See What's Flowering at my Farm!
Yesterday, February 22, the temperatures here in the Northeast were above 55-degrees Fahrenheit! Things are certainly much different than what we experienced last winter when, at this same time, we still had about a foot of snow on the ground. As you can imagine, with such mild temperatures, plants are emerging from the soil way too early and many of them are blooming away. I thought I’d show you what is flowering outdoors at the farm, as well as inside the greenhouse, where you’d expect to see lovely flowers in February!
1 The snowdrops at the farm have actually been blooming since mid-January. With this warm spurt, they are now blooming like crazy!
2 Snowdrops, or Galanthus, are in the Amaryllis family, and they usually bloom in my gardens in early March.
3 These spring-flowering colchicums are blooming in the woodlands.
4 As are these Eranthis hyemalis, or buttercups.
5 Crocuses are popping up everywhere.
6 As are doffodils
7 With their swollen buds, these daffodils will be blooming in a day or two!
8 There is color beneath the linden trees. You may recall that two autumns ago, we planted these beds with 116,000 blue spring-flowering bulbs.
9 The crocus tommasinianus ‘Whitewell Purple’ are blooming away!
10 Even though they're blooming quite early, it's good to see that these crocuses are multiplying below ground very nicely.
11 The honeybees have so many flowers to visit!
12 It's very interesting to see how active the hives are in late February.
13 My pair of Black Welsh Mountain Sheep may be wondering why they grew such thick and warm fleeces for such a mild winter.
14 As mentioned in a blog last week, the witch-hazel is in full bloom, another plant that honeybees love to visit.
15 Witch-hazel is a medicinal plant and extracts from its bark and leaves are used in lotions for treating bruises and insect bites and other soothing lotions for the skin.
16 These delicate flowers are Puschkinia, members of the hyacinth family and are growing right outside a doorway. Look closely and you'll see the finely detailed, sky-blue stripes that adorn each floret.
17 Another crocus in the woodland
18 Inside the toasty greenhouse, my rex begonias are blooming away.
19 These rather insignificant flowers grow upon tall stems.
20 Begonia 'Selph's Mahogany'
21 Begonia 'Northern Lights'
22 The African violets are also blooming nicely.
23 This mottled purple one is called ShaZam.
24 And this striped one is Yukako.
25 And this one is Sassy Sadie.
26 I call these Christmas orchids and they are in full bloom.
27 A closer look at these amazing flowers
28 The many colors of each flower are so unusual.
29 A gorgeous spotted yellow orchid
30 Another amazing orchid in bloom
31 The sweet face of a white Phalaenopsis orchid
32 A rather exciting bromeliad flower
33 This aloe plant is blooming.
34 The tubular flowers of aloe are densely clustered on a long stem.
35 This tall, spiny cactus is flowering.
36 This is a cactus mimic succulent called Trichodioadema denesum. It flowers abundantly.
37 This is a type of kalanchoe, a genus of flowering succulents that....
38 Is in full bloom with bell-shaped flowers.
39 The still unopened and unusual flower of an Aristolochia, or Dutchman's pipe
40 Even the papyrus in the water garden is blooming.
41 And so is the Rhypsalis next to the water garden. Rhypsalis is a genus of epiphytic cacti.
42 Rhipsalis is also called mistletoe cactus.
43 We are now inside the hoop house where many tropical plants are stored for the winter. This is a clivia, a herbaceous evergreen with fabulous blooms.
44 The colors of clivia range from yellow to orange to red.
45 Camellia Japonica is sometimes called the rose of winter and is a member of the tea family.
46 These flowers are scented geraniums and they are edible, with flavors ranging from rose, to lemon, to nutmeg.
47 This giant kalanchoe, also known as donkey ears, is blooming in the lower greenhouse. Its flowers are rather nondescript.
48 Unlike citrus blooms, which are so highly fragrant. This is the flower of a Buddha's hand citron.
49 And this is a young Buddha's hand citron fruit.
50 More citrus flowers
51 And more citrus fruit
52 These are figs. Fig trees do not produce visible flowers. Rather, the flower blooms inside the fruit itself.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
Greetings from London, beautiful post this morning! Love love your photos of amazing plants and flowers blooming away. The crocus tommasinianus blooming everywhere, along other gorgeous plants at St James Park here in London, strange at this time of the year.
Best wishes
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | February 23rd, 2012 at 2:37 am
Image #4 looks like eranthis hyemalis. Is 'windflower' another name for these sweet little tubers?
Posted by: Abbie | February 23rd, 2012 at 5:16 am
I thoroughly enjoyed photos of your flowers! Thank you so much for sharing. Makes me even more eager to start my garden which we tilled yesterday.
Posted by: Julie G. | February 23rd, 2012 at 8:59 am
Martha,
Thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | February 23rd, 2012 at 9:08 am
It's been a weird winter, Snowdrops have been up here on Long Island for a month! I never tire of looking at pix of your property. I wish you would open it up for tours as a fund raiser once a year when everything is in bloom. It's perfection.
