Fall in Paradise

Although it's been 3 month's since my last blog post, and my blogging had slowed considerably prior to that post, I'm happy that I have spent my time outside in my lovely garden in paradise.  Since the move to our new property almost a year ago, it's been fun (and sweaty) creating our new paradise and watching it take hold.  The new additions are still small and dwarfed by the mature landscape, but in time it will all blend beautifully!

Some of the new additions have bloomed for the first time.  The two Dwarf Poincianas, Caesalpinia Pulcherrima actually, struggled through the dry season but have tripled their size since the rains came and are now in glorious bloom!

The exotic blooms hypnotize me!  They're still just 2-1/2 to 3' tall and the blooms are heavy on the tips of the thin branches.  The giant Royal Poinciana can reach 30' in hieght with a 50' spread, so my dwarf versions are perfect for my yard that already has its fair share of mature trees and shade.

The bromiliads made a spectacular display this summer.  One is still in bloom.

Various orchids are in brilliant bloom right now!

Potinara Hoku Gem 'Freckles' has turned out to be a real prize.  This guy requires little attention and has been in constant bloom since early summer.  More bloom spikes continue to appear.  I moved the pot to a premium spot at the front entry in order to enjoy the show when it first went into bloom.  'Freckles' seems to thrive in this space, and has earned its position at the front door!

The non-native but naturalized Monk Orchids, Oeceoclades maculata,  have been blooming for a couple of months now.  They have very sweet, small flowers that are best admired up close.  Since many argue that this orchid is invasive, I keep two in pots and dispose of the seed pods.  I do not worry about the couple that grow wild in my yard as some critter seems to favor their flavor, munching the leaves down to the ground. My friend Prem Subrahmanyam authors a fantastic website featuring Florida's native and naturalized orchids, as well as his own photography.  You can read more about the Monk Orchid on Prem's site here.   

This fantastic specimen, Miltassia Charles M. Fitch 'Izumi', was a raffle prize won by my daughter at our local orchid society meeting one evening.  Beautiful, isn't it?  The hybrid was made by crossing Miltonia spectabilis to Brassia verrucosa. The Miltonia imparts the purple colouring, the Brassia imparts the long narrow tepals.  Interesting heritage, but really, I just like the pretty flowers.  And, to boot, this orchid has attractive foliage!  I must admit that I'm not a huge orchid lover when they are not in bloom.  Kind of a fair weather fan, I suppose.  

I've written about this gem before, and it's definitely one of my favorite orchids.  Christiera Sharifa Alsagoff is a vanda hybrid.  Its permanent home is among the palms in my front tropical Bromiliad and Orchid island.  When in bloom, the cheerful purple blossoms stand out amidst the lush green foliage beautifully!  I only wish it would stay in bloom all year round! 

And finally, the orchid I wait for all year is my prized Dendrobium.  Its stalks grow bigger every year, producing huge, beautiful flower spikes.  This year, I have 4 spikes blooming at the same time, boasting 12 blooms each.  I would love to show it off at a show or something, but the plant itself is really not a site for public admiration.  However, I prize this beauty and look forward to it's spectacular display every year! 

The Heliconia FINALLY sprouted new shoots and blooms.

This is one that I brought with me when we moved last year.  Recently, at our local Master Gardener Fall Plant Sale, my daughter spotted some lobster claw Heliconia (rostrata).  Of course, I couldn't pass it up.  I wonder how long it will take to establish and bloom? 

Speaking of the MG Plant Sale, I found some other goodies I couldn't pass up either.  My favorite purchase of the day was a Rosella, or Hibiscus sabdariffa.  The burgandy color and maple leaf shape caught my eye immediately!

Apparently well known for it's numerous medicinal purposes, the shrub grows 7-8' tall, produces large blooms similar to it's cousin, Hibiscus cannabinus, and bright red fruit used to make tea and food coloring.  The leaves are edible, consumed as a spicy spinach, and the stem is used to produce a bast fibre.  In my landscape, this colorful addition is simply an ornamental next to my pond, although I may give the tea a try.

