Finale

When I first sawed into those five seeds a year ago, I had no great expectations. I was simply curious about what would happen. Had some fortuneteller foretold what to expect, I certainly would have dismissed it as an impossibility, but to my total amazement, those seeds developed into five lotus plants, three of which (my two and an adoptee) actually flowered within the year. I don't think I'll be doing this again, however: I've done it once, so I know it's possible, but I'll be buying any additional lotuses I want to get in the future.

For this coming winter, I plan to leave the two plants on the patio, and cover them with a mini-greenhouse built of PVC and bubblewrap. A while ago I was lucky enough to pick up an old bathtub for free from a neighbor who was getting rid of it, and will convert it to a lotus bog next spring. Originally, I had planned to keep the lotuses in my pond, but now realize how much room they need, so I think the tub will serve this purpose well. I'll dress it up with a fake rock veneer and it will look nice, sitting right next to the pond.