Posted by: Val | February 23rd, 2012 at 9:53 am
Hi Martha, OH,what a beautiful blog posting this morning! Every photo all around your fabulous farm is absolutely stunning! It is very unusual to see so many flowers blooming about a month before spring begins and I have my fingers crossed that there won't be any bad snow storms at your farm! We have had lots of wind, rain, and even sunshine this past week and may have a light snowfall this weekend and some of my flowers are blooming, too! I love viewing all of these photos again and again of this delightful tour! Your flowers in the greenhouse are absolutely beautiful, also! How fun it is to see your cute sheep who looks so healthy! Glad to see the bees doing so well, also! Fun to see the flowers on your aloe-I have a big one in my house and maybe it will bloom, also! Your hoop house looks fantastic, too! Beautiful citrus and figs, also! I love it all! Hope you have another great day! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 23rd, 2012 at 10:06 am
That is amazing how early and warm it is. Crocus are my favourite. The mauve ones. I need to put those snowdrops in and aroundmy place. At my home Sea Petal Manor insouthern New Brunswick nothing is blooming just yet.... but the melt is one. My friend just told me there are crocus blooming in St. Andrews just 15 minutes away. We had very little snow this winter.. My electric bill is 30% less so far this winter. It didn't even freeze last night.
Posted by: RT Scott - Artist | February 23rd, 2012 at 10:38 am
Hi Martha,
Nice – I really like the bromeliad flower in picture #32. That is really neat and I can’t get over how even your cactus blooms. We’ve had cactus plants but I don’t think they ever bloomed. Thanks for the update – it was great. Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 23rd, 2012 at 10:48 am
Thank you for the daily organizing tip. Wow, why did I not think of that? Please forward this question to the person who might be able to answer. SEVERAL YEARS AGO MARTHA AND HER NIECE WERE PICTURED AT MARTHA'S HOME AT CHRISTMAS. THE NIECE WAS SITTING IN A GOLD DAMASK WINGBACK CHAIR WEARING A JEWELED NECK SWEATER AND PEARLS AND MARTHA STANDING BEHIND HER! THE MONOCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEME WAS GOLD. WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE WALL PAINT COLOR AND MOLDING COLOR? I WANT TO USE THIS SAME COLOR SCHEME. Thank you for answering my question. Diane Haynes
Posted by: Diane Haynes | February 23rd, 2012 at 10:51 am
Hope your beautiful buds don't get another blanket of snow!
Adore photos #27 and #28, what a beautiful palette to draw from for a little girls bedroom. It almost appears toffee coloured on the outside, with the pinky purple ombre on the inside. Really gorgeous!
Also your Rex Begonias, is it really true they like full sun and drought like conditions?
Posted by: Rebecca | February 23rd, 2012 at 10:57 am
Thank you for sharing the beautiful pics of your blooms!
Posted by: Nancy | February 23rd, 2012 at 12:04 pm
Hi Martha! I just love your beautiful flowers. Thanks for taking the time to share your photos. I want you to know that I am looking forward to reading your next blog. Thanks so much for all that you do to inspire us to create and make the world a better place! Shar
Posted by: Shar | February 23rd, 2012 at 12:18 pm
wow ! so early for everything, no snowdrops here yet (southern vermont)
but I'm ready !
Posted by: Dale Coykendall | February 23rd, 2012 at 12:45 pm
Excellent photos. What would we do without those tiny drops of cheer which early spring flowers provide. We are in the season when we have cold winds one day and very warm spring weather the next. It keeps all bees, birds, animals and yes, us, wondering what to do and where to find something to eat. It is a time when the older animals almost give up. Your flowers presence is one of encouragement.
Posted by: Margie | February 23rd, 2012 at 12:56 pm
I'm always amazed at your plants and property on your farm. Very beautiful!
Posted by: Judy | February 23rd, 2012 at 1:00 pm
To Diane Haynes;
After a bit of research and perusing Martha’s Decorating with color book plus the magazine the picture is in, Martha Stewart Living, December 2001 issue, my best guess is the colors in that Turkey Hill room came from her Signature Paint line that was sold at Sherwin Williams until 2007. That same room is pictured in the book under the category of Honeycomb which goes from greenish to brown tones with dark brown accents. The palette swatches are in the back of the book on page 126. If you don’t have the book but want the colors, I believe you can get still buy the swatches here: http://www.colorstrategies.net/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.browse&category_id=4 This person saved the swatches and is now selling them and I think the colors can be matched at Home Depot. Also, I noticed that the colors in the magazine look kind of tan but more greenish in the book. Maybe a color named silt. Hopefully busy Martha will have some time to correct me because no doubt I’ve ‘guessed’ wrong. Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 23rd, 2012 at 2:38 pm
How are your apple tree's? Much bud swelling on them? We are holding our breath here in Michigan hoping things will get cold and hold things off.
Posted by: Kim | February 23rd, 2012 at 3:30 pm
So nice to see all the pictures this time through. So many things blooming...I think spring is coming early this year.
Posted by: Susan | February 23rd, 2012 at 4:21 pm
I can't wait to see the Allee of Linden when all of the bulbs are bloomimg! Thanks for this blog Martha, your fans do love your farm!
BTW, to Trish, You're so kind to help!
