Ilena Gilbert-Mays
@ilenagm.bsky.social
Horticulturist in coastal North Carolina🐚 🇺🇸who loves tropicals, gingers and exotic plants, oh who am I kidding! I am obsessed with all plants and please, be kind🙏🌎🌱🌸🇺🇦🇨🇦🇬🇧
Pinned
Ilena Gilbert-Mays
@ilenagm.bsky.social
· Nov 21
This cactus was the star and start of my cactus collection and addiction. I had to set an alarm to not miss this beautiful sight. It grew too large and was donated to a larger collection 🌵💘
#Cactus #Succulents #Flowers #FlowerReport #CactusAddict
#Cactus #Succulents #Flowers #FlowerReport #CactusAddict
Reposted by Ilena Gilbert-Mays
This rose looks like a party.
#Roses #flower #FlowerReport #bloomsky #bloomscrolling #nature #naturephotography #photography 📷🌱🌴🪴sky
#Roses #flower #FlowerReport #bloomsky #bloomscrolling #nature #naturephotography #photography 📷🌱🌴🪴sky
February 8, 2026 at 3:28 PM
This rose looks like a party.
#Roses #flower #FlowerReport #bloomsky #bloomscrolling #nature #naturephotography #photography 📷🌱🌴🪴sky
#Roses #flower #FlowerReport #bloomsky #bloomscrolling #nature #naturephotography #photography 📷🌱🌴🪴sky
Reposted by Ilena Gilbert-Mays
Tarheels at the end!! I’m a Tarheel too!!!
bsky.app/profile/cjze...
bsky.app/profile/cjze...
Seth Trimble hits a three to win it for UNC... or so we thought. They have to clear the court and Duke will have 0.4 left
February 8, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Tarheels at the end!! I’m a Tarheel too!!!
bsky.app/profile/cjze...
bsky.app/profile/cjze...
#SundayYellow watching the #WinterOlympics this morning before switching over to the #SuperBowl later. Here is the #Nasturtium hanging basket feeling fine this morning.
#Flowers #Gardening #Plants #GYO #MyGreenhouse #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport #BadBunny💃
#Flowers #Gardening #Plants #GYO #MyGreenhouse #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport #BadBunny💃
February 8, 2026 at 2:15 PM
#SundayYellow watching the #WinterOlympics this morning before switching over to the #SuperBowl later. Here is the #Nasturtium hanging basket feeling fine this morning.
#Flowers #Gardening #Plants #GYO #MyGreenhouse #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport #BadBunny💃
#Flowers #Gardening #Plants #GYO #MyGreenhouse #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport #BadBunny💃
#SixOnSaturday saw snow finally melting🫠my seed order has a dark theme this year, birds were everywhere, greenhouse was packed and full of flowers, and my poppy pots should germinate now that the snow melted.
#Flowers #Gardening #Plants #Winter #FlowerReport #GulfOfMexico
#Flowers #Gardening #Plants #Winter #FlowerReport #GulfOfMexico
February 7, 2026 at 11:03 AM
#SixOnSaturday saw snow finally melting🫠my seed order has a dark theme this year, birds were everywhere, greenhouse was packed and full of flowers, and my poppy pots should germinate now that the snow melted.
#Flowers #Gardening #Plants #Winter #FlowerReport #GulfOfMexico
#Flowers #Gardening #Plants #Winter #FlowerReport #GulfOfMexico
Reposted by Ilena Gilbert-Mays
White #amaryllis given to my mother for Christmas: 3rd flower stem and a 4th one in progress!
Each had 4 or 5 flowers: amazing bloom 🌱
Each had 4 or 5 flowers: amazing bloom 🌱
February 4, 2026 at 11:54 AM
White #amaryllis given to my mother for Christmas: 3rd flower stem and a 4th one in progress!
