A little color for the grey of the season. I have no pink spinning to show right now (the wheel is coming out tonight. More anon) so offer these instead. Spring will come.
Quite what The Plant Sitter was up to in my absence this past September I shudder to think. Yet another orchid which has annually refused to bloom for me tossed up a spike of what were jasmine scented blooms.
Darwinara "Blue Pacific". This is considered a “blue” orchid by those who will insist.
A "China Dragon" phragmipedium which barely knows me well enough (we’ve only been together 5 years) finally rears it’s beautiful twin heads,
the mustachios lengthening with each day.
The reliables are also showing up. Oncidium Sweet Sugar “Emperor” is coloring up.
This is one of the larger dancing lady orchids and lasts for well over a month.
The Encyclia cochleata, not to be outdone - persists - giving everybody the wave, "Hey y'all!" What was that story of Roald Dahl’s about snails? Or was that a Gahan Wilson cartoon?
It’s a madhouse around here I tell you.
Dendrobium spectabile (Fragrant fusilli).
An international rescue effort,
Epidendrum illense keeps going on and on in spite of time having run out for it in the wild (The native habitat, it seems, has been turned in to a luxury resort and swimming pool deck).
The hybrid Odontorettia which spikes like a freesia.
Here you can see the callus guide (hand rails) on the lower lip (about the size of a quarter) signaling the pollinator looking for the goods. " C’mon in, sugar, I got somethin' sweet for you." Orchids are so rude.
Have I shown you the Vuylkstekeara “Shady Lady”? But of course, right this way, won’t you step in to my parlor?
See what the boys in the back room will have.
It’s phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid) season you know. Perfect for Valentine’s day.
Carmela here is an odd one, and we love her. Tetraploid and sterile, she’s been taught to throw 2 false calluses and one for extra measure in the name of beauty. Very fancy. With polka dots.
Lava Glow, impossible to photograph because it self clashes. The magenta of the tepals turn warm hot magenta and the lip is the bluest of magentas. Picture it if you will. Use a black light. This is just the thing when the snow starts drifting. A very satisfying set of colors right about now.
Epidendrum capricornu. Capricornu - also known as the “goat horned” orchid.
These always look a little surprised to me. They are very small, delicate, even dainty but a species that exists in the wild, not a hybrid.
Oh mercy, the lady slipper “Angela”.
Tell the children to close their eyes.
I can stop any time I want to. Right now a cigarette and a shower will do.