They'll be here soon

The ruby throated hummingbirds are approaching. They usually get to southern Ohio after the first week in April. Click the title to see their progress.

Dean says he has a few feeders out...he is further south. Mine will go out in about a week I guess.

Unexpected results

Well, I expected the large white moth orchid (see below) to get some recognition. I did get compliments but no ribbons. I didn't make it to the show so I don't know what the competition was like but she came away with only compliments. No trubba.

The bigger surprise was that each of the other 3 I sent to Columbus ribboned (2 seconds and 1 third). Of course if you've ever been to an orchid show, you know there is no shortage of ribbons. I considered those plants to be filler for our society display.

Spring Show at the Krohn

A couple weeks ago, the local orchid society hosted an exhibition and sale. Several societies from the tri-state placed exhibits...there were over 300 plants in about 15 displays. The Krohn collection was well represented too.

Our exhibit was overflowing and in fact, some plants couldn't be fit in. It was amazing.


I shared 4 plants, 3 are in this display and one went to the overflow display.







The plant below is Potinara Hoku Gem 'Freckles.' The flowers open deep reddish orange and lighten over time. By the time the flowers have matured, they are golden yellow. During the show, this plant had the full range of colors.






By the time this finished flowering, the long petals that look like tendrils were about 21" long.

Phrag. 'Tall Tails'









These last two are Phrag. 'Magdeline Rose.'

The color is like a watercolor red. The tone varies a little depending on the light as you can see from the snaps.

Showtime

Yes, I grew it.

I got this phalaenopsis about five years ago on the half-price, half-dead table. You have to agree, she is grateful I took her home with me. Last year, it had 19 flowers on two spikes and I showed it at the spring show at the Krohn. This year, it only has one spike, but more flowers than ever.

Today, it has 20 flowers and 9 buds. It is on the way to Columbus for the Central Ohio show. It's not eligible for any big awards because I don't know it's name or parentage. Who cares?



SLC Vallezac 'Magic Fire' is small and deep red in color. The photo doesn't quite capture the color. I got this division about 1 1/2 years ago. Last summer it bloomed with 2 flowers. This time it bloomed with 4 flowers. I look forward to when the plant grows some more and lives up to its potential.

Dime stores have great plants too!

I grew this one too. I bought it last year at Meijers or Home depot or something. I'm not a snob about my sources...they're all pretty to me. I've learned to be careful though about looking past the flower and checking the health of the plant itself. This one looks pretty healthy.