There are times when it seems that all the trouble that I take cultivating indoor plants is not worth it.  Then there are times like yesterday.  I walked into my dining room--which doubles as a conservatory in the winter months--and there were not only blooms, but good smells.  I was inspired.

My newest African violet was blooming like crazy and the climbing hibiscus that lives outdoors in the summer was sporting a big, yellow, hollyhock-like flower.  'Grand Soleil D'or', a narcissus that can be forced like a paperwhite, finally produced seven or eight extremely fragrant blossoms, and they were worth the ten week wait.  Each small daffodil-like bloom has an orange cup and soft yellow petals.  The handful of flowers from one bulb is enough to perfume a ten by twelve room.  What's more, the scent is sweet, not at all like the fragrance of the common 'Ziva' paperwhite, which some people find objectionable.

Last year's amaryllis bulbs, which I brought up from the cellar around Thanksgiving, will bloom over the course of the next few days.  Of course, they have no scent, but they are a stunning sight anyway.

Some of us force bulbs and tend flowering plants.  Others buy bouquets at the supermarket.  Either way, there is nothing as wonderful at this time of year than a house or apartment full of flowers.