Archive for July, 2013

Orchids As National Emblems

Sunday, July 28th, 2013

Orchids are important symbols for many nations. The countries listed below have picked native orchids as national flowers, and proud emblems of their natural heritage. Many hold special meanings, often associated with important holidays. Some of these species are endangered, and their national status helps promote their conservation. Belize – The Black Orchid, Prosthechea cochleata, […]

Rare Orchid Discovered in Buckingham Palace’s Gardens

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013

Exciting news from Buckingham Palace! Yes, there’s a new baby prince, and there’s also a rare orchid growing on palace grounds. Orchid lovers are excited about the news of the orchid species, which hasn’t been seen anywhere in London for over a century. The unexpected find is a White Helleborine Orchid, or Cephalanthera damasonium, a terrestrial […]

Mini African Orchid Species

Sunday, July 21st, 2013

South Africa has so many fascinating native orchids that they seem to overshadow this mini species. Maybe that’s why this charming Mystacidium isn’t common in cultivation. However, it is one of the most common orchids found in South Africa. Last summer, I blogged about my plant’s impressive display, and this year, it’s unfurled an even bigger […]

An Orchid Disguised as a Weed

Monday, July 15th, 2013

The New York Times uncovers an orchid weed. Epipactis helleborine, known simply as helleborine, is an old world orchid species which has taken over North America, too. The fact that it’s happy in a wide range of growing conditions and soils, and can even grow in asphalt, helps explain its spread from coast to coast. Even […]

Fungus a Lifesaver for Rare Orchids

Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

Conservationists in Australia are relying on fungus to save endangered orchids. Like most orchids, the Rosella Spider Orchid and The Wine-Lipped Spider Orchid grow with the help of fungus. Both orchid species have declined due to habitat destruction, grazing, invasive species, and development. To help reinforce the remaining wild populations, researchers and volunteers plan to […]

Summer Blooms

Saturday, July 6th, 2013

It’s been awhile since I’ve shared pictures from our back garden, so I went out with my camera during this week’s warm spell to snap a few shots. From Violas to Lily of the Nile to Nasturtiums, there’s plenty in bloom. There are always orchids in bloom on the back deck. One of my favorites, […]

July Orchid Shows

Monday, July 1st, 2013

From Brisbane to Baton Rouge, orchid shows span the globe in July. Many take place south of the equator in Australia, Brazil, and South Africa. Further north, Britain’s Hampton Court Palace Flower Show bills itself as the largest flower show in the world. This year it covers 34 acres (13.8 hectares,) and includes plenty of […]