Just before I went into hospital for the big jobbie, I handed over my treasured carnivorous plants to Bob the Butcher.
I chose him, because he has a water butt in his yard and at this time of year, all carnies need is sun, rainwater and maybe the odd insect.
They'd had a pretty poor winter and looked tired and close to expiration, but one thing I've discovered is that carnies are tough little buggers.
For example, the Cape Sundew which had given the impression of having died completely, has for the second time bounced back (that's a sundew in the picture but not mine). The two pitcher plants were looking a bit sick. In fact, the Sarracenia flava I bought mail order a couple of years ago, arrived looking like a trimmed scallion and has never really shown any improvement on that. Mind you, the Sarracenia purpurea is really perking up a treat.
Bob knows nothing about gardening, but just knows not to let them dry out and always give them rainwater.
I'm not going to have them back yet, as being outdoors is going to give them a real boost this year. You see, when they go into winter dormancy, the store a ruck of energy ready for the next spring.
Sundews are pretty amazing. Those little droplets you can see, are sticky and sweet tasting to insects. When a small one lands on the plant for a sugar fix, it's game over because it can't get off. Wriggle about and it just gets covered in the sticky goo and then it's soul goes to insect heaven and the sundew feasts on the remains.
Sort of makes me wish I had a garden, because they really aren't suited for indoor growing. Not enough light and in many cases (my flat excluded) it's too warm in winter.
Because I miss them so, I'm going to give Bob the Canon to get me some pics of my babies, because I miss them so.
This Sarracenia isn't one of mine either (but I can wish).
