Archive for April, 2009

May Orchid Shows

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

If you think that orchid shows are just excuses to buy more orchids, then you’re overlooking the fact that shows provide invaluable opportunities to see breathtaking flowers, to learn about orchids from the experts, and to meet other local orchid enthusiasts. And if you come home with some great new orchids in hand, just consider […]

A Walk in the Park

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

Dave and I took advantage of a nice spring day to enjoy nearby Mission Dolores Park, a green island between the Mission and Castro neighborhoods. We didn’t find any orchids, but there was so much in bloom that we barely noticed. These delightful cherry blossoms had us pulling out our cameras before we even got […]

Pterostylis

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

This unusual orchid is a Pterostylis. If you don’t enjoy trying to pronounce Greek scientific names, you’ll be happy to know that Pterostylis are nicknamed “greenhoods” in their native Australia and New Zealand. The bug-eaten pair of flowers in the first set of photos shows the unusual flower shape, including a slightly twisted flower lip […]

Stinking Hot

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

Spring is in full swing with a heat wave here in San Francisco, setting record highs yesterday and today. While yesterday we reached 93F (34C,) today there are some high clouds than are keeping it down to a more manageable 87F (31C.) Since most people here, including me, don’t have air conditioning, stinking hot is […]

Zygopetalum

Saturday, April 18th, 2009

When you think Zygopetalum, think purple. There are dozens of Zygo species and hybrids, and every one I’ve seen has great purple color. The hybrid Zygo in these pictures has a spectacular purple lip, but that’s not its only distinction. The 3 inch (8 cm) flowers can last for months, and  have a strong fragrance. […]

Spring Garden

Monday, April 13th, 2009

A few faithful readers have reminded me that I’m overdue for a garden update. Since the backyard has burst into bloom with spring, I have to agree that it’s definitely past time. I’ll start with some orchids that are right on their spring schedules: a great purple Epidendrum and a pink & purple Bletilla. As […]

Dendrobium kingianum

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

If you’re looking for a great beginner’s orchid beyond the typical Phal, this Australian Dendrobium species is popular in cultivation and easy to grow. It doesn’t have big showy flowers, but Dendrobium kingianum more than compensates with prolific blooms and a honey-sweet scent. Flowers can last for 2 months. This Dendrobium can handle a wide […]

Kefersteinia

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

I bought this little charmer last month at the Pacific Orchid Expo. It’s a Kefersteinia, and it’s been covered with blooms for over a month. This species flowers frequently, producing a single bloom on each spike. The flowers last about a week, but there’s a constant resupply of 1 inch (2.5 cm) yellow flowers with […]

April Orchid Shows

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009

April has enough orchid shows to keep any orchid lover jet-lagged. From Las Vegas to Seattle to Houston to Ottawa, with more shows in Costa Rica and Belgium, Dave and I could just take a whole month and go to shows and buy orchids and take pictures and … well, even just one would be […]