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Our Rain-Soaked Winter Garden

Arpophyllum giganteum, Giant Hyacinth Orchid, orchid species flowers and leaves, clusters of small purple flowers, long strap-like leaves, growing outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaArpophyllum giganteum, Giant Hyacinth Orchid, orchid species flowers, cluster of small purple flowers, growing outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaArpophyllum giganteum, Giant Hyacinth Orchid, orchid species flowers and leaves and buds, clusters of small purple flowers, long strap-like leaves, growing outdoors in Pacifica, California

After years of drought, we don’t typically complain about rainy days in California. More than three weeks of storms, however, led to lots of complaints. From December 26th to January 19th, we received approximately 20 inches (50.8 cm) of precipitation, including a single day when we had over 5 inches (12.7 cm.) We also had winds over 60 mph (97 kph) on several days, and occasional hail. It’s made a dent in our drought, but also did some damage. Fortunately, the worst Dave and I had to endure was a 20-hour power outage, and a broken gutter. As for the orchids living outside, they fared surprisingly well. My Giant Hyacinth Orchid, which sits in the walkway outside the front door, is the first example. It started flowering before the storms, and wasn’t fazed at all by the powerful rains, winds, and hail. This reliable bloomer is a large plant with clusters of small flowers. It’s long, graceful leaves are sturdy, unbothered by the hailstones which pocked or tore other plants. It currently boasts about two dozen spikes, each with dozens of charming purple blooms.

Arpophyllum giganteum, Giant Hyacinth Orchid, orchid species flowers, flowers close-up. clusters of small purple flowers, growing outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaArpophyllum giganteum, Giant Hyacinth Orchid, orchid species flowers, flowers close-up. clusters of small purple flowers, growing outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, pink flowers, flowers with water drops, growing outdoors in Pacifica, California

Cymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, pink flower, flower with water drops, growing outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, pink flowers, flowers with water drops, growing outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, pink flowers, growing outdoors in Pacifica, California

Some of the Cymbidiums in the back garden did suffer damage, but are flowering anyway. A couple of them were already in bloom when the storms began. Those early blossoms are definitely beaten up, but still hanging on. Other plants were in spike, with fattening flower buds. Hail pitted their outer surfaces, so as they have opened, they’ve revealed their scars. Certainly my plants wouldn’t win any awards, but it’s impressive that they’ve survived at all. Their fortitude, in the face of Mother Nature’s extremes, clearly proves that these cool growers are not the fragile creations which many people imagine orchids to be.

Cymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, yellow flowers, growing outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, yellow flowers, growing outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCochlioda vulcania, orchid species flowers, miniature orchid, pink flowers, growing outdoors in Pacifica, California

The final photo shows a few of the remaining flowers on my Cochlioda. This miniature has already been blooming for months. The last few flowers are scratched and dented, but full of color. Now that the rains have paused, and the garden is drying, they’ve been able to shine in the Northern California sun again.

Explore posts in the same categories: Cool Growers, Photos, Problems

This entry was posted on Friday, January 27th, 2023 at 8:44 pm and is filed under Cool Growers, Photos, Problems.

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