting antsy for all good garden things here...having moved into a new home it will be fun to plant new things and decide what kind of garden i would like. Thanks for sharing your greenhouse pics.
Posted by: sherey | February 5th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
The pictures are gorgeous! So many to love, but my favorite it the buds about to burst. Happy Friday!
Posted by: Wendy (Give Love Create Happiness) | February 5th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Hi Martha:
The Orchid(picture 26 out of 32) looks like an Orchid I saw in Hilo of big Island Kona of Hawaii. I have the picture of it and looks like this Orchid that you have. They have a big sign saying it is worth $20,000 dollars. Can you please give the name for your Orchid? Thanks.
PS. Beautiful pictures, thanks for always sharing.
Posted by: Rachel | February 5th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Glad to see that you have at least one place to escape to garden during these cold months.
Posted by: Matti | February 5th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Do you know where can I purchase the beautiful Scadoxus puniceaus?
Posted by: Gerry | February 5th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Hi Gerry - You could try to purchase a Scadoxus from Logee's http://www.logees.com/.
Posted by: Martha Stewart | February 5th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Hi Martha,
Just had to make this comment. I am 72 years old and have watch you from the start but I have to say that your present show is the best. I'm sure you remember the old shows that had talk like Jack Parr, Steve Allen and then eventually Johnny Carson and yes I put your show in that same catagory. I love the way you interact with your guests and tease them and then make fun of yourself. You have become one of the most loved people ever. Thank you so much for intertaining us and making our lives better. Sincerely, Judith
Posted by: Judith Schooler | February 5th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Thank you for the lovely escape! We all get cabin fever in colder climates this time of year. In Denver we have the Colorado Home and Garden Show ( this year from Feb. 13th to Feb 21st ). I never realized till I was writing you that this is a nonprofit and gives away one full ride 4 yr. scholarship each year to a freshman going to a Colorado school in horticulture (or related majors). How cool is that!
(http://www.gardeningcolorado.com)
We also have the Denver BotanicGardens(www.botanicgardens.org). Many a year these places have given our family an escape-especially for a worn out mom and dad.
I also work at a local high school that has a horticulture program (these are disappearing!) and have witnessed the "gentleness" students learn in planting their seeds.
Again thanks for sharing your interest in plants!
Posted by: Kandy Maharas | February 5th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
.
Hi Martha,
.
I just read the 2001 story about you in Vanity Fair which Trish posted. It was a fine retrospective look at the lady I had confused with Mrs B. from Bradlees way back then!
.
As good as these stories portraying you are, I find one thing missing. A clear understanding of HOW you built an alpha to omega of productions, I feel, has been glossed over.
.
As a reader, I come up empty hearing that you did it all without being able to DISSECT how. As a writer, I want to kick a domino sled ride of questions at you!
.
.
On a lighter note, my crocus and tulip tips are out of the ground. Tomorrow I'll walk to the pussy willow hill and see what we've got!
.
Onward to April!
.
Posted by: Andrea and the Weimaraners | February 5th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
Oh so pretty. I always wanted a greenhouse. It's hot here most of the year and I'm bad at keeping up with plants, but that doesn't stop me from wanting one.
Posted by: Maureen | February 5th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Hi Martha,
I was so impressed with your amaryllis flowers. I have tried to grow them with not much success. I get an extremely long pair of leaves (at least 24 inches) and absolutely no flowers. The leaves are healthy and stay long into the New Year. I grow them in my kitchen window which is under a porch so they do not get direct light. What are your suggestions for my flowerless amaryllis bulbs.
Posted by: Jessica Santiago | February 6th, 2010 at 12:34 am
Of course I loved the Pink Powderpuff...I do love anything pink!
Everything looks gorgeous!
