Do you have any of these Moth Orchid species in your collection? You might not own these specific varieties, but if you have Phal hybrids, there’s a good chance that one or more of these species are in their ancestry. These nine photos show a few of the types frequently used in hybridization. Starting with […]
Enjoy these natural orchid wonders to celebrate today’s solstice. So many orchids bloom in this season that they’re the perfect antidote for dark and cold. Inside and outside our home, there are Moth Orchids, Cattleyas, Cymbidiums, and Masdevallias flowering, among others. They certainly inspire me with warmth and tropical beauty. It’s a great way to […]
Cymbidiums adorn much of the California coast. Many varieties bloom in autumn, when orchid lovers can spot them in flowerpots and gardens on the coast of the SF Bay Area. Plants in my and my neighbors’ gardens are currently blossoming in Pacifica, and we’re enjoying another fantastic Cymbidium season. Many people are amazed that orchids […]
Do you think that all orchids are fussy hothouse flowers? This brilliant Odont orchid lives outdoors all year long on the chilly Northern California coast. Despite heavy rains, strong winds, hail, heatwaves, and mischievous raccoons, it’s a very reliable bloomer. These flowers look delicate, but they can last three months through winter. This hybrid is […]
San Francisco’s Conservatory of Flowers is so packed with remarkable plants that there’s always more to explore. I’ve already done a few posts about our recent visit, but I still have photos to share. There are plenty more orchids, from brilliant Moth Orchids to bizarre Bulbophyllums. Although they aren’t orchids, the strange Bat Flower in the […]
In all the years I’ve been doing this blog, this tiny Stelis orchid has not bloomed — until now! It had flowered in past years, but not since 2006. I don’t know what’s made it so happy, but it now boasts eight flower spikes, despite some hot and dry weather. Dave and I were finally […]
Want to go to a fantastic party and help orchids at the same time? Enjoy the Dracula Ball: Gala under Glass on October 19th at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. This fundraiser celebrates Draculas — not the Transylvanian kind, but the Latin American orchids with the same name. Tickets start at $75 […]
With warm days lately, we’re enjoying lots of flowers. Orchids and other greenery keep our front and back yards full of color and buzzing with local wildlife. Cymbidiums, Epidendrums, and Masdevallias are such reliable bloomers here that they rarely take a break. Poppies, nasturtiums, and bromeliads add to the show. Even though we don’t have […]
Some readers may wonder why I’m posting a reminder about heatwaves at the start of autumn, but SF Bay Area locals understand. For us, the warmest months of the year are September and October. True to form, our cool, foggy weather gave way to warmer temps on schedule this year, and we’ve had a few […]
Delight in these orchids to mark today’s equinox. They’re all from this past July’s Orchids in the Park. With an incredible range of colors, shapes, and scents, they seem as distantly related as an oak tree is from an oyster. But superficial appearances are so often misleading. These orchids share a basic design which runs […]
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