AboutOrchids

Last week’s wacky weather wasn’t limited to a mini heatwave; we also had a hailstorm. San Francisco’s mild weather seldom falls below freezing, but winter storms occasionally bring hail. It rarely does damage in our garden. After a powerful storm was punctuated by noisy hailstones, I saw that the leaves of the Brugmansia had been […]

Looking back over photos from the Oakland Orchid Show, I realized that one post didn’t do it justice. With so many beautiful blooms, Dave and I had more pictures to share. Just to start, here are rich colors from a Vanda, a Cattleya, and an Ascocenda. Remarkable colors are only part of the show. Large […]

Last week, before Dave and I went to Philly to visit family, I’m glad I gave my neighbor George last minute instructions to “water everything!” We’ve had November warm spells before, but when I heard Bay Area forecasters using the words “offshore flow,” I knew it was going to be a mini heatwave. Most of […]

Often I like to point out that many orchids are easy to grow, but some varieties deserve their difficult reputations. For example, this purple and white Comparettia ranks as one of the fussier members of the orchid family. It may resemble a simple Oncidium, but don’t be fooled. Cultivating these blooms takes some work. This Comparettia […]

Dave and I enjoyed some wonderful blooms and delicious scents in Oakland last weekend. The Orchid Society of California has been around since 1937, and they know how to put on a show. Just to start, here’s a brilliant orange Epidendrum, a fuzzy yellow Paph, and a sweet smelling Cattleya. Even though it’s nearby, just […]

Australian scientists have successfully cultivated the bizarre Eastern Underground Orchid for the first time. Australia is known for its fascinating flora and fauna, but this endangered orchid may be the one of the most bizarre plant species in the world. Rhizanthella lives almost entirely underground, and only emerges above ground when it flowers. Without leaves, […]

Your orchid show travel agent here, and we’ve got a busy month ahead. Shows on 6 continents offer great opportunities to enjoy incredible flowers, meet local growers and experts, and add an orchid or two to your collection. Don’t forget your camera! November 3 Orchid Society of West Pasco Show, Buena Vista Manor Clubhouse, 5112 […]