A FEAST FOR YOUR EYES

Is Spring in the air? I decided to check out the Botanical gardens just down the road and see. In the renovated green house, there was a big Orchid exhibition. Now that I must see. My Mother had a way with Orchids. Not only did she make a little book of the 450 photos she had taken of one of her « babies » but she swore that the two she had, had their own characters. Anything new in the way of flowers that came into the flat and if placed next to this extraordinary plant would be killed off within a couple of days. After she left us, her Orchid was in full bloom and would you believe in one week, she lost all her flowers - a week later one was trying to flower so I took her off to the Orchid Hospital. There « Dr Orchid » informed me that the last flower was her « swan-song » and confirmed her history of jealousy toward other plants. Frankly, I found the story a little far fetched and then I discovered that Mother had put out onto the balcony a green tropical plant which she had had for over 50 years. We all had cuttings from it, friends, family and acquaintances. It was, when I discovered it, probably dead. But I pulled it in and today it is so prolific I have to throw away the pieces I cut off. Once again a gardner told me that plants sometimes die or fall ill if they sense that their « owner » is leaving. Now look at these…..



Mother - 50 years

6 years, frequent hair cuts

6 years, frequent hair cuts

25 years and weekly trims

1 month

a couple of years and loves the kitchen
They love light


I now have six orchids. Three in flower and three waiting. One of the gardeners at the exhibition told me that sometimes you must be cruel - « put them out into the cold- don’t water them for a few weeks » - that I have also done. One re-flowered within six months but hasn’t since so that makes over three years (she’s going out today). Here are three…..

 
She's happy again away from the others



Now some photos to feast your eyes on. The hot house is a wonder and a pleasure to visit in different seasons. I have seen this tree grow - and grow - and grow - what will the do when it breaks the roof?






























Going through the roof?

Commentaires

Lo a dit…
Only one orchid out of four in bloom at the moment :-( I know I should punish them by putting them outside but for that I need a balcony!!! Yours look amazing as usual.
10/3/14 21:51
Unknown a dit…
I would like to brave the writer: she has no Home: Plants accept her.
Glad about that as the Lady seems strangely to adopt them; or is it them that adopt her?
Quite a jungle mumble my green chat!
Oh yes: we do eat salad there too.
N who loves ur plants ;)
26/3/14 15:37
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