Each had 4 or 5 flowers: amazing bloom 🌱
Each had 4 or 5 flowers: amazing bloom 🌱
Reposted by Ilena Gilbert-Mays
The Hellebores have finally bloomed & adding some colour to the garden. Photo taken when the same came out earlier this week! 🌞😂 Wishing everyone a Happy Friday! 🌸🌼 #FlowersonFriday #Fridaythoughts #HappyFriday
February 6, 2026 at 10:45 AM
The Hellebores have finally bloomed & adding some colour to the garden. Photo taken when the same came out earlier this week! 🌞😂 Wishing everyone a Happy Friday! 🌸🌼 #FlowersonFriday #Fridaythoughts #HappyFriday
Reposted by Ilena Gilbert-Mays
Plum blossom starting to bloom today. #Spring is arriving in Central London. #FlowersOnFriday
🌱 #Gardening #UKGardening #FlowerFeed #BloomScrolling
🌱 #Gardening #UKGardening #FlowerFeed #BloomScrolling
February 6, 2026 at 1:25 PM
Plum blossom starting to bloom today. #Spring is arriving in Central London. #FlowersOnFriday
🌱 #Gardening #UKGardening #FlowerFeed #BloomScrolling
🌱 #Gardening #UKGardening #FlowerFeed #BloomScrolling
Reposted by Ilena Gilbert-Mays
Our #FloridaNative Coral Bean tree
(Erythrina herbacea) was unfazed by our 29-year low temperature of 35 degrees earlier this week. 🌱 #Plants #Flowers #FlowerReport #BloomScrolling #MyGarden
(Erythrina herbacea) was unfazed by our 29-year low temperature of 35 degrees earlier this week. 🌱 #Plants #Flowers #FlowerReport #BloomScrolling #MyGarden
February 5, 2026 at 11:36 AM
Our #FloridaNative Coral Bean tree
(Erythrina herbacea) was unfazed by our 29-year low temperature of 35 degrees earlier this week. 🌱 #Plants #Flowers #FlowerReport #BloomScrolling #MyGarden
(Erythrina herbacea) was unfazed by our 29-year low temperature of 35 degrees earlier this week. 🌱 #Plants #Flowers #FlowerReport #BloomScrolling #MyGarden
Reposted by Ilena Gilbert-Mays
February 6, 2026 at 12:14 PM
#FoliageFriday in the greenhouse is a colorful pot of coleus surrounded by a flat of pinched petunias all waiting for spring 👏🙌☀️
#Flowers #Gardening #MyGreenhouse #Plants #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport #SuperBowl2026
#Flowers #Gardening #MyGreenhouse #Plants #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport #SuperBowl2026
February 6, 2026 at 1:28 PM
#FoliageFriday in the greenhouse is a colorful pot of coleus surrounded by a flat of pinched petunias all waiting for spring 👏🙌☀️
#Flowers #Gardening #MyGreenhouse #Plants #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport #SuperBowl2026
#Flowers #Gardening #MyGreenhouse #Plants #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport #SuperBowl2026
I lost two roof panels in the small cold greenhouse and it snowed pretty good in there but after it melted the petunias and pansies are back up🙌
#Flowers #Gardening #Plants #GulfOfMexico #Winter #FlowerReport
#Flowers #Gardening #Plants #GulfOfMexico #Winter #FlowerReport
February 5, 2026 at 2:04 PM
I lost two roof panels in the small cold greenhouse and it snowed pretty good in there but after it melted the petunias and pansies are back up🙌
#Flowers #Gardening #Plants #GulfOfMexico #Winter #FlowerReport
#Flowers #Gardening #Plants #GulfOfMexico #Winter #FlowerReport
It’s a rainy day today and hopefully it will melt the rest of the snow. It has certainly been a inside week and seeds may have been ordered while spring daydreaming 😆
#Flowers #Gardening #Winter #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport #February
#Flowers #Gardening #Winter #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport #February
February 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM
It’s a rainy day today and hopefully it will melt the rest of the snow. It has certainly been a inside week and seeds may have been ordered while spring daydreaming 😆
