Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Advent with Paperwhites


One of my favorite holiday traditions is forcing bulbs. Paperwhites especially. The anticipation of the flower blossoms are a reminder of Advent and the anticipation of Christ's arrival on Christmas day. For less than a dollar a bulb it's a great and affordable way to brighten up a stairwell, mantel, windowsill and even a great hostess gift. The fragrance is intoxicating when they are in full bloom. 


Each bulb looks like a little onion and the bottom is the part that has a rough surface. The top is obviously the little sprouting end. You will need bulbs, river rocks, or dirt, and a container.


You can use fancier rocks if you put the bulbs in glass. I love smooth river rocks in a clear glass vase but these simple river rocks were $6.00 and work perfectly.


Fill will rocks half way up the container. Place bulbs on the top of rocks.



Add more rocks half way up the bulb, filling the container as far as you can.



Fill with water about a half an inch up the bulb. You want to keep the roots wet.


Pick other cute containers and repeat. These little bulbs will grow in just about any small container. 




Just add water, wait, patiently and joyfully with anticipation.


One of my Episcopal priest pals on Facebook posted this quote about Advent this past Sunday:
‎"...In the orchestra pit, the violin bows are poised. The conductor has raised his baton. ...The extraordinary thing that is about to happen is matched only by the extraordinary moment just before it happens. Advent is the name of that moment.”
— Frederick Buechner, Whistling in the Dark
Sending you best wishes for patience and joyful waiting this Advent season. Wishing our darling Baby Nephew the happiest of first birthdays today. We can't wait to hug and squeeze you soon. 









7 comments:

Pigtown*Design said...

love advent and the attendant songs and especially love paperwhites! where did you get yours?

Nelle Somerville said...

Got mine at Home Depot. :)

Ella said...

That will be very beautiful, your containers are very sweet! We have more of hyacinths for Christmas and some kind of yellow Paperwhites when it's Easter.

Karena said...

Nelle I love your Advent, Buechner quote, how wonderful!

I adore paper-whites! They will be so gorgeous!!

Please Come and enter in Our 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways. There are so many exciting & special Gifts!

xoxo

Karena
Art by Karena

annechovie said...

Thanks for reminding me I need to start some, Nelle! Love your containers, too.
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Emily said...

Love this idea..and your blog! I have been wanting to force bulbs for a while and you have inpired me to get going on it.
I work at a presbyterian church and just might have to incorporate this into my sunday school somehow.
Off to hunt for cute containers!

Lindsey said...

These are adorable! I might borrow your idea for our neighbor gifts this year! Thanks for adding me to your blog roll, too! xoxo, Lindsey