I've been gardening and writing about gardening for more than 20 years, yet I find I'm always learning new things about the plants, insects and other critters that call my backyard home. That's the great thing about gardening — it's never boring! I've worked as a landscaper, on an organic farm, as a research technician in a plant pathology lab and ran a small cut-flower business, all of which inform my garden writing. A few years ago my husband and I purchased a beautiful old Victorian house and opened a pet-friendly B&B; I've spent the last few summers renovating garden beds and adding new ones. My husband once asked me when I'll be finished, to which I replied, "Never!" For me, gardening is a process, not a goal.

Cherry Nymph Potted Amaryllis

GREEK mythology brings us the story of Amaryllis, a love-struck maiden who longed for the handsome but cold-hearted Alteo. Desperate to win his love, she pierced her heart with a golden arrow and then visited his cottage daily, shedding drops of blood along the way. On the thirtieth day, beautiful scarlet flowers bloomed along the path. Alteo was enamored, Amaryllis' heart was healed, and our favorite holiday bloom got its name. That is, until it was reclassified in the 1800s under the genus Hippeastrum.

Whatever you call them (and we'll call them amaryllis here), these dramatic tropical blooms herald the holidays with a natural beauty that only a living plant can bring. Here are 12 things you might not know about amaryllis:

• Amaryllis means to sparkle in Greek.
• Hippeastrum is derived from the Greek words for horse and star.
• In nature, amaryllis bloom in spring or summer, but are commonly forced into early bloom for the holidays.
• The U.S. imports more than 10 million amaryllis bulbs every year, mainly from Holland and South Africa.
• Plant breeders have developed more than 600 named varieties!

  Adjustable Amaryllis Stake

• Amaryllis reproduce by growing "daughter" bulbs next to the "mother" bulbs.
• It takes three to five years for a daughter bulb to reach a marketable size.
• You can grow amaryllis from seed, but it can take up to six years for them to reach maturity and produce flowers.
• Amaryllis are tender perennials; most are hardy outdoors only in zones 9 to 11.
• Properly cared for, an amaryllis plant can live for 75 years!

  Everyone loves a blooming gift!

  Find more stunning amaryllis varieties, plus unique flowering bulb baskets. There's something for everyone on your list.