Wednesday Lagniappe: I Covet.

This is a Wardian case, filled with small orchids, miniature ferns and mosses, on display in the library at Lewis Ginter Botanical gardens in Richmond, VA.  My title says it all, I covert a Wardian case!  In the 19th century, botanists were unable to transport certain plants long distances, especially tropical ones that required humidity and climate control, like orchids. Or at least they were unable to ship them and have them arrive alive.  Nathaniel Ward invited the Wardian case in 1829 in London.  This invention marked the start of modern horticulture (with its good and bad consequences).  Wardian cases became a feature of drawing rooms during this era.
Happy gardening!

Wednesday Lagniappe: Orchid Abomination

I have posted on this topic before...
I love botanical gardens, and the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is no exception. However, I think these gardens should be dedicated to plants as they exist naturally, or as created through traditional methods of plant breeding (for example, no GMO's for me).  This includes the orchids pictured here in shades of purple, cyan, and green, made by an apparently patented method (called Colorfuze) in which the veins of the plant are injected with color to produce hues not found in these plants.  White moth orchids are used to fully show this artificially introduced color.
Isn't natural color grand enough as it is?  Weigh in, readers! (I think the cyan blue is especially horrible).

Sunday Lagniappe: A Little Something Extra

An excellent short video on sex and deception in orchids is at:
http://www.sciencefriday.com/videos/

More orchids at Ginter

A short video of the orchids at Ginter Gardens, Richmond VA.
Happy gardening!

All Orchids Are Not Created Equal

Orchids are just too darn hard to grow! Right? Not if you grow Bletilla striata (and B. striata var. Alba) in your zone 7 and higher (farther south) garden. I purchased my first Bletilla bulb from Brent and Becky's Bulbs a few years ago, then got a few more, and they have reliably come back and reproduced in a shady garden bed. I love orchids, but have sadly killed so many indoor ones (phalaenopsis and cymbidium), so I am delighted that I can have a reliable, and lovely, outdoor orchid- and it has a slight sweet scent! Another "Judy Recommended" plant- pretty, slightly exotic and easy to grow!
Happy gardening!

Orchid

Happy Valentine's Day (a little early!)

In honor of Valentine's Day I want to share with you this video of frustrated love in nature...between an orchid and a bee. Excellent and fascinating for the botanically inclined!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFftHXbjEQA

Happy gardening!