This post, “My Sister’s Amaryllis” was written for my WordPress blog called Always Growing by Jan in Covington, Louisiana
Recently I wrote about my sister in Northern Virginia who sent me the daylilies as a surprise. Well, I have another generous sister who lives on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain about 35 miles south of me. Last year she gave me some of these amaryllis bulbs that I planted in the back yard.
I discovered they had just opened when I came home this afternoon from work. They are an old-fashioned amaryllis. I mean that they are small, not like the large flowered types that you buy today. We both love these small, bright red flowers. They are perfect for placing in that small area that needs a punch of color. I believe she got her original bulbs from an elderly neighbor. She has given me some of these before which I planted in the entry garden, but those are hardly showing any buds, so it will be awhile before those bloom.
Over the years she has given me many, many plants to start my garden. She really has a green thumb. She has worked for years improving her soil, so everything she plants grows like crazy. Plants multiply for her unbelievably. I am lucky because she shares her excess with me. She has been gardening a little longer than I have, so I have benefited not only from the plants, but also from her experience. She is the one whom I go on plant buying trips with, has introduced me to all kinds of different plants, and the one who encourages me in my gardening.
Often gardening seems so solitary. There are not many people around who are really enthusatic about gardens. It is nice to have someone nearby who is a gardener, a friend, and especially a sister.
Always Growing 
Mary Beth said,
March 6, 2008 at 7:19 am
These are the amaryllis that I grow in my garden, too – but I think I’m going to have to get out there and do some dividing to share with my sisters! Everything is more fun when it’s shared with a sister, isn’t it?
Yes, Mary Beth, sharing plants esp. with sisters is fun. I like to get plants from others because I recall that person whenever I walk by the plant. My garden has a lot of memories of generous gardeners.