Alas Poor Richard .......

Richard, Darrell's horticultural companion of the last month or so has finally and very sadly reached the end of his magnificent bloomage .......

...... after bringing so much expectation and joy to The Towers and the aforementioned Darrell.

It was the day we all knew would come, but poor Darrell not even daring to contemplate after all the loving care he'd given Richard, but this morning, finding all blooms wilted and Richard's stem drooping sadly, Darrell knew he'd have to do the obvious and put Richard, he hoped and prayed, temporarily out of his misery. 

So, with that, Richard was gently lifted from his pot and lain on the table ......

..... where Darrell lovingly laid a paper towel over his face, to avoid Richard any further distress ......

 

.......... before cutting his stem right to the bottom of his shooting, embryonic leaves and then removing the wax cover that had kept him balanced and nutritionalised whilst in Darrell's tender care.

It was emotional!  What comes next is now in the lap of the botanical gods.  Darrell has tasked all of us to look out for a bulb vase dans les charity shops of Evesham to help Richard establish some new healthy and robust roots and after that, if successful, he will be re-potted in appropriate soil to wishfully ride/rise again ........ therefore the crossing of fingers, toes and anything else that can be crossed is required during the coming weeks and possibly months ........ let us pray!