Dark rain clouds momentarily split this morning to transform a simple white orchid into an alabaster sculpture struck by a bolt of sunlight.
I can't take credit for the white orchid. It's a recent purchase. However the one below, that's grown large and wide and is just beginning to bloom, I've had for many years.
I'm going to have to learn about splitting and repotting this one before it takes over the patio completely.
I miss seeing orchids...these are beautiful!
ReplyDeletee, you could have orchids indoors. All they need is a bit of filtered sunlight and very little water.
DeleteThat reinforces my wish to have orchids on the balcony at the new house...and not just vanilla.
ReplyDeleteHelen, I started with one or two that were gifts and was so happy when they came back in flower the next season. I have had some that smelled like chocolate. I must research a true Vanilla orchid. There are vendors that sell orchids at the roadside and at flea markets here. They are very reasonable
DeleteThey sell them outside the hospital here...but they are from the wild...
DeleteWe were going to go to the orchid shows this year...but Leo was in hospital! The new house has a very deep balcony so ideal for the shelter they will need. We have the vanilla growing on the balcony at this house and I'm trying to pollinate it -a very hit and miss affair.
Helen, does a vanilla orchid have the scent of vanilla?
DeleteI'd be quite happy to let that orchid take over my patio ...
ReplyDeleteS&S, I once had a livingroom that was a semicircle of floor to ceiling windows. I had a full orchard of orchids on a long coffee table in the center of that room. They were so perfectly happy I could almost hear them purring. Somoehow that room made sense as an Art Studio and those orchids no longer thrived, without that sunlight. This home has that covered patio which is once again the sweet spot for a new collection. I'm lending some to friends to stage their houses for sale. Flowers are for sharing.
DeleteSo beautiful. Still waiting for Spring here. All I have are a few little snowflowers determined to defy the last of the snows. I always heard orchids were hard to grow. Looks to me as if you are having no trouble inspiring them.
ReplyDeleteJean, with your knack for nurturing animals, you won't have a problem with orchids. There's nothing too mystical about their care, as far as I can see.
DeleteAh yes, but would NJ nurture orchids? I honestly did not inherit my father's amazing gardening skills.
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