sent with love and the best of intentions but as strong as I know those two things to be, they do not offer protection from exposure to wicked winter weather. Shipped to me from Bob's Tropicals (just like last year,) compliments of my incredibly thoughtful brother, I discovered this beautiful (or what was a beautiful) Oncidium Orchid on my front porch yesterday evening:
Our high temperature wasn't exactly "orchid friendly." Anything but actually. It was all of 19 degrees. Not the day you want to leave an orchid outdoors. I was devastated (but not surprised considering the conditions) to unwrap it and see that the blooms were beyond salvageable:
If only I'd been home....
The numerous buds (that would have put on a fantastic long-lived display) all "toast:"
Absolutely sickening.
The saddest part ~ one day later, it would have been fine. Today our temperature is 45. :-(
I'm so sorry Thomas. Your lovely surprise was interrupted by circumstances out of everyones control. It was the most beautiful thought tho and I appreciate that with all my heart. ♥♥♥
Hi Kathleen... suppose he'll send another? (I don't doubt, however, that you'll be able to pull this little plant through!) :-)
Btw: I could send him MY address! ha!
Posted by: Shady Gardener | January 13, 2011 at 04:57 PM
Kathleen: I'll be if anyone can revive it, you can! Beth
Posted by: PlantPostings | January 13, 2011 at 08:53 PM
Oh no Kathleen, I'm sorry. But what a great brother you have.
Posted by: Sweetbay | January 14, 2011 at 08:25 AM
Oh Kathleen --what a shame! Hope you get some other blooms that don't get nailed by temps.
Posted by: Janet | January 14, 2011 at 04:10 PM
That is sad :( You can tell what a pretty one it is, and with your care it'll be blooming again before too long.
Posted by: Catherine | January 14, 2011 at 04:59 PM
I'm sorry about your orchid loss. Us garden/plant lovers take these things very hard don't we? Your brother must know how much you love orchids and flowers. I would love for anyone to send me beautiful flowers! You are so lucky!!!
Posted by: Ramona | January 14, 2011 at 05:09 PM
Kathleen, That's too bad~I am so sorry. It was a wonderfully thoughtful gift from your brother. gail
Posted by: Gail | January 14, 2011 at 05:38 PM
Oh what a bit of bad luck! I can imagine your heartbreak. You do have a wonderfully thoughtful brother. What a sweet gift. I hope against hope that the beautiful little orchid survives.
Your temps are even colder than ours!! I feel for you.
Posted by: kerri | January 16, 2011 at 08:06 PM