Archive for the 'Photos' Category

UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley

Saturday, April 25th, 2015

After blogging about the spectacular orchids at the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley, it only seems fair to give the rest of the flowers a chance. There’s plenty more to the garden’s collections, with plants from around the world. Here are some of our best photos. The first six pictures highlight a few of the […]

Orchids at the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley

Monday, April 6th, 2015

It’s easy to spend a whole day enjoying the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley. Established in 1890, it has one of the largest and most diverse plant collections in the country, spread over 34 acres (13.8 hectares) of gardens and greenhouses. Among the botanical treasures, there are many unusual orchid species, which are rotated through […]

It’s Easy to Love Masdevallia Orchids

Sunday, March 29th, 2015

It’s no wonder why we love Masdevallia orchids. These two stunning examples are now in bloom on our patio, with their big, neon flowers atop tall stems, bobbing in the breeze. Thanks to Dave’s great photography, it’s easy to enjoy their charms. Believe it or not, both of these plants are the same species, Masdevallia […]

Hello Spring

Friday, March 20th, 2015

I’ve been digging deeper into our photos from the recent Pacific Orchid Expo, and these blooms jumped out to help greet spring. In the the USA’s Northeast, today is a welcome finish to a frigid, snowy winter. Here in California, spring is the end to our hopes that a rainy winter would replenish our reservoirs. […]

And More Photos From the Pacific Orchid Expo

Thursday, March 12th, 2015

Orchids are full of surprises.With incredibly diverse shapes, colors, and fragrances, it’s hard to believe that these flowers are actually related to one another. No other flowering plant family has such rich palettes and fascinating designs. These examples from the recent Pacific Orchid Expo certainly prove my point. Many of these lesser-known varieties are the […]

Orchids for Chinese New Year

Saturday, March 7th, 2015

It’s the Year of the Ram, and Chinese New Year is a great time for orchids. For millennia, orchids, especially Cymbidiums, have been treasured in East Asia for their rich fragrances and graceful foliage. Nowadays, they are popular gifts and decorations for Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival. Confucius […]

More Photos from the Pacific Orchid Expo

Wednesday, March 4th, 2015

As I continue to sort through our pictures from this year’s Pacific Orchid Expo, I’m finding lots of great shots. Here are some of Dave’s photos. They’re wonderful examples of the stunning diversity of the orchid family, which goes far beyond what’s for sale at the supermarket. With their brilliant colors and strange shapes, these […]

Pacific Orchid Expo 2015

Monday, February 23rd, 2015

The Pacific Orchid Expo is always amazing, and this year was no exception. San Francisco’s premier orchid event was a huge hit. Whether you’re a seasoned orchid addict like myself, or an orchid newbie, this past weekend’s show was overwhelming. Here are the first of our photos from the expo, and there are many more […]

Valentine’s Orchids

Saturday, February 14th, 2015

Orchids have become essential for Valentine’s Day. If your celebration of love includes a gift orchid, check the care tips below. What kind is it? –  Identify your orchid to learn more about its care needs. Phals, or Moth Orchids, are the most common types. Other popular varieties include Cattleyas, Cymbidiums, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, and Paphs. […]

Get Ready for the Pacific Orchid Expo!

Wednesday, February 11th, 2015

The Pacific Orchid Expo is coming! San Francisco’s biggest orchid event begins with a preview gala on Thursday, February 19th. The show runs Friday, February 20th to Sunday, February 22nd at Fort Mason. This year’s theme focuses on “The Thrill of Discovery.” Visitors will be thrilled to discover incredible orchids like the dozen pictured below […]