#Flowers #Gardening #Winter #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport #February
#Flowers #Gardening #Winter #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport #February
Reposted by Ilena Gilbert-Mays
Lots of activity today around the bird feeders !! 😁
February 3, 2026 at 11:44 AM
Lots of activity today around the bird feeders !! 😁
Reposted by Ilena Gilbert-Mays
Blue tit and sunflower seeds 😍
February 1, 2026 at 11:18 AM
Blue tit and sunflower seeds 😍
While the tropical greenhouse was closed for snow, ❄️ my red #Amaryllis decided to bloom in private 😂 I discovered it yesterday ❤️🔥
#Flowers #Gardening #MyGreenhouse #WinterFlowers #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport
#Flowers #Gardening #MyGreenhouse #WinterFlowers #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport
February 3, 2026 at 11:50 AM
While the tropical greenhouse was closed for snow, ❄️ my red #Amaryllis decided to bloom in private 😂 I discovered it yesterday ❤️🔥
#Flowers #Gardening #MyGreenhouse #WinterFlowers #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport
#Flowers #Gardening #MyGreenhouse #WinterFlowers #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport
I took this photo before the snow. I tried to cover all my #Hellebores with some frost cloth but it blew away in the gale force winds🤷🏼♀️they are well covered in snow now❄️
#Flowers #Gardening #Winter #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport #GroundhogDay2026 #February
#Flowers #Gardening #Winter #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport #GroundhogDay2026 #February
February 2, 2026 at 1:13 PM
I took this photo before the snow. I tried to cover all my #Hellebores with some frost cloth but it blew away in the gale force winds🤷🏼♀️they are well covered in snow now❄️
#Flowers #Gardening #Winter #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport #GroundhogDay2026 #February
#Flowers #Gardening #Winter #GulfOfMexico #FlowerReport #GroundhogDay2026 #February
Reposted by Ilena Gilbert-Mays
This is simultaneously the most anxiety-inducing and most satisfying weather for a greenhouse owner. If the heater fails at night, everything will die, but with the sun reflecting off the snow today, it’s 29 C and 75% humidity inside. Looks, feels, and smells like a tropical vacation. 🌱 🌴
February 1, 2026 at 5:27 PM
This is simultaneously the most anxiety-inducing and most satisfying weather for a greenhouse owner. If the heater fails at night, everything will die, but with the sun reflecting off the snow today, it’s 29 C and 75% humidity inside. Looks, feels, and smells like a tropical vacation. 🌱 🌴
Reposted by Ilena Gilbert-Mays
Happy #February
Birds of Paradise
🌱🧡🌱💙🌱❤️🌱
In 1952 the Bird of Paradise was designated the official flower of Los Angeles.
#SoCal #FlowerReport
#Bloomscrolling
Birds of Paradise
🌱🧡🌱💙🌱❤️🌱
In 1952 the Bird of Paradise was designated the official flower of Los Angeles.
#SoCal #FlowerReport
#Bloomscrolling
February 1, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Happy #February
Birds of Paradise
🌱🧡🌱💙🌱❤️🌱
In 1952 the Bird of Paradise was designated the official flower of Los Angeles.
#SoCal #FlowerReport
#Bloomscrolling
Birds of Paradise
🌱🧡🌱💙🌱❤️🌱
In 1952 the Bird of Paradise was designated the official flower of Los Angeles.
#SoCal #FlowerReport
#Bloomscrolling
Reposted by Ilena Gilbert-Mays
PEACE be with you, Friends
Rabbits, Rabbits, it is FEBRUARY!
Rabbits, Rabbits, it is FEBRUARY!
February 1, 2026 at 8:34 AM
PEACE be with you, Friends
Rabbits, Rabbits, it is FEBRUARY!
Rabbits, Rabbits, it is FEBRUARY!
