It's a $5 amaryllis-by-mail for the win!

Ok, so I am a person who really loves flowers.  LOVES flowers.  I love giving and receiving them.  But I HATE sending them.

Because being a thrifty person AND a flower sender don't mix well.  At all.

Every time I've ever gone to order flowers online, I've almost had a heart attack at the cost.  I mean, I love flowers, but $100 to send someone a bouquet?  I understand why it's so expensive, I just hate that it is.  I mean, it's not like I'm sending a gift that's going to last forever.  Or even two weeks.

And it's not that the receiver isn't worth it, because if they weren't I wouldn't even be considering sending them flowers in the first place.

And in my own defense, I always tell my husband and son on special occasions that the discount flowers are fine.  Our huge Kroger in town has an incredible selection of markdowns sometimes with flowers that are beautiful and long lasting.

So last year, for Mother's Day, I ignored every cheap instinct within me and ordered my mom a beautiful pink and white amaryllis.  I had just lost my mother-in-law and it was crystal clear that the people we love will not always be there to receive the flowers they deserve.

It may have been almost $100, but hey, it was for my mom. ❤ 

(Who incidentally is one of the two people who supplied me with the genes that are always looking for a more affordable alternative...)

What I did not anticipate was the vast number of texts the amaryllis would inspire.

I received an almost daily photo record of the growth of the amaryllis, from bulb to flower.  And I enjoyed observing the pleasure my mom had in watching it grow and bloom.

When my DAD texted me photos of the amaryllis in the window (with a caption of "the things that block our view") I KNEW the amaryllis had been worth the big bucks.

Here are a few of the texts from my mom:

I think it's clear I did not get the gardening gene from my mom...

Yes, I should!

(But I don't buy $100 flowers for myself...)

So anyway, the amaryllis appeared to be a big hit.  And now it was Christmas, amaryllis season.

And in this year of COVID, my parents were spending Christmas alone together (one of my favorite oxymorons) and I wanted to do something a little extra.

So aside from the gifts, I packed them each a stocking.  My son and I baked a big tin of cookies to send.  And I went online once more, to shop for an amaryllis.

I thought the 40% off Black Friday amaryllis sale would be a good deal.  But no!  It was still going to be about $70, just to send a single amaryllis bulb.

Which got me thinking...

Hmm.  Every December WalMart sells a huge selection of healthy amaryllis bulbs for $5 each.  In fact, I gave quite a few away to friends this year, since I think it's an awesome inexpensive little gift.

$70 to order one online.  $5 at WalMart.

I was about to send the box with the gifts, the stockings and the cookies.  But could I ship an amaryllis bulb?  Was it legal?  Would it survive?

I did a quick google search and determined it was legal.  I know from experience that amaryllis bulbs are pretty hearty.  They are no delicate little flower.  And I decided, if it didn't work, I'd only be out five bucks.  I could always order an expensive one as a backup if it didn't work out.

So I bought the bulb from Walmart (with about two inches of growth), wrapped it up in a couple of plastic grocery bags, with a couple more around it as padding, crossed my fingers and mailed it in the box.

I was dying to know if it made it.

Six days later, my mom texted me that the box had arrived.

And the amaryllis, how was it?  Here is the pic she texted:

Now this is a healthy looking amaryllis!

Apparently amaryllis bulbs don't take offense at being mailed.  And while it may be just a tad smaller than the $100 plant from Mother's Day, I think it will be just fine.

Will I be trying this again in the future, knowing now that it works?  Most definitely!

I better get a text update on the amaryllis soon, though.

I'm beginning to wonder if her phone is broken...