Shoots!

This is the shamrock plant (Oxalis) that I showed to you all back a few weeks ago. I took it from the dark corner it was put in to make way for the Christmas tree and then set it in the kitchen window to catch the first rays of the morning sun.

As you can see, its response to the growing daylight has been impressive. No flowers yet, but soon as we have sunlight all day (like we did today) for a few weeks or so, I should begin to see some flower bud activity. During the middle of summer it always produces flowers.

This plant is common in a lot of Alaskan households. There is no question that it is an encouraging little plant for those of us that live here. Experiencing short daylight and long dark nights during Alaska's winters drives us to hurry along the spring growing season by watching new shoots of growth on a windowsill.

I decided to take a peek online to see how to care for this plant. (hehe) It needs to remain dormant and even dry for a spell! Oh! So every year when I think this little shamrock plant is lucky to be alive after I just about killed the poor thing --then saved it with tender loving care, I am actually doing it a service to let it dry up and look awful! Now I've learned that they like a bit of hibernating rest too!

Set the pot somewhere that it will remain cool and dry for about two or three months.(the purple leaf varieties only need about a month) After they have enjoyed their 'vacation', resume watering and give them a shot of all purpose house plant food (10-10-10), and in a very short time you will be rewarded with a happy new set of growth. The Garden Helper.

Did you know?

"In Ireland, the plant most often referred to as shamrock is the white clover." The World Book Encyclopedia, Vol. 17, 1993.

I think of Ireland when I see the shamrock, but did you know that the celtic harp is Ireland's emblem? Lots of facts about Ireland.

The common clover is what the Irish call a shamrock. I've always wondered why we don't call lawn clover (Trifolium) shamrocks. It sounds more impressive to have a yard full of shamrocks than a lawn covered with clover.

Someday when this shamrock is covered with blooms, I will post an update picture.

Sunrise up here today was 9:25 A.M.
Sunset 5:03 P.M.
Total daylight was 7 hours and 38 minutes.
Daylight gain of 5 minutes and 12 seconds from yesterday.
National Weather Service Forecast Office

In Alaska, it does not get completely light or dark as quickly as we have observed sunrise and sunsets in the Lower 48 or Hawaii. We have a long sunrise and sunset. The sun sets ---then sometimes hours later ---it gets dark (especially in the summer). June 21st ---it does not get dark at all, even if the sun may drop down behind some mountains for a short time.