We just survived some massive winter weather last month! We had subzero temperatures and copious amounts of snow blowing into substantial drifts. Our barn doorway was almost completely drifted over. County roads were unpassable. The snow plows finally quit going because the wind blew drifts stronger and faster than they could keep up. Most people who were housebound or should’ve been housebound! It was unwise to risk being caught off the road in this kind of weather. It wasn’t safe to be out longer than 10 or 15 minutes with the wind chill at 20-30 below zero! But we still went out for chicken chores and fresh air every day. I feel it’s a version of excitement to experience dipping temperatures for a short time.

To be sure, it was the kind of winter to keep in the memory department for storytelling to grandchildren. You know how grandparents always survived epically dramatic times. Well, we are now prepared for those kind of stories!

And now here we are; just a couple weeks later, with sunny skies and a warm 60 degree breeze that hints at spring! I know it can’t stay but we’ll enjoy it while it lasts! I’m airing my house at the moment – it feels absolutely delicious to replace those stale, germ laden particles with fresh, new sustance!

I’m not a garden geek. However, the freshness of earthy soil and spring flowers popping up are some of the simple pleasures in life that I think every soul loves. (At least, I’ve never heard one say, “Oh, those yellow tulips are soooo depressing! When I see them, I know winter is about gone, and it makes me weep to see those snow piles melting!”)

Back in the good old days when I was a spry, young bride, a friend graciously gave me a start of some of the most beautiful bulbs! Well, let’s say flowers. Bulbs aren’t necessarily lovely; we simply like what they promise!

Unless you’re from the south, I know we’re all a long way from planting flower bulbs! But virtuous gardeners always plan well in advance, don’t they? I’m attempting to be virtuous in getting this post out long before Spring.

Have you heard of tuberoses? Some might call them tubelilies. They are little pearl type of blooms, clumped together on a stem. The bottom ones always open first, while the top blooms are still squeezed shut. It’s a sorrow they don’t all bloom at once! But I pluck them anyway, discarding the bottom blooms as the upper ones open.

The tuberose is actually a southern flower that grows well in hardiness zones 7-11. Here in Nebraska we are zone 5b so they have to be dug up each fall or they will freeze in the winter. They take the heat well but do enjoy frequent watering and will grow to a height of 2-3′. Be sure to plant them where you can conveniently sniff the luscious fragrance!

Each summer, I highly anticipate these delicate, fragrant blooms! I go out in the golden, evening sunlight, sniffing and snipping. I promise you, they always smell strongest in the evening! Even when I have bouquets in my house, they give off the most fragrance at night. I’m not wise enough to give the science behind that, though.

I have given starts of these tuberoses away multiple times. It’s one of those things in life that keep multiplying as you give it away. Kind of like Love. Which reminds me of Valentines day, which tells me it’s already February!! Who’s sad to see winter disappear? Anybody? See, what did I tell you?! Silence gives consent. Let’s get on to the Spring topic at hand.

If you would like a chance at growing some, then you’re at the right place! It’s been a while since I did a giveaway, so I have decided to bless someone with a start of these through a drawing. To participate, please take the following actions-

• Send an email to jeraldsflower@gmail.com with your full name and mailing address.
• Share with me what you enjoy most about the blog.
• Do not put your info in the comments section of this post. If subscribed via email, do not respond to this email. You will need to send your name and address to the email above.
• I will only ship to a US address.
• All entries must be submitted by February 10, 2024

Keep dreaming of Spring!