This Buddha Belly Jatropha, or Jatropha Podagrica, peaked my interest, since I'd never seen one before.  Hmmmm....unusual, strange and full of interest...I must have it!  Once I brought it home, I did some research, praying it wouldn't grow to a crazy 50' or something.  No fear.  This little pot bellied wonder should remain on the smaller size, growing to 2-3' tall.  The bulbous stem produces a cluster of bright orange and yellow flowers along with a crown of fun and attractive lobed leaves.  It prefers moderately fertile soil which means it will remain potted in my landscape. 

My final purchase at the MG plant sale was a native Wild Coffee plant, or Psychotria nervosa.  This shrub will tolerate shade or sun, growing to 10' tall with an 8' spread in the shade while full sun keeps it smaller and more compact.   Wild Coffe produces shiny green leaves, fragrant white flowers that attract butterflies and bright red fruits that attract birds.  Perfect!! 

Speaking of fragrant white blooms, I found this lovely vine growing along the fence. Most of what I find along the fence row is not permitted to stay (ie poison ivy).  However, this White Twine Vine produces an intoxicatingly lovely fragrance and sweet little bouquets of white flowers so it's OK to  stay!

Other blooms creating a fall paradise right now include the pretty Jatropha integerrima...

the exotic Hoya...

The waxy Hoya blooms are so interesting they deserve a closer look...

the Clerodendrum paniculatum, or Pagoda plant....

the pretty Desert Rose...

and this dainty succulent display.  I love the bell shaped bloom with green tips and orange base...such fall colors!

Finally, the dock my husband built during the dry season...

has been christened by this seasons rains!! 

Our latest project is not finished yet, but we've started creating the front walkway.  My husband's muscles come in handy!  The path, unfinished at this time, will continue down to the entry drive. 

This photo was taken before we added the stromanthe in between the grassy liriope.

The choice of variegated liriope with the bright colors of stromanthe create light, color and interest to the border.  Now that the cooler weather is upon us, we'll be able to do more work outside without fear of heat stroke!

Finally, some wildlife photos. 

The beauty of having such a variety of plants ("weeds" included)

is the variety of wildlife that we are able to experience!

These "twin" Zebra Longwings seemingly hatched from this single chrysalis!!

The Peacock Butterflies are primarily attracted to wild flowers in the lawn and along the pond bank.

The Fritillaries enjoy the butterfly garden (Pagoda blooms in this photo) and Lantana.

I was fortunate to catch this Swallowtail shortly after emerging from its chrysalis.  It was fun to watch his wings grow before he flew away to nourishing Pentas.  The hungry lizard I saved him from wasn't as happy with me!

Hopefully I won't take as long between blogs,

but on the flip side,

that means I'm out in the garden

where we all like to be! 

Happy Fall Everyone!!!

The Beginning of an Orchid Collection

I maintain, at this point anyway, that I am not an orchid collector.  I purchase one here and there, usually on clearance or some extraordinarily low price.  After all, I only have twelve orchids in total.  Ask anyone who obsesses over orchids...they would burst into laughter at anyone who might consider me a collector.  However, I'm learning more and more about this fantastic group of plants (the largest family of flowering plants with up to 20,000 species and about 800 genera - and the number continues to grow as new discoveries are made) and am enjoying an elevated interest on a consistant basis.  That's a bunch of words for, "I like them a lot!"

Christiera Shariffa Alsagoff orchid 3/11/2011 

My current collection began with an innocent birthday gift from a co-worker - a lovely Dendrobium (den-DROH-bee-um) with a fantastic spray of purple blooms. 

Dendrobium spray October 2010

In between blooming, it's actually quite unattractive with lanky, primarily leafless stalks.  However, the blooms are unmistakenly spectacular and occur every year without fail for my birthday! Additionally, the blooms are long lasting and present their violet show for 1-1/2 to 2 months.  Awesome!!  In general, Dendrobium is a diverse genus with many different cultural needs.  Some types go through growth periods as well as rest periods, and their environment must reflect these needs.  Flowers can last a single day (boo!) to many weeks, like mine.

New pseudobulb 4/15/2011

They prefer warm nights and medium light with a rest period in the cooler winter months where they do not require as much water, nutrients and light.

