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F7 ou can grow flower bulbs indoors this ‘ winter. Professional growers call it â€" "forcing", but gentle persuasion mlght be a better term. Essentially, this process tricks the bulb into thinking a whole winter has passed and so they bloom â€" in January, February, and March, just when winâ€" ter is grey and dark, and flowers are the most welcomed in homes and offices across the country. : Christopher IMVidi@ta sates Represenative ‘Forcing‘ a colorful issue in winter HYACINTHS Whether you pot them up in soil or perch them just above the water line in a special hyacinth vase, hyacinths need about 12 weeks of cool storage (approx. 9°C) to begin to sprout. Be sure to add water regularly to the For the best results, choose bulbs that are specially prepared for forcing. If the package does not say so, check with the retailer where you buy flower bulbs. A rare opportunity to own one of the original classic custom homes built by Paul Tewan situated on a mature lot with spectacular views. Traditional home in tune with its natural surroundings offering warm family room with beamed cathedral ceiling and fieldstone fireplace, large kitchen with oak floor and dark wooden cabinetry, 4 bedrooms, finished lower level with walkâ€"out. TYANDAGA ... Priced To Sell $399,000 floor. Living room with sunlit bay window. Full sized dining room for formal entertaining. White family sized kitchen adjacent to spacious family room with bleached parquet floor and fireplace. Walkâ€"out to large deck and professionally landscaped yard. Professionally finished lower level ideal for nanny suite. RIVER OAKS _ Priced To Sell $329,900 Elegant 4 bedroom home with extensive upgrades for a special family environment. Gracious foyer featuring oak spiral staircase and ceramic tile UNBELIEVEABLE RAV INE If the bulbs are potted in soil, plant them to that the top end of each sticks up above the surface. Water them regularly while they are in storage. When the bulbs have sprouted and roots are showing (out of the bottom of the pot or trailing in the water), bring the hyacinths into the warmth of and sunlight in a home or vase, without damaging the developing roots and without allowing the base of the bulb to touch the water. 1137 Forestvale Drive Burlington Executive end unit townhouse in great complex. Main floor family room with fireplace, eatâ€"in kitchen and central air. Moveâ€"in condition. This home could be yours with as little as 5% down. $165,900. Call If you don‘t have a cool storage spot in which to force flower bulbs, already potted bulbs are now available in garden centres. florist shops and grocery stores in most cities and towns across the country. Choose those that are just starting to show color; they will last longer than the bulbs already in full flower. Keep them away from direct heat (i.e. radiators and hot air vents) to keep them fresh for as long as possible, but give them lots of natural light to encourage full blooming. However, the fragrant Paperwhite narcissi do not require a cold period and can be grown on gravel, as well as, planted in soil. If you choose the former method, keep in mind that this bulb flower has a long stem and may tip over easily. Anchor it firmly in washed gravel and add water to just below the bulb. (Do not let the Paperwhites sit in the water.) Leave them out at regular room temperature and they will bloom with four to six weeks. AMARYLLIS Dutch _ Amaryllis, â€" properly â€" called Hippeastrum, is well known now. Its huge trumpetâ€"shaped flowers bloom atop tall, sturâ€" dy stalks in a rainbow of shades â€" e.g. pinks, reds, white, cream, orange â€" and multiâ€"tones. such as white with red edges. and many more. On sale from September through April, Amaryllis can create a stunning display if you plant a new bulb at three or four week interâ€" vals throughout the autumn and winter. You will always have at least one in bloom. Smallâ€"flowering Amaryllis have begun to be more available and popular during the past few years. They fit in better in apartments and offices than the larger types. POTTED BULBS SPECIALTY BULBS A variety of other, small bulb flowers also force well: such as snowdrops (Galanthus), grape hyacinths (Muscari), miniature iris (Jris reticulata), gloryâ€"ofâ€"theâ€"snow (Chionodoxa), crocus (Anemone blanda) and little squills (Scilla siberica). They can be done at home, along with the other springâ€"flowering bulbs, or bought already potted, just as they are startâ€" ing to show color. Arrange some of each as a centrepiece, mixed with ivy and moss, to creâ€" ate a tiny garden effect. TERRY BERGIE ....... (905)897â€"3377 The familiar yellow trumpet daffodils â€" such as ‘February Gold‘ â€" and miniatures â€" such as ‘Téteâ€"aâ€"Téte‘ â€" may be forced at home, using the same basic procedure as for tulips and hyacinths (in soil). office. Introduce them to the temperature change gradually and watch the flowers develop during a period of several weeks. TULIPS The best tulips for forcing at home are those varieties with fairly short stems that are more stable in the pot. Some good choices include ‘Christmas Marvel‘ (red), ‘Plaisir‘ (red and creamâ€"colored), ‘Pinocchio‘ (red with creamâ€"colored edges), ‘Arma‘ (fringed, red). (905) 897â€"3377