Posted by: Kristina (Pretty Shiny Sparkly) | February 6th, 2010 at 3:29 am
Hi!I do not have the success you d w/ orchids,but I am trying!One tip to tell you about the fussy gardenia-we are always told to keep in a constant temperature.I have read about their natural climate and they actually prefer cold nights and warm days.I randomly put my plant on the cold sunporch and then return it to the kitchen sill,and this warm/cold thing has given me flowers,not dropping buds,for 2 yrs.Thanks for 20 yrs of inspiration!Christine
Posted by: Christine Hofmann | February 6th, 2010 at 9:13 am
Good Morning Martha!
What a beautiful scene!I must tell you how much I enjoy your blog, your show, your linens, your recipes, crafts and dinnerware!!! I am a huge fan and never fail to find inspiration in Martha Stewart Magazine. I share some of your beautiful and delicious material with my own readers at LipstickDigest.com. I have a personal crusade to save printed magazines from moving to the Web only. They bring such pleasure and yours is just one of the best. What a trooper you are to share your closet photos! It makes the rest of us feel not quite so incompetent to know that the "Queen" can be a bit organizationally impaired at times. We all have too much stuff and not enough time to deal with it all. You are my inspiration!
Best,
Diane
Posted by: Diane Blanco | February 6th, 2010 at 10:08 am
Wow...
Here in northeast Ohio we woke up to 14-16 inches of snow this morning, I sure enjoyed these pictures today! Thanks so much for sharing, I needed that!
Posted by: Vicki from Ohio | February 6th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
lovely greenhouse..dont forget the overtime for the orchids
Posted by: tobyoshi rich | February 6th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
A lovely walk through your green house! We too have had a long hard winter and I am anxious to get outside and tend to my flower beds. My hardy Flox fills the summer air with perfume and the butterflys love it. Your new March Living, that I have just finished reading, is also very inspiring. Love all the greenery on you porch. Gives me lots of ideas.
Thanks for all the nice and wonderful things you bring to your readers.
Posted by: Sylvia | February 6th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
As always, Thanks.
A big tip of the hat to Shaun.
Posted by: Margie | February 6th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Hi Martha, OMG! What stunning photos of many of the plants in your wonderful greenhouse! You are so lucky to have talented Shaun Kass there to take care of your wonderful greenhouse and landscape on your farm! It looked rather warm in the greenhouse compared to your recent blog about the horseback ride through the snow. What a great place to go to during the rough winter months. We have had unusual weather here in the Puget Sound area. January was the warmest month we have ever had. Most days were in the 50's and there was no snow. February is starting out the same way. Our weather department says it may be like this through spring because of El Nino. The rhodies are blooming as well as many other flowering plants. It's 56 already today. Need to take Dudley Do Right for a walk pretty soon. Loved your latest 'Man Show'! It was terrific! Hope you are having a nice weekend. Will talk to you again on Monday. Good luck on the 2 million followers on twitter. Love, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 6th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
I am an artist. I am working on a commission for the gorgeous new powder room of a client: w\natural stone waterfall sink and faucet, curvaceous antique brass fixtures, soft peach wall color, dark wood. I am painting hyacynth macaws in their natural habitat, and am including a passion flower. Looking for a good photo, and just wondering if you have any in your greenhouse? Love those gorgeous photos!!!Thanks for your fantastic energy, and making every day more beautiful for your fans!!
Posted by: MarciaJonzart | February 6th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Hi Martha,
It is so much easier for me to remember the "common names" of the flowers and plants you show us. Thanks so much for doing that. I think they sound pretty as I view them and you write for example "paintbrush lily," and I LOVE the common name pink powderpuff when I look at that gorgeous blossom of the Calliandra (which in itself does sound kind of neat). It makes me want to go take a pink bubble bath!!
I especially love the lady slippers. They grow wild on our tree farm in northern Minnesota. Both the yellow and the pink. I tried to transport and transplant a pink one to central IL one fall and I felt awful when it died. I should have left it in the forest. I just thought I would try once to see if it could be successful and I won't do that again. I don't know what I did wrong, but obviously it preferred it's northern home and I made a mistake. You and your devoted gardener, Mr. Kass
, would surely have told me to leave well enough alone!
