Inside at Orchids in the Park, the colors began with a blue Dendrobium hybrid, lighter in color than its parent species. Bright colors continued with a pair of Cattleya hybrids which seemed to be inverses of one another. Both had wonderful scents.

A tiny Stelis featured mini flowers, each smaller than the letter “o” on my keyboard, and an elegant Phrag sported petals that drooped down longer than my arms. Rich red Vanda blooms fell into the large flower category, too. A big white Paph captured my attention, but so did the brilliant purple of a mini Phal. Finally, a multicolored hybrid Howeara displayed an abundance of small charms.

Whether you’re in the northern half of the planet entering autumn, or the southern half starting spring, orchids offer lots of reasons to celebrate the change of season.

Any organic matter can cause allergies, and orchid sensitivities do exist. Naturally occurring chemicals in plants may be benign to most people’s immune systems, but bother others. In addition, orchid growers may use pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or growth hormones. These chemicals can sometimes cause symptoms in sensitive individuals, ranging from mild reactions to more severe rashes or breathing problems.

For those affected by fragrances, there are many scentless orchids. Most commonly sold Phals, Paphs, Dendrobiums, Epidendrums, Masdevallias, and Oncidiums have no perfume. Avoid Cattleyas, Cymbidiums, and Miltonias, which usually have scents.

Artificial fertilizers may cause reactions. Some people may be sensitive to potting material like bark or moss. A few orchid varieties have sap that irritates skin. Some types of lady slippers grow prickly hairs on their stems and leaves, but they are not commonly cultivated.

No flower is 100% allergy free, but orchids have the advantage of their harmless pollen. In fact, the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America has chosen the orchid as its official flower. So put away those plastic blossoms, and try orchids instead. Your nose will thank you.

Even though it’s nearby, just across the bay, Oakland has a warmer climate than San Francisco. Warm growing Miltoniopsis, Trichoglottis, and Epidendrum would have a tougher time in our cool coastal breezes. They certainly seem happy here.

We also found a fascinating Dracula, and a few unusual specimens which resemble strange sea creatures more than orchids.

Besides the gorgeous orchids, we also took pictures of some historic Oakland architecture. The Paramount Theater and I. Magnin Building have wonderful Art Deco designs. From the final photo, it’s easy to see why the Cathedral Building was once called the Wedding Cake Building.

The calendar is priced for the recession:  just $8 (USA) covers the calendar, taxes, and shipping. To order, make out a check to OCA and mail to:

Orchid Conservation Alliance
564 Arden Dr.
Encinitas, CA 92024

Discounts apply if you buy more than 10 copies of the calendar. You can email the OCA, donate, join, or buy more merchandise including t-shirts and posters by visiting OCA’s website, or calling 760-753-3173.

Membership perks also include coupons for orchids and supplies, access to extensive online orchid info, discounts at more than 200 botanical gardens, and the satisfaction of supporting the AOS. Orchid lovers, from novices to experts, find AOS membership is well worth the cost.

Here in San Francisco, we set a record high of 80F (27C) yesterday, and although today is a more seasonal 65F (18C,) spring is definitely here. But even if winter is not releasing its grip in your neck of the woods, there’s one more reason to celebrate. This news article in The Independent of London describes the exciting rediscovery of the bizarre Ghost Orchid, long believed to be extinct in Great Britain.

Britain’s Ghost Orchid shares the same common name with the famous Ghost Orchid of Florida’s swamps in The Orchid Thief, but they’re two completely different species. However, Britain’s Ghost Orchid may be even more peculiar than Florida’s. Neither species has leaves, but the British species “behaves more like a fungus than a flower, according to the naturalist Peter Marren, author of Britain’s Rare Flowers.” It lives underground, and doesn’t depend on sunlight. Instead, it makes food in its roots with the help of a fungus. It only comes into view with small, ghostly white flowers when conditions are right. As the holy grail of British botany, it’s rediscovery certainly adds a boost to any spring celebration.

• Moth Orchids and Lady Slippers are great choices since their blooms can last for months, and they can survive low light levels often found in homes and offices.
• Cattleyas are the classic corsage orchid, with large, elegant flowers. Most have strong fragrances, and their blooms can last for weeks.
• Look for freshly opened flowers, with no shriveled buds. If the blooms are already open, it’s tougher to tell how long they’ll last. If there are a few unopened buds, you’ll be able to enjoy watching the flowers unfurl.
• On live plants, leaves should appear healthy and firm, not floppy or too soft. A few small blemishes may not indicate any problem, so if the plant seems to be in good shape, don’t make that an automatic disqualifier. Avoid plants with yellow or black leaves.
• For care purposes, it will really help to identify your orchid. Look for a plant with a name tag, or ask the vendor. It’s not necessary to know the exact name, just the family of orchids to which it belongs. If you can’t identify it, follow these generic orchid care guidelines.
• Bows, ribbons, and wrapping paper eventually need to be removed when watering so they don’t block essential drainage. Orchid pots must have holes in the bottom for water and air to flow through.

For over a century and a half, orchid lovers have been crossbreeding different orchid species. Many resulting hybrids bloom with larger, more colorful, and longer-lasting flowers than their parent species; often they can survive some degree of abuse or neglect. New hybrids constantly top these remarkable standards.

Most orchids sold are hybrids. If you’re buying at a supermarket or big box store, it’s almost guaranteed that you’re purchasing a hybrid. The same hybrid vigor that allows mass-produced orchids to be shipped across oceans and highways guarantees you a tough plant. Many florists and garden centers carry only hybrids, however you can ask which are hybrids and which are temperamental species. You’ll probably only encounter orchid species at some florists and online vendors like Andy’s Orchids, a species specialist. If you want to tackle the pickier needs of an orchid species, Andy’s is a great place to start. But unless your valentine is an experienced orchid grower, stick with hybrids. Remember that you should never take orchid species from the wild or buy wild orchids (it’s illegal, and the plants probably won’t survive the shock anyway.)

You can tell whether an orchid is a hybrid or a species by its name, but many orchids lack name-tags at all, and complicated hybrid names can be written incorrectly. If you’re ready to dive into understanding orchid names, take a deep breath and start here.

One more orchid buying tip: if it’s below freezing where you live, try not to expose unprotected orchids to the cold air. For some orchids, just a few seconds of freezing temps can kill the flowers or the plant. Cover the plant, heat your hybrid car, pull right up to the exit, and pack in your hybrid orchid.