It's Not Christmas Without...

-


  BULBS


My Christmas ritual begins and ends with bulbs...


From selecting them...


to choosing which medium to plant them in.


Whether to use...


stones,


soil,


newsprint,


or just plain water.



 And then placing them in just the right container or vessel.


When it comes to containers...


 the possibilities are as endless.


 Single bulbs in separate containers can be used to great effect.


  Although just one bulb in the right place in the right container can be perfection.


Oftentimes throughout the year I will find unique items that I envision planting bulbs in during the holiday season.


One can never go wrong with the humble terracotta pot.


 The more the merrier!


Urns are a great choice.
 

There are so many to choose from.


A collection of gravy boats is a great way to enjoy them for longer than the holiday meal.


Cachepots are always chic.


The holiday season is the perfect time to display your silver  pieces.


  Fill them with paperwhites, pinecones and moss.


Glass is great.


Mercury glass and paperwhites are a match made in heaven.


 Milk glass is lovely too.

 

 Concrete garden vessels provide the perfect tension next to more formal pieces.
 

Wooden boxes are simplicity at its best.



Burlap & Ribbon


Industrial


Metal


Then it is all about watching, waiting, anticipating...


Each day you notice changes...


They begin their ascent.


How high will they go?


Which one will open first?


Can they hold their own or will they need support?


 And then, the explosion!


 A symphony of blossoms!


Allegro


All that waiting and anticipating has come to fruition.


Your rooms have sprung to life!


The scent is intoxicating.


Andante


Adagio



Scherzo



Menuett
 


Crescendo!


And then it is over...


A beautiful memory...








Comments

Tricia Rose Rough Linen said…
That is a lovely abundance Terri, they must smell wonderful!
I have my paperwhites and amaryllis planted, but secretly I'm looking forward even more to hyacinths, though they never seem to last long. Once they go into the garden they are never seen again, do gophers eat them? The only thing which multiplies is heavenly freesias.
December 6, 2012 at 11:48 AM
Divine Theatre said…
I truly enjoyed this post! I am now looking around my house for planting vessels.
Beautiful!

xo

Andie
December 6, 2012 at 12:11 PM
helen tilston said…
Dear Terri

What an uplifting post. That settles it, I am headed to the flower shop tomorrow to get some bulbs.

Have a glorious weekend
Helen xx
December 6, 2012 at 5:38 PM
Monica said…
Joy to my heart...is what I feel looking at these beautiful photos and how they can become gifts. No more wishing or will do's ...I have to go tomorrow and get these bulbs. Thank you and have a great Friday!
December 7, 2012 at 6:28 AM
Kathysue said…
I love paperwhites and I always buy them this time of year already blooming but so far have not seen any. The fragrance is so intoxicating. This was such a beautiful post Terri, I loved all of the images, I can almost smell the paperwhites,
Merry Christmas,
Kathysue
December 7, 2012 at 7:49 AM
*Chic Provence* said…
Teri,

Perfect and beautiful! great inspiration for hostess gifts this year, thanks!

xo Kit
December 7, 2012 at 2:06 PM
Blooming Rose Musings said…
Terri, I always look forward to paperwhites at this time of year. They are so delicate, beautiful and their fragrance is so intoxicating. And, you have also reminded me that I have tulip bulbs in the fridge that I had forgotten to plant outside. Hmm, I guess I will do that today and hope it's not too late.
Beautiful post!
Life has been very busy but I hope to start blogging again very soon.
XO
December 8, 2012 at 6:38 AM
lisaroy said…
So pretty! I love all of the options for planting. The little individual votive holders are so cute. Hope you are well xo
December 8, 2012 at 11:30 AM
cjsullivan133 said…
oh my there are some beautiful inspiring images here. So beautiful!
Thanks Terri!
December 9, 2012 at 8:32 AM
Woodside Park said…
I love paperwhites and can't wait for mine to start blooming. Although they are so beautiful even before blooming!
Hope you are enjoying glorious December!
Loi
December 10, 2012 at 8:21 AM
kim at northerncalstyle. said…
Terri, What a fabulous post! I felt like watching a film. I loved all the beautiful ideas...this gives me lots of containers to try. I think I like the mercury glass and terra-cotta pots best. I think I'll keep this up and read again! So inspiring !

xx
Kim
December 10, 2012 at 11:48 PM
Anonymous said…
What a glorious collection of flowering bulbs !
December 12, 2012 at 9:25 AM
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