Archive for the 'Misc' Category

Virtual Orchid Judging

Friday, May 14th, 2021

VirtualOrchids.org is judging orchids online. It’s not quite the same as in-person judging, but it’s proving to be very worthwhile. While much of the orchid world has moved online in the past year, orchid judges must examine plants in person to give awards. With most shows still cancelled, online contests are a good alternative. No […]

Orchids Worthy of the Award of Garden Merit

Thursday, March 25th, 2021

In the UK, Awards of Garden Merit (AGMs) are given to worthy plants, including orchids, by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS.) AGMs are varieties which are reliable, easy to grow, and commonly sold in the UK. The three photos above represent orchids which currently have AGMs. They are Pleione formosana, Stenoglottis longifolia, and Oncidium Sharry […]

Life Lessons from North American Orchids

Wednesday, March 17th, 2021

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center explains the life lessons offered by North American orchids. If the Queen’s Lady Slipper can take 16 years to bloom, certainly we humans can learn to take our time. When Three Bird Orchids bloom en masse to better attract pollinators, they are exemplifying the importance of teamwork. For all that […]

The Species Identification Task Force Pinpoints Orchid Names

Thursday, February 25th, 2021

The Species Identification Task Force (SITF) sorts out difficult orchid identities. There are about 30,000 orchid species, and experts with the American Orchid Society work to verify whether awarded plants’ nametags are accurate. Whenever a species receives its first award, it’s automatically reviewed to authenticate its identity. Orchid judges may also ask for confirmation of […]

A Treasure Trove of Central African Orchids

Tuesday, November 17th, 2020

There’s a treasure trove of Central African orchids at www.Orchid-Africa.net. This growing database offers a look at some uncommon species, and it features lots of pictures. Central African orchids aren’t as well known as their relatives from Madagascar and South Africa, but they should be. They include captivating members of the Angraecum family, Bulbophyllums, Eulophias, […]

Orchids for Biden

Tuesday, October 20th, 2020

Four years ago, many, including me, predicted that Trump would be a catastrophe for the USA. Certainly, he has been. He has failed to face a worsening pandemic, an economic collapse, and climate change disasters. His blatant corruption, incompetence, nepotism, and immorality are on display every day. His poisonous bigotry will continue to do damage […]

Make Your Own Orchids with Orchid-gami

Wednesday, October 14th, 2020

Orchid-gami lets everyone to create great orchid art. It’s an educational project from the North American Orchid Conservation Center and the United States Botanic Garden. They’re created templates for 3D models of native North American orchids. Download the files for free, then print, cut, fold, and glue. Teachers, parents, and kids will love assembling orchids. […]

Enduring Beauty – Orchid Portraits of the RHS

Monday, September 7th, 2020

For over 120 years, the UK’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has employed an official artist to render portraits of award-winning orchids. This stunning art is not only beautiful, but also precise in its botanical elements, making it better than photographs for discerning floral details. Since 1897, there have been nine official artists who have painted […]

It’s Been Six Months Since My Last Orchid Events Post

Tuesday, September 1st, 2020

Six months ago, I did a regular post about March’s upcoming orchid events. It included a note about a few cancellations because of COVID19. I certainly had no idea how much the world would change since then. By April, almost everything was cancelled, and it would have been irresponsible for me to publicize any remaining […]

An ‘Orchid Thief’ Sequel in Coral Gables

Monday, August 3rd, 2020

Chalk this one up to the fact that some orchid lovers behave poorly. The Miami Herald reports on orchid thefts in Coral Gables. Somebody stole $4,000 worth of orchids that residents had attached to trees. Several years ago, a few people started planting Moth Orchids and Dendrobiums to beautify their neighborhood. They were stolen in […]