Posted by: Cindy F | February 23rd, 2012 at 6:11 pm
Thanks for your post about Saugatuck Craft Butcher. Am a westport-er and it's truly enhanced the food scene here. A real gem with an important sustainable message!
Posted by: Melissa | February 23rd, 2012 at 7:15 pm
.
Flowers in February
.
Pretty snow drops where there's not a drop of snow,
Woodlands too, have their pretties wherever you go.
The allee of lindens have the blues tickling their toes.
Darling crocus that "carry on" in the ground below,
Win win, the worker bees are also very busy,
And the sweltering black sheep are in a tizzy.
Witch hazel with its magic potions vying for the bee,
Right outside a door, hyacinth with sky blue stripe to see;
Hold your breath,in the greenhouse,begonias laugh away,
And many African violets just a-giggling all the day,
Beautiful orchids that take one's breath away,
Amazing array of multi colors that bid time to play.
Nature's combination of colors leaves my heart undone.
The white phalaenopsis reminds me of a friendly nun.
An interesting bromeliad flower and aloe by the bunch,
A spiny cactus joined by a copy cat for lunch.
And stunning succulents with bell shaped flowers,
Then a Dutchman's pipe, one could look for hours.
Even the papyrus in the water garden is in bloom,
Along side the mistletoe cactus thwarting gloom.
And in the hoop house with clivia and rose of winter,
Certainly good for a trophy at old Westminster;
Edible scented geraniums with flavors unfurled,
Donkey ears whose flowers are the oatmeal of the world.
And lastly the citrus family arranged on their shelves,
Accompanied by figs, who keep things to themselves.
So with a song in our hearts we leave this adorable place,
Farewell, and may Buddha's hand show you grace.
.
.
aaks
.
Posted by: celia stock | February 23rd, 2012 at 7:34 pm
My Snowdrops have also been blooming for a few weeks here in NE Ohio we have the Lake that throws a wrench into the weather works at times ! BUT I did see 2 Sand Hill Cranes last week !
Posted by: Pat Ray | February 23rd, 2012 at 9:07 pm
Dear Martha,
Thank you for posting these most beautiful pictures, here in Minnesota I am dreaming of flowers and seeing yours brought me such joy,In my house I have various amarilis that I brought back from my dear Mom's garden three years ago, (she lived in Puerto Rico) after her passing, they are the first to bloom...I have many flower gardens outdoors here in the Midwest flowers begin to bloom much later, I can't wait to be enjoying God beauty outdoors and getting my hands into the soil. Thank you again, you are my inspiration, I have watch you for many years...Your faithful follower... Maria
Posted by: Maria Felger | February 23rd, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Its nice to see the snowdrops in bloom! Here in Michigan our ground is still frozen and there is no sign of spring but hopefully soon.
Posted by: Peonies Wedding | February 23rd, 2012 at 11:30 pm
Martha- the pictures are so beautiful and I really enjoy seeing everything going on at your homes thru Facebook and I love "Living" I can't wait for the new issue. I'm not able to do much with my health as is- bad knees and back but I can see the world thru your eyes and the camera. I have watched you for years and you have been such a blessing in my life. God bless you. I know you are enjoying Jude- I have 4 grandchildren (helped raise them) and have a great-grandson born January 10. His mother owns a bookstore so we stop daily to help spoil him. THANKS!!!!!!
Posted by: Pat Bridges | February 23rd, 2012 at 11:32 pm
Amazing flowers! i love it!
Posted by: navikiene | February 24th, 2012 at 2:57 am
Martha, I'd love to know what day and evening temps you maintain in this greenhouse ... it's tempting for me to turn up the heat a bit in mine! Have a wonderful day.
Posted by: Val from Lexington | February 24th, 2012 at 2:45 pm
i do admire all of the blossoming...just makes me worry here on the south coast of Massachusetts what's to come in spring...or if my garlic is doing things it should''t underneath its winter blanket.
I love your violets...always a favorite of mine...I have some from 15+ years ago...in nice aged clay pots.
Posted by: nantucketdaffodil | February 25th, 2012 at 5:10 pm
What a beautfiul slideshow to enjoy on this cold, clear morning at the foot of Pikes Peak!
Posted by: Nancy Theken | February 26th, 2012 at 10:11 am
Love reading your articles on gardening. We live in Idaho and only have a blooming time from April to Sept. Sure wish there was more in the winter time. Do you have any suggestions on indoor plants with color. I love the snowdrops!
Posted by: Pat Armour | February 26th, 2012 at 9:54 pm
My aloe is blooming as well and so top heavy as they love small pots. Beautiful photos of this rare February Spring.
Posted by: ann | February 27th, 2012 at 8:59 am
Wow, I can't believe the blossoms already. We have nothing yet!!! It snowed yesterday and the air is below freezing today! Can't wait for spring! Thanks for the beautiful shots of your wonderful plants Martha!
Posted by: Frances | February 27th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
What a beautiful place you have.
Have a lovely day.
Iben
http://www.frkiberisblogspot.dk
Posted by: Iben Riis | March 20th, 2012 at 2:23 pm