Nothing is more beautiful in the garden than a large display of cyclamen. In Southern California, they are among the best winter-blooming plants. You can use them in pots on tables, by the front door, or planted in a nice shady spot. And they're great for atriums.

A few notes on growing cyclamen:

• The cyclamen is a semi-alpine plant native to the mountains of Turkey. They like cool weather (that's why they make great winter-bloomers here). That means outdoors in a shady to semi-shady spot.
• If you have to put them indoors, pick the coldest spot. Also make sure they have good air circulation.
• Don't put too much water right in the crown area or bury them too deep (they can get crown rot).
• Keep your plants well fed.
• Pull out the stems that have gone to seed. (Hint! The seeds are hard, the new buds are soft. They look very much alike so this is an important little fact.)
• Pick a few flowers to go into a bud vase. They are lovely and last quite well.

Brought to Europe in the 18th century by Clas Alströmer, alstroemeria has small flower stalks with several lovely trumpet-shaped flowers on each.

The flowers look like small lilies, and are very popular for bouquets and flower arrangements, as they will last up to two weeks in a vase.

Plant in full sun to partial shade, in soil that drains well.

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Although many cymbidiums start to flower in December, some bloom as early as November. Most bloom between February and May, a few in May and June, and just one or two bloom year round. Choose wisely, and you can have these exotic orchids decorating your home, patio, and garden for six months or more. Protect cymbidiums' bloom spikes from snails when they are outside. Stake the spike to avoid breakage, but allow each spray to maintain its natural arching form. Allow miniatures in hanging baskets to cascade naturally. Continue to feed the plants for bloom with a fertilizer rich in bloom ingredients, such as Grow More 6-30-30 Orchid Food (Bloom Formula), until buds open. Once they bloom stop feeding the plants; keep them damp but not soggy. For longer-lasting flowers, move blooming plants into more shade and keep away from bees if they are outside. (The flowers "blush" and fade after pollination.)

Once cymbidium spikes have set buds you can force some into bloom ahead of their natural schedule. Wait until the buds on the bloom spikes are full size and look fat and ready to open. Then place the plant in a warm area with bright light. The warmth plus the longer "day" will open the buds quickly. Move back into a lower-light area for longer lasting blooms.

There's one drawback to forcing--plants you force into bloom early won't perform as well next year. You'll get a few spikes but not as many. This is also a factor to consider when buying new varieties. Some may have been forced into bloom, and you won't get as many spikes the following year. Wait for the third year and they'll be loaded with blooms.

Thanks for all your answers and comments.  Are you having as much fun as we are?

This Week's Question:  When, and by whom, were the first pre-wired sets of lights for Christmas trees made available to the American public?

This Week's Prize:  6" Alstroemeria

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If you've been subjecting a potted poinsettia to fourteen hours of darkness nightly since October, it should be in full bloom now. Stop fertilizing it for now, and display it where you can enjoy it.

Buy more potted poinsettias early this month, if you want to give them as gifts or use them to decorate your home or entryway. The best plants are usually sold early. Wherever you purchase your plant, be selective. Choose a plant that hasn't been abused. Exposure to extremes of temperature and over- or underwatering can occur before you take your plant home, and these things can make the green leaves fall off prematurely, a common problem with poinsettias. The colorful bracts should look healthy, not wilted, and the leaves should be green and firmly attached to the stalk. If several have fallen off, that's a bad sign. Also inspect the flowers, the tiny little buttons in the center of the colorful bracts. Make sure they're fresh looking and not brown or mildewy.

When you get your poinsettia home, give it the location, light, and other conditions that will help it last. Place your poinsettias out of drafts and in bright light, such as 18 inches to 2 feet below an electric light source, but away from direct sunlight. This should provide the required temperatures: 70 degrees F in the daytime, and 60-65 degrees F at night are ideal. One of the worst places to keep a poinsettia is on top of the TV. If you leave the foil on the plant don't allow it to collect water at the bottom; tear holes in the foil so water doesn't collect in it. The best way to water is to put your plant in the kitchen sink, water it thoroughly, and let it drain before putting it back on display.