I am wondering if I could attempt to tansport and transplant pussy willows near the wetlands on the tree farm in northern Minnesota? Could introducing them to that location be a mistake?
REMINDER TO EVERYONE....be cautious with your firewood and DO NOT transport it in accordance with the DNR's and American Tree Farmers Association to educate everyone to stop the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle. Move firewood and you could spread the destruction!
A heartfelt thanks to all....Becky
Posted by: Becky HK | February 6th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
I enjoyed seeing all of the flowers especially the orchids and the pink powederpuff. So pretty!
Boy, I am yearning for spring, too!
Martha, guess who is coming to Maine? Snoop Dogg!! You should pay him a surprise visit ... he would LOVE IT!!
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/136168.html
Enjoy your day! Gloria
Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport, ME | February 7th, 2010 at 10:12 am
Martha,
Thanks for helping to beat away the winter doldrums with these beautiful photos. Your framing of the shot and eye for texture is unbeatable. I always enjoy your blog!
warmly,
John Jackson
Posted by: John | February 7th, 2010 at 11:14 am
You have taught me so much and watching your show exposes one to so much cultural, science, and current events! I live in the south where we have to replant tulip bulbs every Spring. Every holiday season I am out planting the bulbs I have pre-chilled and then wait for the Spring blooms. Hope you share pictures of your 1000's of daffodils this year.
Posted by: Tracey | February 7th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Oh Martha, I love your greenhouse, and dream of someday having a lot big enough to build a small greenhouse myself. Your flowers are lovely! It must be nice to spend time with live green plants in the midst of this terrible winter.
Posted by: Renee Fitzgerald | February 7th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Hi Martha, what amazing photographs, I really enjoyed them so what about a Martha Stewart calender for 2011 with some of your great pictures I would buy one!! Have a great day.
Posted by: Maisie Hughes | February 8th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
...a feast for my eyes AND soul, Martha!...
~
All these little greenhouse-lovelies will just have to tide us over until we ourselves can get our own hands in the dirt.
~
(...that darned groundhog and that shadow of his!...)
~
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | February 8th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
My name is Rosana Vasica-Rohrlach, i live in Australia, recently i discovered your show on TV, and now i never miss it. Although we are a couple of years behind, i have learned so much and you can never learn to much. I love cooking and crafts, and only hope the shows keep coming.
Posted by: Rosana Vasica-Rohrlach | February 9th, 2010 at 8:30 am
Your February 9th guest, Russell,claimed to be a vegan, yet designed clothes made of silk. Silk worms are animals, too, and are definatly harmed by the manufacure of silk. Please forward this message to him.
Thank you.
Valerie
Milwaukee Wisconsin
Posted by: Valerie Vernon | February 9th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Beautiful photos - I am ready for Spring! I can't wait to start digging in the garden again. Thanks for sharing such lovely images from your greenhouse.
Chelsea
Posted by: Chelsea | February 9th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
With yet another snowstorm dumping 30 inches of snow in Philadelphia, it is such a sweet pleasure to see just a beautiful glimpse of spring! thank you.
Posted by: Debbey Racano | February 10th, 2010 at 1:43 am
I recongnise many native plants of Singapore which I am currently visiting. Very lovely, assortment.
Posted by: Leona Herberger Cox | February 11th, 2010 at 5:38 am
Hi! Martha,Love the photos of the various plants in your greenhouse especially the wonderful orchids.Recently I received a beautiful lavender orchid as a surprise gift from friends. I must admit I do'nt know too much about caring for orchids,but I am going to get as much information as I can to look after it properly.I am from Australia and watch your show and enjoy it very much.It has been the opposite weather down here hot hot hot so I am looking forward to winter. ps One day I would actually love to see snow.
Posted by: Heather | February 20th, 2010 at 12:52 am
Wow! Amazing greenhouse. Don't you just love Logee's books? I am hoping to visit their greenhouse this summer!
Posted by: Jeremey | January 22nd, 2011 at 10:59 pm