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Friday, February 28, 2014

Off the Needles and Out into the Garden


Not too long ago while shopping at Joanne's, I found this new yarn called Keppi that comes with a pom pom!  So instead of knitting on those long rows of my shawl, I dug though my stash, found it and started a hat.  It's coming along even though the shawl isn't. (If you want to see what others are knitting, check out PatchworkTimes .)




The sun came out this week, and the roses got their pruning.  While outside I discovered this lenten rose, much to my delight.  I've tried many times to get one of these plants going, and finally it looks like my persistence has paid off! Hurrah! 






Earlier this week we spotted some sure signs of spring right out our bedroom window.  This plant, which started out as a mere twig years ago,  is now quite tall and easily seen from our second story.  Don't you just love pussy willows?



But the most exciting occurance of the week was this blossom right in our own kitchen!  Last year this orchid came home with us from the UW orchid sale.  It was in full bloom then and the flowers lasted for months.  When that was done, I trimmed both stalks; one dried up and the other one produced a new shoot that had 3 buds.  It took forever, but one of the three buds finally opened this week.  One dried up and as you can see, that appears will be the fate of the third bud also.  For now we'll just continue to enjoy this survivor and the only time so far that we've ever had an orchid rebloom.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Lenten Rose is beautiful.

Congrats on the orchid. YOU DID IT!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Interesting yarn, for sure!

Wow...look at your lovely signs of spring! Enjoy!!!

Janet said...

The Keppi yarn looks like fun. I'll have to keep an eye out next time I'm at Joann's. Love your photos of spring. The grass is still pretty brown around here. And congrats on your beautiful orchid -- I've never been able to get one to rebloom.

Linda said...

Beautiful Orchid! It does look like the beginning of Spring in your yard!Its raining a lot here today...have a great weekend!

Wildflowerhouse said...

Love the lenten rose. The cap color is beautiful. Love that blue.
I don't cut off any stems on my orchids. Someone told me they wouldn't bloom if I did. Some get brittle and brown then just break off eventually. I think mine just love their local and of course the music I play. Ha... and I talk to them too. :-)

Debra Dixon said...

Really pretty orchid! and lenten rose!

Nancy said...

How exciting to have blossoms this time of year. Enjoy!

The yarn is interesting and makes a fun hat.

Lynn said...

What beautiful yarn. That color is gorgeous. I love my Lenten roses. I can't control it. In my garden it's taken off like a weed. It makes me happy seeing it each spring.

Ramona said...

Your hat yarn is so much fun! And what a pretty color. My Lenten roses popped up through the snow and are blooming now, too. I'm waiting for the first daffodil to bloom. It may be a while. :)

karen said...

I thoroughly enjoyed your springlike photos, we are to receive yet another winter storm on Monday. More snow and more white!!

kathy b said...

Love the hat!!!!

Chris said...

What fun yarn! Looking forward to seeing the completed hat. :-)

Your flowers are amazing. I wouldn't have a single living plant if it wasn't for my forester husband who waters them.

Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment--I really appreciate it.

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Congrats on getting the rose to take off! I've tried with no success, too.
I'm trying to knit a hat but am having trouble getting the join to work without a huge length of yarn between the join. This always happens on my first knit after the cast on, but doesn't matter if it's not circular. Any tips?

Lifesastitch said...

I wish that spring would come a bit farther north. I did see a crocus and a few daffodils coming up, so hopefully it won't be too far away.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Judy,

Your Lenten Rose is certainly a beauty. Does Pussy Willows need real wet environment?? Yes, you Orchid is a grand prize. How very lovely indeed. Hugs Judy

Becca said...

Love that purple yarn, and those flowers are beautiful!

kathy b said...

Judy the yarn in my post at 30,000 feet is Plymouth Encore Homespun color way 7145. Just made a hat with it and a cat blanket

SueR said...

I have to content myself with pictures of flowers because I don't have a green thumb. Very impressive blooms!

Teresa in Music City said...

Wow, such lovely flowers! I'm so glad I came back to see this post, even though I'm late to the party. The Lenten Rose is amazing, but like you I am floored by that orchid - it's gorgeous!!! And they are so hard to get them to survive and bloom - congrats!!!

I've seen that yarn at Joanns and thought I might try it but wasn't sure. Let me know how you like it :*)

Mereknits said...

The rose is so beautiful and oh my that orchid is amazing. Hugs to you Judy, you are so, so kind.
Meredith