Hyacinth Flowers: Small Bulbs, Big Spring Energy

      

                               

        Hyacinths are one of those spring flowers that show up and immediately steal the show. Compact, colorful, and famously fragrant, these bulb-grown beauties are often among the first signs that winter is finally loosening its grip.

       Known for their dense spikes of star-shaped blooms, hyacinths come in rich shades of purple, pink, blue, white, yellow, and even soft peach. But their real superpower is scent. A single pot of hyacinths can perfume an entire room, which is why they’re so popular for indoor forcing as well as garden beds and borders.

      Plant hyacinth bulbs in the fall, giving them a cold period to trigger blooming in spring. Outdoors, they thrive in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Indoors, they’re surprisingly easy to grow—just provide bright light and keep the soil lightly moist once growth begins. After blooming, allow the foliage to die back naturally so the bulb can store energy for next year.

                      

     Whether tucked into a spring garden or displayed on a sunny windowsill, hyacinths bring color, fragrance, and a serious mood boost after a long winter. They may be small, but they make a big impression. 

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The Hidden Dangers of Squeaky Toys for Dogs

                                          Pic by P. Kreczkowski     OUR DOG LENNY

Squeaky toys are a favorite in many dog households. The sound excites dogs, keeps them engaged, and can turn playtime into a full-body workout. While these toys can be fun, they also come with some hidden risks that every dog owner should understand.

One of the biggest dangers is choking. Many dogs instinctively try to “kill” the squeaker, and once it’s removed, the small plastic piece can be swallowed. Squeakers, torn fabric, or stuffing can easily lodge in a dog’s throat or be inhaled, creating a life-threatening emergency.

Intestinal blockages are another serious concern. If a dog swallows parts of a squeaky toy, those pieces may not pass through the digestive system. Blockages can cause vomiting, pain, loss of appetite, and may require costly surgery to correct.

Squeaky toys can also encourage obsessive or aggressive behavior in some dogs. The high-pitched noise may overstimulate them, leading to frantic chewing, possessiveness, or stress rather than healthy play.

Finally, not all squeaky toys are made with safe materials. Cheaply made toys may contain toxic dyes or plastics that can be harmful when chewed or ingested over time.

This doesn’t mean squeaky toys must be banned altogether. Supervised play, choosing high-quality toys designed for your dog’s size and chewing strength, and regularly inspecting toys for damage can greatly reduce the risks. When used thoughtfully, playtime can stay fun, safe, and enriching for your dog—without unexpected trips to the vet. 

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..........UPDATE PICS OF AMARYLLIS

 

                        pics by P.Kreczkowski

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Keeping Amaryllis Happy Indoors and Out

Amaryllis is a favorite bulb plant known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers and bold colors that brighten homes, especially in winter. With the right care, an amaryllis can rebloom year after year, making it both beautiful an rewarding to grow.

Start with a healthy bulb and plant it in a pot with good drainage. Only about one-third of the bulb should be buried, with the top exposed. Place the pot in bright, indirect light and water sparingly at first—too much moisture before growth begins can cause rot. Once the flower stalk appears, increase watering slightly, keeping the soil evenly moist but never soggy.

Amaryllis thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 65–75°F (18–24°C). As the stalk grows, rotate the pot occasionally to keep it from leaning toward the light. After flowering, cut off the spent blooms but leave the stalk until it yellows naturally, allowing the bulb to store energy.

The key to long-term success is post-bloom care. Keep the leaves growing by providing bright light, regular watering, and a balanced fertilizer. In late summer or early fall, allow the plant to rest by reducing water and letting the leaves die back. After 8–10 weeks of dormancy, bring the bulb back into light and resume watering to trigger a new bloom cycle.

With a little patience and consistency, amaryllis can become a reliable, show-stopping plant that returns with spectacular flowers year after year. 

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