A happy orchid, I think.

One of the advantages to South Florida are the beautiful orchids you can find all around. If you’ve followed this blog for any length of time, you know our success rate with them has been mixed. Two (or it might have been three) years ago, we decided to try the tie an orchid to the palm tree, leave it alone and see what happens. It’s the beautiful thriving lavender/purple one I’ve posted on several occasions. Encouraged by that, I went when the East Everglades Orchids Society was having one of their shows/sale (member of HCA http://www.homesteadcenterforthearts.com)  and spent some time with a gentleman who was quite patient with me. He recommended two small varieties in wooden baskets that I hung on the fence. This area gets direct sunlight part of the day and that was one of the issues. The first blooming gave me hope and when those faded, I was a little nervous. The leaves looked like they were okay though and we had other blooming periods after that. Nothing spectacular, but definite signs they were surviving.

Last week, hubby told me to go look – both orchids were in full bloom. They were indeed and with more blossoms than either plant has had in the past. I’m not intending to get over-eager here, although I think we’re ready to take on another couple and try tying them to the traveler palms we have in back. Now, if I could only remember what kind we have. Ah well, one step at a time.

Another successful blooming.