Reposted by Ilena Gilbert-Mays
I's so's sorry, Ilena😞 Mother Nature been really hard on us this season🥶❄️ Try to stay's positive and think's of all's the beautiful plants and floofs that's will grow in the Spring🪻🌼🐞🌱🌺🐝🌿☺️ Stay safe and warm!🤗😚💚
February 1, 2026 at 1:23 PM
I's so's sorry, Ilena😞 Mother Nature been really hard on us this season🥶❄️ Try to stay's positive and think's of all's the beautiful plants and floofs that's will grow in the Spring🪻🌼🐞🌱🌺🐝🌿☺️ Stay safe and warm!🤗😚💚
Reposted by Ilena Gilbert-Mays
The same, eastern North Carolina. I think we got closer to 15 inches.
February 1, 2026 at 1:50 PM
The same, eastern North Carolina. I think we got closer to 15 inches.
The snow is over my boots 👢 so I am trying to stay in and resist the temptation to open either of my greenhouses. The #wildlife needs a little extra care during these times with food and water.
#Nature #WildlifePhotography #SnowSunday #Gardening
#Nature #WildlifePhotography #SnowSunday #Gardening
February 1, 2026 at 3:46 PM
The snow is over my boots 👢 so I am trying to stay in and resist the temptation to open either of my greenhouses. The #wildlife needs a little extra care during these times with food and water.
#Nature #WildlifePhotography #SnowSunday #Gardening
#Nature #WildlifePhotography #SnowSunday #Gardening
Reposted by Ilena Gilbert-Mays
We hit 14, just found out the added heater worked in the greenhouse 🎉 I hope the snow insulates your (& my) tender plants from the extreme cold, only Spring will tell 🤞🙏🤞Good luck.
#WinterWonderland it has finally quit snowing in the last few minutes with an unofficial total of ten inches and currently 18 degrees Fahrenheit. I must admit I cried🥺 when I got up, there are things under that snow in my gardens that will not survive
#Snow #Gardening #Nature #BombCyclone
#Snow #Gardening #Nature #BombCyclone
February 1, 2026 at 12:50 PM
We hit 14, just found out the added heater worked in the greenhouse 🎉 I hope the snow insulates your (& my) tender plants from the extreme cold, only Spring will tell 🤞🙏🤞Good luck.
#WinterWonderland it has finally quit snowing in the last few minutes with an unofficial total of ten inches and currently 18 degrees Fahrenheit. I must admit I cried🥺 when I got up, there are things under that snow in my gardens that will not survive
#Snow #Gardening #Nature #BombCyclone
#Snow #Gardening #Nature #BombCyclone
February 1, 2026 at 12:17 PM
#WinterWonderland it has finally quit snowing in the last few minutes with an unofficial total of ten inches and currently 18 degrees Fahrenheit. I must admit I cried🥺 when I got up, there are things under that snow in my gardens that will not survive
#Snow #Gardening #Nature #BombCyclone
#Snow #Gardening #Nature #BombCyclone
Reposted by Ilena Gilbert-Mays
#sixonsaturday 31-01-26 : News shoots New leaves New flowers New fruit !
Crocus, gaultheria, grapefruit, tetrapanax, rose and fern 🌱
fredgardenerblog2.wordpress.com/2026/01/31/s...
Crocus, gaultheria, grapefruit, tetrapanax, rose and fern 🌱
fredgardenerblog2.wordpress.com/2026/01/31/s...
January 31, 2026 at 7:36 AM
#sixonsaturday 31-01-26 : News shoots New leaves New flowers New fruit !
Crocus, gaultheria, grapefruit, tetrapanax, rose and fern 🌱
fredgardenerblog2.wordpress.com/2026/01/31/s...
Crocus, gaultheria, grapefruit, tetrapanax, rose and fern 🌱
fredgardenerblog2.wordpress.com/2026/01/31/s...