Archive for January, 2014

February Orchid Shows

Friday, January 31st, 2014

February’s orchid shows are well timed, both for Valentine’s Day and for gardeners eagerly awaiting spring. Two of the world’s largest shows occur this month, one in Tokyo and the other here in San Francisco. Big or small, these shows all offer great chances to enjoy incredible flowers, meet local experts, and find orchids for […]

More Winter Orchid Exhibits

Wednesday, January 29th, 2014

In addition to my earlier list, these botanical gardens also host winter orchid exhibits. All of them are great destinations for a cold winter day or a special valentine. February 1 – March 9 Escape from winter at the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Orchid Mania 2014. Along with stunning flowers, the event includes an interior design […]

Preparing for Kew’s Orchid Festival

Sunday, January 26th, 2014

In London, the world’s preeminent botanical garden invites you to escape winter by enjoying a tropical orchid festival. The Princess of Wales Conservatory at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is never colder than 70°F (21°C,) and it’s getting ready for “Orchids 2014: A Plant Hunter’s Paradise.” The festival runs Saturday, February 8th to Sunday, March […]

Cutting Off Orchid Roots

Monday, January 20th, 2014

As air plants, many orchids grow roots outside their pots. Popular varieties like Phals and Vandas prefer to grow this way. However, some people find exposed roots unattractive. “Can I cut off my orchid’s roots?” is a common question. Usually the query includes an explanation that the roots stick out of the pot, look ugly, […]

Odonts: Hardy, Cool Growing Orchids

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

If you think all orchids need warmth, then these beautiful Odonts will surprise you. Odont is a conveniently shortened nickname for Odontoglossum. The pink hybrid pictured in the first row and the yellow hybrid pictured in the second row are great examples of this cool growing orchid family. They are reliable bloomers on our back […]

Winter Orchid Exhibits

Wednesday, January 8th, 2014

Orchid exhibits offer great tropical respites from winter. These events last for weeks, rather than just a weekend, so there’s no excuse to miss them. January 8 – February 24 In the mile-high city, Denver Botanic Gardens creates an Orchid Showcase. Escape from the cold with hundreds of orchids adorning the Orangery. Free orchid repotting […]

Winter Garden

Sunday, January 5th, 2014

Admittedly, we’re spoiled gardeners here in San Francisco. It rarely goes below freezing, so we can grow lots of tropical plants outdoors all year. Many enjoy the cooler winter weather, and bloom through the season. During sunny days, butterflies and bees make an appearance to enliven the garden. These recent pictures from our backyard show […]