Paperwhites by the Door

These frosty pots give a classic bloomer a new look.

It's a love-or-hate relationship-paperwhite narcissus produce a scent you either wholly embrace or banish from the house. Even if you fall into the latter category, you can enjoy these flowers outdoors in a great-looking container. There, the fragrance dissipates into a gentle perfume, and the blooms last much longer than their counterparts kept inside where it's warm.

Here's the scoop on growing these flowers outdoors. Purchase pots of growing bulbs that are in bud for maximum bloom time. Paperwhites love cool weather, so temperatures down to 28 degrees (a hard freeze) are just fine. Water them every few days for freshness, and expect flowers to last about three weeks. Plants that are not in direct sun last the longest.

Four Easy Steps

Assemble all of the materials in a wellventilated workspace. Cover the area with newspaper.

Step 1: Spray-paint the plastic pot black. Apply a second coat, if needed.

Step 2: Tape the snowflake stencil to the pot, and dab on the silver paint with the sponge. Carefully remove the stencil (pull tape slowly so it doesn't pull black paint from the pot), and repeat the process until you have the desired pattern.

Step 3: Pile the faux snow on the work surface. Wrap a piece of newspaper under the pot's rim to avoid getting adhesive on the sides of the container. Spray adhesive on the rim, following label instructions. Roll pot rim in the snow until it is covered.

Step 4: Fill the container two-thirds of the way with potting soil. Don't spill any on the snowy rim. Remove paperwhites from their pots, and replant them in their new home. Fill in around the bulbs with more potting mix, as needed. Water the container to settle the soil. Top it off with faux ice, and add ornaments around the bases of the plants. -ELLEN RUOFF RILEY

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Dec 2006
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