Winter Garden

In addition to collecting glass, I also very much enjoy gardening.  I have several projects going this winter that I hope will bear fruit next spring.  One of my favorites is this angel wing begonia.  I went out for a run one morning and spotted a pile of them out on the curb for pick-up.  They were so pretty I could not leave them.

My goal is to propagate them into new plants.  I especially enjoy propagating plants in unique or antique glass.  Unfortunately, winter does not produce favorable conditions for rooting plants.  The sun is pretty decent in the windows, but it is not at all warm enough.  After a few hopeful weeks, the leaves started to wilt on my plant with no trace of roots.

I moved the vases to a brighter, warmer area, but it seemed like they were still too cold.  I was pretty much ready to give up on them, when I read an article about propagating aloe vera.  It stated, "do not get discouraged if the aloe stem begins to wilt, it could still be taking root."  That statement inspired me not to give up on my begonias just yet.  I am going to keep nurturing them with hopes that by early spring the roots will be solid and they will be ready to bloom.