Blogging in Myrtle Glen

It’s about time for another Orchid post

Here is my favorite orchid, the Dendrobium cuculatum (Den. aphyllum), a 4 ft (1.2 m) long  flower spring shower!

I bought this orchid as a small keiki at an orchid show about 12 years ago and ever since I love it! 

It looks beautiful throughout the year. In summer the long branches are covered in green leaves, arranged in an orderly fashion

In fall, the foliage turns a golden yellow before the leaves drop to show the silvery long branches. Hubby calls it ‘the witch’s hairdo’

Yes, this orchid goes deciduous, and before the leaves flush out again in spring, this orchid shows off its flower shower.

This orchid is not just beautiful all year round, but also very easy to grow, suited well for Central Florida.

I keep mine under a Crepe Myrtle Tree so the orchid is in shade during the summer, and in the winter months it is in full sun. This Dendrobium loves the wet and humid summer months, and wants to be kept dry and cool during winter. 

I fertilize during summer, but completely ignore it as soon as the leaves turn yellow. When I notice the flower buds in spring, I start watering again and as soon as the leaves appear I start feeding with orchid fertilizer.

hundreds of flowers

I am not really hooked on Roses, but my opinion is

“A garden is not a garden without a Rose”

[a not at all famous quote by Evelyn]

 OGR ‘Ducher’ (China Rose)

Some say, roses are worthless, no butterflies or hummingbirds will bother with them, but for my Backyard Wildlife Habitat they have the purpose of offering protection to birds. And, even though I don’t officially consider myself ‘wildlife’, they benefit me with their beauty to rest my eyes and refresh my spirit.

‘Alister Stella Gray’ (Tea-Noisette)

Here in humid Central Florida it is not easy to grow roses. But I discovered that old garden roses, not even grafted, are no wimps and hold on just fine through the hottest months to go all out and party in all their glory for the rest of the year.
(the fine print: Some basic rules apply! )

‘Duchesse de Brabant’ (Tea Rose)

Antique roses need at least 6 hours of sunlight, well-drained and rich soil. They don’t mind the PH, as low as 5 or as high as 7, but prefer the middle at 6.5 And they thank you for a 2 inch layer of mulch around to cool and protect the roots.

‘Louis Philippe’, or Florida Cracker Rose (China Rose)

Once established, Antiques are usually drought tolerant. A good soaking once a week promotes healthy deep root growth.

Antiques are highly disease resistant, no fungicide is necessary. If black spot or powdery mildew gets to them, they are planted in the wrong spot. Check for too much shade, not enough air circulation, or water-logged soil.

During the rainy months (especially here in FL) black spot can happen. The roses simply shed the leaves and continue to grow new leaves and blooms.

‘Belinda’s Dream’ (Shrub Rose)

Antiques don’t want to be pruned and messed with. If the plant gets too big, don’t cut back more than one third keeping the beautiful shape of the shrub in mind.Of course dead twigs should be removed.

Deadheading is not necessary with Antiques, and tip pruning is done by snipping the flowers to bring inside.

This last one is not an Old Garden Rose, or Antique Rose, but grows so well here in Florida, that I planted one in all my previous gardens.

‘Don Juan’ (Climber Hybrid Tea)

And I am ending this post with

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns,

or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses”

[a famous quote by Abraham Lincoln]

Canna 'Pacific Beauty'

‎”Flowers are those little colorful beacons of the sun from which we get sunshine when dark, somber skies blanket our thoughts.”

[Dodinsky]