As we settle into November, garden tasks begin to slow down. With cleanup completed, furniture moved into the shed or covered up, and tools cleaned and stored, it’s time to shift our focus indoors. As hard as it is not to be able to enjoy our sunny days outside, there is still a lot we can do.  Here’s how we can keep our green thumbs active and prepare for the garden’s next chapter.

 Dream and Plan for the Coming Season

Winter is the perfect season for cozying up with garden catalogues and books. Dive into fresh inspiration, research new plants, and map out ideas for your spring garden. Whether it's experimenting with different flower varieties, planning companion plants, or considering a fresh layout, now’s the time to make big plans for next year’s garden oasis.

Take notes of lessons learned. Review your notes or photos from this past season. What thrived, what struggled, and which new plants or techniques might be worth trying? Reflecting on this year’s garden can help shape next year’s success.

And remember to enjoy the pause! As winter approaches, embrace this pause in the gardening cycle. Take in the rest and rejuvenation, knowing that each planning session and catalogue flip brings you closer to another season of growth and beauty in your garden.

So now that we’re satisfied with the work done outside, let’s shift to Indoor Beauty with Amaryllis! YESSSS!

Amaryllis is a holiday classic that brings bright, dramatic blooms to your indoor spaces. Now is the perfect time to plant amaryllis bulbs if you’re looking to add colour and vibrance to your winter months. With their bold colours and stunning shapes, amaryllis are a joy to watch grow indoors, and their blooms make striking statements just in time for the holidays and beyond. 

They are a perfect choice for indoor gardening in winter, especially as their bright, dramatic blooms can bring a burst of colour into the home when other plants are dormant. The trumpet-shaped flowers come in stunning shades of red, white, pink, and even striped patterns, making them versatile for various indoor arrangements. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of amaryllis indoors and create visually captivating displays:

• Single Bloom in a Narrow Vase: A single amaryllis stem in a tall, slender vase makes for an elegant minimalist display. Place a few stones or pebbles at the base of the vase to add stability. This setup is great for creating height in your arrangements without overwhelming the space.
• Clustered Arrangement: Grouping amaryllis stems together in a low, wide vase can create a lush, full arrangement that feels like a bouquet. Adding sprigs of greenery, such as cedar or eucalyptus, adds texture and a natural fragrance to the display, while decorative berries or pine cones give a festive touch during the holiday season.
• Amaryllis in a Glass Container with Moss: For a more organic look, plant an amaryllis bulb in a clear glass container, surrounded by layers of moss and decorative stones. This arrangement lets you watch the bulb sprout and bloom, adding a sense of natural wonder to the decor. It also brings a touch of greenery that complements the amaryllis flowers once they bloom.
• Floating Blooms: Amaryllis flowers can be clipped and floated in a shallow bowl of water. This arrangement is low-maintenance and perfect for displaying on a coffee table or as a centrepiece. You can add a few floating candles for a soft glow and enhance the visual effect.

• Paired with Seasonal Greenery: Combining amaryllis with winter greenery and twigs makes for a seasonal arrangement with a natural look. Use pine branches, holly, or even red-twig dogwood branches to bring a bit of the outdoors inside, adding texture and interest to the amaryllis’s clean, vibrant blooms.

Remember that you can get them potted, waxed or as a plain bulb so the opportunities for creative displays is exciting!  

Amaryllis time = good times for me! I love decorating with amaryllis bulbs, or when the bloom make arrangements with them. Light some candles, turn on  some relaxing music and tune into your creative inner self. It is truly a very rewarding activity. These days we get amaryllis in many different forms like waxed, potted or as plain bulb. So let your creativity go wild and use this beautiful plant to put a smile on your face. Both the activity and the finished design will make you feel good and isn't this what it is all about?

Here are just a few inspirations from my workshop, but remember it is not about me .... make your own creations and enjoy the process!

The versatility of amaryllis lends itself to a variety of styles, whether minimalist, organic, or festive. Keeping an arrangement fresh is easy, as the long-lasting blooms can thrive indoors for weeks, especially if kept away from direct sunlight. Adding amaryllis to your indoor gardening routine is a great way to keep a little garden magic going, even through the colder months.

Have a wonderful time inside and enjoy every minute of it.