Orchid rhapsody

During my blog absence, inspired by Joey, I decided to try photographing my orchid blooms more dramatically, as opposed to in the "greenhouse" as previously done.   While my results are not quite as spectacular as hers, I am pleased enough to share them with you.  

The white phal has been phenomenal:

Three stalks of blooms for well over a month now.  When I look at it, I always think it would make a wonderful bridal bouquet although I could never bring myself to cut them!

The pink phal I purchased for my Mom on Valentine's Day:

recently made the trip home with her but now, looking at this photo, I think I miss it!  Before it left, it had started putting out some new buds, I hope it continues doing well for her.

The yellow spotted phal, also purchased for my Mom:

liked my "greenhouse bathroom" so much it immediately sent up a second bloom stalk!  I was not a very good daughter, because after that happened, I couldn't part with it.  I tried replacing it by giving her another (non-blooming) phal and cattleya.  I think she was happy?  Sorry Mom...

The last orchid is the tiny cattleya 'Alvin Beggman Poem' that you've seen on the blog many times before:

It started blooming the first of March and has a number of these exquisite yellow blossoms on it now.

Lastly, and this is exciting, the phal orchid one of my neighbors gave me two years ago (that was almost dead) has recovered.   After a year of "babying" and growing some healthy roots & leaves look what it's doing now:

Sending up a bloom stalk that has divided into two!!!  I've never had that happen before although I honestly don't know how common an occurrence it is (being that I don't have very many years of orchid growing experience under my belt.)  I think she said the blooms were pink or purple when it was given to her?  I can't wait to see. 

The paph orchid my brother sent me from Hawaii last January is almost ready to bloom too.  You can imagine how long it takes me to get ready in the mornings with the distraction of all these gorgeous blooms!!

P.S.  The oncidium orchid whose blooms froze on my front porch this past winter was not a complete loss.  I cut the frozen bloom stalk off and put the plant with my other orchids.  I'm happy to say, two months later, it's rebounded ~ sending up a new "bulblet" (is that what you call it??)

Maybe I'll see some (unfrozen) blooms from it yet!

 

Comments

[Sheila]

Beautiful, beautiful!

[Janet]

So how did you photograph these beauties? Just a solid background? They are just lovely. Hoping my orchids put up some flower stalks sometime in my lifetime. ;-)

[Jennifer]

Hi Kathleen, Your orchids and the photos of them are simply lovely. I especially like the golden colored one-maybe because I haven't seen that variety before. I also looked at the post showing your early spring blooms. The crocus photo is a standout for me. The focus is so crystal clear and the light just perfect for capturing the crocus's delicate beauty.

[Shady Gardener]

Kathleen, I hadn't noticed that your photos needed work! :-) But you always have beautiful orchids to share. I hope your mom's are doing well. You definitely have an orchid-shaped thumb!

[Dana]

Gorgeous Kathleen. I am so happy you are back blogging again. Your posts always make me smile!

[Catherine]

You've gotten such a nice collection of orchids. Wasn't it your brother who started the collection for you? And now you're buying them for your Mom. It'll be easy gift giving in your family now :) I would've had a hard time parting with the yellow spotted one too, it's very pretty.

[joey]

Stunning images ... very impressed!

[tina]

You are amazing with all your flowers-amaryllis and now orchids! They are beautiful and I can imagine your house is too with all those blooms and greenery.

[Racquel]

So jealous of your beautiful orchids, I have none. :(