18 - Friday, Nov. 27, 1992 — North Shore News HOME & GARDEN When Oe ie blooms it’s thinking springtime IMPRESSIVE. DISTINC- TIVE. Beautiful. Such superlatives are often used to describe one of the world’s largest flowering bulbs ... the amaryllis. Its official name is Hip- peastrum and it originates from the tropical regions of South America. This statuesque flower accen- tuates any home decor and is available in many different colors including pink, zed, salmon, orange and white. Though it may be large, it is one of the easiest of ali bulbs to grow. And like so many of Holland’s marvelous bulbs, some easy steps will bring those wonderful blooms back for more than just a year. The amaryllis buib varies in size. As a rule, larger bulbs pre- duce more stems and flowers. The amaryliis will normally bloom in the spring, but before it reaches retail outlets here, it is stored under coo] temperatures of 55°F. Those cool weeks in storage tum ahead the ouib’s genetic clock. So when Christmas arrives and the amaryllis is blooming * beautifully, it actually thinks it’s springtime. Planting - Before planting, place the bulb and its dangling roots in luke- warm water for several hours. This is a good prep for planting. If the bulb cannot be planted immediately after purchase, then store it in a cool area of about 50°F, Plant amaryllis in pots slightly larger than the diameter of the bulb. Cover the bulb up to its neck with potting soil. Do not fill the pot with too much potiing soil (or moisture- retaining compost), but leave enough room for watering. Be careful not to damage the tocts. Press firmly on the soi! around the bulb to be sure it is steady. In the first few weeks, water sparingly, until the bud and part of the stem have developed suffi- ciently. Direct sunlight will help the plant grow properly. When the green buds and leaves begin to show, more water may be added periodically. Watching it grow The amarylilis grows quite rap- idly. It develops faster in warm room temperatures and direct suntight. When it finally blooms, the spectacular flowers last for two weeks. After blooming, the stem may be cut close to the bulb. Replacing the stem will be a long. thin leaf. By late summer, stop watering completely and the leaves will slowly die away. By October, the bulb should be placed in a cool, dark place ... just like the storage period in Holland. Once again, if placed in suffi- ciently cool temperatures in the 50°F range, the timetable of the bulb will be changed. After its dormant stage of eight to 12 weeks, the bulb may be removed and placed in sunlight. In a few short weeks, the planting cycle will start again. Timing its bloom Large amaryllis bulbs are usual- ly on sale until April. How long it will take before the bulb starts flowering depends on several fac- tors. Flowering takes longer in the winter than in the spring. On the average, six to eight weeks pass from potting to flowering. With this in mind, you can time eye-catching blooms to coincide with special occasions. Helpful hints Choose firm bulbs and remember ... the larger the bulb, the more flowers on the stem. lf the bulbs cannot be planted immediately, do not forget to keep them in a cool place. Piant the bulbs in intervals of two weeks for consistently beautiful blooms in your home. Volunteer help needed to bring Christmas cheer DOES IT seem at Christmas like everyone has a hand out to you for money? Then make a switch. Put your hand out instead, not for money but to give your time. Put a bow around yourself for Christmas. Volunteer your time. Let Beth Stanger, coordinator of volunteer referral seryices,tell you how, who needs you, and where. On Saturday, Nov: 28 at 11:30 a.m., Stanger will tell’ you about Christmas options for volunteers, as part of Speakers Unlimited at West Vancouver’s Silk Purse. “These are many and varied,” says Stanger, from ‘“‘helping out in theatres or galleries with shows or festivals’? to inviting seniors with no family to your home for a Christmas meal. Those you give to are not the only ones who benefit. You benefit, too. Here’s what research shows ‘giving’? does for you, starting with the physical: greater longevi- ty, a boost to your immune system plus healthier sleep. Add to this the emotional and spiritual benefits: reduced self- absorption, isolation and stress, an expanded sense of control over your life and circumstances, fuller Making the System WORK The War Amps CHAMP Program is “making the system work” for child amputees. 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