Our Winter Garden Blooms

Masdevallia chaparensis, orchid species flower, pleurothallid, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMasdevallia chaparensis, orchid species flower, pleurothallid, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaEpidendrum flowers, orchid flowers and buds, red and yellow flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

Cymbidium flowers, orchid hybrid flowers, yellow flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium flowers, orchid hybrid flowers, white pink yellow and red flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium flowers, orchid hybrid flowers, white pink yellow and red flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

For over 30 years, I’ve been living and gardening in California, and I’ve certainly become spoiled by the fact that we can garden year-round here. But I did grow up in New Jersey, and went to college in upstate New York, so I also remember ice cold winters when nothing was growing. Outdoors was mostly brown and gray, or a white blanket of snow. How fortunate I am to be able to enjoy this mild climate instead. In the middle of January, we’re reveling in blooms on a Masdevallia, Epidendrum, Cymbidiums, Giant Hyacinth Orchid, and Laelia.

Arpophyllum giganteum, Giant Hyacinth Orchid, clusters of small purple flowers with long green leaves, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaArpophyllum giganteum, Giant Hyacinth Orchid, clusters of small purple flowers with long green leaves, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaLaelia anceps 'Helen', orchid species flower, close up of flower lip, flower with water drops, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

Laelia anceps 'Helen', orchid species flower, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaLaelia anceps 'Helen', orchid species flowers and bud, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaLaelia anceps 'Helen', orchid species buds, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

Of course, we have more than orchids in the garden. The row of photos below shows Fivespots, Nemophila maculata, a California native annual. It’s been a few years since I’ve grown them. On the coast they’re easy to start from seed. The flowers are simple but striking, and boast deep purple spots. I don’t know why some of the blooms have six spots instead of five, but I suppose they can’t count. If you’re enduring a harsh winter, enjoy our winter garden, and take these flowers as a sign of better things to come.

Fivespot, Nemophila maculata, California native, annual flower species, white flowers petals with purple spots and purple veining, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaFivespot, Nemophila maculata, California native, annual flower species, white flower petals with purple spots and purple veining, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaFivespot, Nemophila maculata, California native, annual flower species, white flowers, petals with purple spots and purple veining, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

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