Alstroemeria Summer Breeze

Let's chat about Alstroemeria's.

Also known as Peruvian, Christmas, princess or parrot Lilly.

Some gardeners love them, and some dislike them with a vengeance.

Personally, I love them.

You just have to be very selective about where you plant them in the garden design.

You buy one to add to your full sun, good drainage aspect plantings, and the label says width - 60cm...

But here's the thing about the (especially the larger height varieties) is that they tend to expand year to year.

The alstroemeria in Mia Bella Passions Homestead garden of the past was proof of this!

I had two particularly rambunctious varieties in the borders. Those being the varieties psittacina , and Fougere.

Oh my gosh, what a battle it was to control them. A losing battle actually, as the expanding mass of the tubers literally took over the small spaces I had them planted in. In actual fact, the Fougere tubers uplifted the concrete edging!

I'm not kidding!

But I adore the flowers. Probably because I am a 'must have flowers' in the home decor kind of person.

Over the spring, summer and autumn seasons, they are long-lasting and beautiful in a vase, on their own or with other blooms.

There are so many varieties and colours available now.

Some dwarf-height varieties are included.

So now at the Lake garden, I have planted them. The tall varieties at the back of the borders, where I can easily use a spade to chop their naughty rampantness back into control at the end of flowering.

And some dwarf varieties.

But the one I want to tell you about today is a variety called 'Summer Breeze'.

Suggested for the back of borders and for long-stemmed picked flowers.

It's a unique cross between the original cut flower size and a dwarf variety.

The blooms are tall (75cm) strong stemmed that will last for up to four weeks in a vase.

The dark foliage is interesting with a subtle variation in a lime green, so it looks fabulous when it's not flowering.

The flowers are a strong yellow colour with darker red outside petals and classic alstroemeria markings.

They say on the plant label that it has a compact tidy habit with a width of 60cm.

Let's hope the notorious original Alstroemeria invasive spreading habit has been bred out!

Needless, I am playing it safe by planting in my raised brick garden the border with 'lots of space' so I can do spade control if necessary.

I'll update this post in a year to let you all know how we fare.

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#alstroemeria #gardenflowers #gardenborderplants #pickingflowers #gardenplants

Fabulous Art and Photographic Inspired Gifts for Christmas Giving

Pink Pansy Tote Bag Vintage Floral Tote Bag

ALL TOTE BAG DESIGNS HERE.

After the soon to happen Thanksgiving time, comes the Christmas Season, and if you are anything like me, you are busy crafting, baking, decorating the home and enjoying time with family and friends, so gifts for Christmas giving are purchased well before mid-December.

Lakeside Coffee Mug Blue Seascape Coffee Mug

Succulents 6 Coffee Mug The Pond Coffee Mug

ALL COFFEE MUG DESIGNS HERE.

But if you are one of those who partake in the last-minute shopper madness, I strongly suggest you try the pre-organised route, because oh my gosh, it makes for such a stress-free Christmas!

Especially if purchased online and delivered directly to your front door!

How easy is that?

Pattern On Pattern Zipped Pouch

Mr Sparrow Zipped Pouch

ALL ZIPPED POUCH DESIGNS HERE.

If you have a friend or family member who loves art or photography, then you're in luck because plenty of fabulous gifts are available that are sure to please.

Beauty Throw Pillow

ALL PILLOW DESIGNS HERE.

Here you will find a selection guide for great gift ideas available online for art and photography lovers. Whether it's a framed art print, a canvas or metal print, a mug, a t-shirt, a cellphone cover, a notebook, a tote bag, a beach towel, or something for the home decor.

Beach Fall Beach Towel

ALL BEACH TOWEL DESIGNS HERE.

There are so many options to choose from:

Like An Echo Poster

ALL POSTER DESIGNS HERE.

A Moment In Time Spiral Notebook

ALL NOTEBOOK DESIGNS HERE.

No matter which gift you choose, any art or photography lover is sure to appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into selecting something that speaks to their passion or interest niche.

Wave Dancer Yoga Mat

Happy shopping for a meaningful unforgettable gift for your special person.

Ghost Rose Duvet Cover Dandelion Magic Duvet Cover

ALL DUVET DESIGNS HERE.

Giraffe Blues Fleece Blanket Internal Spirals Fleece Blanket

For the full selection of ALL the GIFT goodies

available in my shop on Fine Art America

Find them HERE.

#onlinegifts #onlineshopping #artprints #photographyprints #christmasgiftsonline #fineartamerica

The Thanksgiving THANKFUL Jar

The 'THANKFUL Jar' is a wonderful addition to Thanksgiving traditions.

When family and friends gather, place the jar on the gathering table with small pieces of paper or card and coloured pens.

Each person writes what they feel blessed, grateful or thankful for.

They read out what is written, fold the paper in half and place it in the jar.

Next year at Thanksgiving reread the notes, and replace them with new messages.

Each year repeat the 'ThanksgivingThankful Jar' process.

To make it you will need:

A pretty jar with a lid

Paper or card rectangles.

A printable label (see bottom of post)

A hole punch

Coloured twine or thin ribbon.

Coloured pens

Print the label of your choice in the desired size, cut it out, and punch holes for the twine or ribbon.

Thread twine through the holes and tie a bow to attach it to the rim of the jar.

Place on the gathering table.

The Meaning And History of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday that is celebrated annually in the United States, Canada, and other countries around the world. It is a time when families and friends come together to give thanks for the blessings in their lives.

The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the first harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621. The Pilgrims were a group of English settlers who had journeyed to America for religious freedom. Their first winter in the new world was harsh, and many of them died from disease and starvation. However, with the help of the Native Americans, they learned how to cultivate crops and hunt game.

To celebrate their first successful harvest, the Pilgrims held a feast that lasted three days. They invited the Native Americans who had helped them survive the winter, and together they gave thanks for their blessings.

Today, Thanksgiving is still celebrated in much the same way. Families come together to share a meal and give thanks for their health, happiness, and prosperity. Many people also use the holiday as an opportunity to donate food and other resources to those in need.

As we gather with our loved ones and reflect on the blessings in our lives, let us remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving: gratitude, generosity, and community.

Free Thanksgiving Thankful Heart Gift or Jar Tags

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