Paperwhites--Forcing Bulbs

My paperwhites bloomed this weekend. I found the bulbs at a lovely shop in Laguna Beach, Aero, at the beginning of December. I purchased three bulbs. Paperwhites are one bulb which do not require chilling to force so I planted them immediately. I used a tall, clear glass container with a little potting soil. I thought it would be pretty to cover the bulbs with clear, glass marbles. After five weeks, the reward: blooming paperwhites. I love the scent.

Daffodils--Sign That Spring is Near

California weather allows for the early blooming of bulbs. This little collection of blooms you can find in the bed at the front of the house. I happened to notice them just in time because some of the blooms are already spent.
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on
high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing
in the breeze.…

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads
in sprightly dance.
William Wordsworth