Archive for April, 2014

Orchids on the Coast

Monday, April 28th, 2014

Here’s proof that the orchids are doing well after our recent move to Pacifica. This great orange Masdevallia stays in flower for months at a time. Currently, it’s putting on a fantastic show with dozens of brilliant blooms. This hybrid is living next to the house with the rest of the outdoor orchids. They’re sheltered on […]

Water Conservation

Sunday, April 20th, 2014

With California struggling through another drought, water conservation is essential. For orchid growers, droughts can be a problem. Orchids need moisture, both for watering and for humidity. Even growers who enjoy abundant water should treat it as a precious resource. Some orchids need a lot of water. Lady Slippers and Masdevallias have heavy demands. Cattleyas […]

Martha Stewart Recommends the New York Botanical Garden’s Orchid Show

Monday, April 14th, 2014

Martha Stewart extolls the wonders of the New York Botanical Garden’s (NYBG) Orchid Show. Her discussion with an NYBG curator reflects her fascination with getting all the orchids blooming at the right time. This beautiful exhibit has a Key West theme, and runs until April 21st. Enjoy the video preview below:

Orchid Post Mortem: Myoxanthus

Monday, April 7th, 2014

Every now and then, I’m reminded of the adage that you’re not an orchid expert until you’ve killed your weight in orchids. I passed that milestone long ago, and while I kill fewer now, occasionally a weight is added to the scales. For example, I lost this Myoxanthus over the past winter. It died after […]