Some of my baby AV's and especially the variegated ones suffered during our recent heat wave. I don't have AC and when we get day after day at 90F and above, it gets too warm in my plant room in spite of fans going round the clock. I found quite a bit of browning on the palest leaves, especially the minis and semis, poor things. But now that the temps have gone back down where they should be this time of year (into the 60's for highs) some recently acquired plants are blooming and I wanted to show you all.

Here is the Russian standard trailer "23 Rechka Severka" showing its first bloom. I love the golden cream crown variegation in this plant and bought it for the foliage alone:

Another Russian, EK Rubin v Izumrude (Ruby in Emerald) is below. I love the name, love the bloom. I may be fanciful, but I especially like the way the little tips of frilly geneva edge remind me of the setting for a precious jewel.

And these next three came with a full head of bloom - I don't take the credit. But they are continuing to bloom their heads off and I am enjoying them immensely.

Rob's Monkeyshines (a chimera)

Perfect Harmony

and Midnight Dreams

I keep telling myself I'm too heavy on the purples, but I keep acquiring more, LOL. I guess that must be my favorite AV color. I've added a lot of new varieties to my collection this year (I have a friend who is threatening to come take charge of my plastic and checkbook, LOL) but now it's time to stop acquiring and just enjoy and nurture these beauties through the coming colder seasons. I'm glad things are coming to an end for my outdoor gardens so I have more time to spend on my indoor garden. It's nice to know my AV's and streps will be there for me when there is a foot of snow on the ground and keep me smiling until next spring.

(And thank you to those who investigated a way for me to get my photos to post this weekend! Hope you enjoyed them. :-))

Anne