Saved from Squirrel Attacks

While my apartment was under siege from squirrels, my neighbor kindly took charge of my large amaryllis plants. Having lost the use of the 9- by 32-foot enclosed porch, I had to cram my crop of impatiens and other plants grown from cuttings into a 14- by 14-foot front room and there was no room for the amaryllises.

After week of disruption, it seemed safe to put the small plants back on their shelves on the porch and bring back the amaryllis plants. The Aphrodite was still producing its magnificent flowers and by now, a gift plant from my sister Ellen had produced its first flower on a 28-inch stalk. In all, this pot of bulbs will make at least 16 brilliant red flowers.

Most of the small plants survived the depredations of the furry invaders and with any luck will be ready to go outdoors in late April or early May. Keeping these plants going over the winter is always a challenge, even without the hazard of being knocked over by squirrels. Balancing heat, light and water is tricky and then sometimes at the last minute, white flies or aphids attack.

The reward, if all goes well, is a profusion of double pink impatiens in summer.

--Bernice Paglia