I thought I would share a couple of pics of my birthday present. It's been a couple of weeks ago now, but I've been busy and just haven't gotten around to posting them.

Number one is LE Esmeralda. I almost didn't get this one! Lyndon Lyon ran out, but the Violet Barn was just getting them in. I couldn't have planned that better! I was a little disappointed though. Pictures online of LE Esmeralda show a plant with darker, variegated leaves. And when I started researching this particular plant more than a year ago, it was consistently described as having variegated leaves. Now every place that offers it describes it as not having variegated leaves. I guess I sound spoiled. I am definitely planning to keep her! :)

Number two is Rob's Argyle Socks. I ordered some leaves of this plant a year or so ago and raised the most perfectly symmetrical little plant. Unfortunately it met with a tragic accident. Bad cat! I tried to save it, but it sustained too much damage, and I've held it against Oliver ever since. So this year, for my birthday, my mother replaced it. It came with several blooms open! Although I love fantasy, I think my favorite characteristic of this plant is the variegation in the leaves. It's not showing it very much now, but I think it will start to show its gorgeous colors after it gets used to its new home.

I realize my images aren't the very best. I just took quick snap shots. Hopefully everybody will thrive, and I will be back with updates and more pictures. :)

Heather