Katrina has nailed me twice

[Bigoledude]

I had been raising about 400 seedlings of Papilio, Papilio X Chico cross, Red Lion, Orange Sovereign, Fairy Tale, Double Record X Orange cross, Europa and some I just cannot recall right now.

Two days ago I decided these precious seedlings were ready to go outdoors. I placed them in a very protected spot on our patio underneath a very large soffit where they were safe from harsh sun and rain.

At 2:AM while asleep in a camper trailer that's parked in the driveway of our destroyed house, I heard the rain begin. What I did not know was Katrina had filled the gutters of the house with the same slop that it had filled my house with. The rushing water backed up, right into the seed flats! That water washed my first attempt at Hippeastrum seedlings out into the moonscape we call Chalmette, Louisiana.

I feel like I've been punted in the gut!

Now, I am looking for seed in order to start over. That storm has not stolen my strength and as bad as this feels, I think starting some new little "uns is the answer right now.

I bought my first amaryllis 8 months ago. And up till now was having a blast.

Ray

[sue salley]

Ray, Our prayers have long been with those who lost so much to Katrina. I cannot even imagine the lose and heartbreak you must be suffering.
I don't breed amaryllis but do raise many perennials from seed and know how it feels to lose them after all the TLC we give them.
I am glad you found Landspro. There is so much to learn from all the great people here. So welcome to Landspro and keep us informed of your progress (plants and otherwise.)

[Ann B.]

Hey, Ray!!!!!

Wouldn't it be cool if all of a sudden, little bulbs started popping up here and there? It could happen, so keep your eyes open when you walk around this summer.

I was surprised one day to find a Johnsonii growing next to my fireplace. I knew I didn't plant it there, and I definitely wasn't sure it was a Johnsonii until it bloomed. I just guessed that it was because I had stored a Walmart bag of bulbs from Texas in that location. So, I watched and waited...

I only have 3 of the ones that you named. Those are Papilio, Red Lion and Double Record, and they have already bloomed.

One of my Double Record was badly damaged by a 75 year old pecan tree that fell on it. I somehow managed to save it by putting it in full sun and withholding water. The wounds had started to rot, but they dried up and healed. Now, big leaves are growing on an awful looking bulb.

Hang in there!!!!

[Bigoledude]

Hey Ms. Sue

Thanks for the "Welcome" and moreso, thanks for the prayers.

I've already had some folks offer some seeds! I even found some 1-year-old bulbs very reasonably priced.

Now, I'm gonna delve into Daylilies while still trying to absorb all I can about amaryllis.

Ray

[Ann B.]

Good choice, Ray!

Amaryllis bloom in the very early spring, but daylilies, depending on the variety will start blooming later, and if you are smart about the selections, you wlil have blooms until fall.

Keep in touch, and watch Landspro because you will find others that will bloom even later.

I do like blooms --- ALL OF THE TIME!

Fun, huh?