Since obtaining my first orchid, I've added to my collection, turning away from many phenominal specimens due to their equally phenominal price tags.  However, my current collection has been acquired on a very low budget.  They are, for the most part, common orchids and primarily easy to grow.   I have several variations of Phalaenopsis (fayl-eh-NOP-siss), or the Moth Orchid.  They are easy to identify by their large ear-shaped, low growing leaves and tall bloom stalks.  

Candy Stripe Phalaenopsis are a fairly recent development.

This is probably the easiest orchid to grow indoors as average home temperatures and conditions are usually sufficient.  Phals like bright light with little or no sun.  In general, higher temperatures require higher humidity for the plant to flourish. 

Phalaenopsis Maraldee 'Krull Smith'

Phals also like their water, as they have no major water-storage organs other than their leaves...do not let them dry out, but don't keep them soggy.  I have a few different varieties of Phalaenopsis. 

The leaves all look alike, but the blooms are different.  In South Florida, you can find them in roadside stands advertised for "5 for $20" or similar.

Last year, I found a mini Oncidium (on-SID-ee-um) on the clearance rack at a big-box store.  It needed some TLC but has come along quite nicely.  I've never seen a bloom and the tag doesn't give any inclination of the specific variety, so I will wait to find out. 

Until then, I give it the proper care required of Oncidiums in general.  I say "in general" as this genus is an extraordinarily large and diverse New World genus with an equally diverse number of habitats.  Oncidiums originate anywhere from sea level in the tropics to the high elevations of the Andes.  I have come to know that if you want to be a successful orchid grower, you must replicate the plant's origin.  A plant that is accustomed to growing at 9,000 feet will not do well in my tropical sea level environment.  So, given the diversity, I take the middle road as most Oncidiums will thrive with one to several hours of sun a day.  Thicker leaved plants can stand more light than others.  As far as watering, typically, plants with large fleshy roots or leaves need less-frequent watering than thin-leaved or thin-rooted plants.  Many take a rest when they are not actively growing; during this period, they require less water and nutrients.  You can see blooms and read more here.

I have three Vandas (VAN-dah).  Actually, one is a cross with other orchid varieties and a Vanda...but it looks like one, regardless. 

Christiera Shariffa Alsagoff orchid

Another was purchased for $5 from a local landscaper who has little-to-no time for the orchids he has acquired from clients.  Many look dead and hopeless but will pop back to life given some care. 

Mine has visible new root growth since obtaining it about 1-1/2 months ago, which is amazing to me! (I guess I'm doing something right!) 

I've potted a third, young Vanda in a slatted wood container, although I don't know what the bloom will look like for several more years.  As for light requirements, Vandas, unlike other orchid types, enjoy full sun.  Yes, even nasty summer hot South Florida sun...all day long!  This is not the delicate flower I've heard about all my life, although the blooms are absolutely spectacular.  This is a hardy, tough plant that actually requires the full sun to produce the spectacular blooms that make this plant special.  Of course, many plants are grown in green houses and may need to be acclimatized to avoid burn.  All of my Vandas have recieved dappled light amidst the Areca Palms, but I am moving them in order to provide more sun for better blooms, as directed by my local orchid society.  As for water, because these plants usually have free hanging, long roots, they should be watered every day.  The roots should become green and plump during each watering.

I am fortuanate to have a native Florida orchid named an Encyclia tampensis (en-SIKE-lee-ah), or better known as the "butterfly orchid" of South Florida and the Bahamas. 

Young Encyclia radicans naturally occurring in a palm trunk

The pseudobulbs cluster to form mats supporting leathery leaves up to 15' long while the 1" flowers are fragrant and pretty.  I do not have a photo of mine in bloom yet as it's still quite young.  However, the sepals and petals are brownish-green to apple-green and the lip is white with a magenta spot.  You can see it here.

I also recently purchased the Potinara Hoku Gem 'Freckles'.  I've posted about this orchid recently, as I enjoyed it's bloom for the very first time. 

The Potinara is actually a Cattleya hybrid; it's a cross between Brassavola, Laelia, Sophronitis and Cattleya.  WOW!  Since I recently posted about this beauty, I won't go on and on about it here.  However, you can check out my post by clicking here if you'd like.

Some orchids are terrestrial including the beautiful Epidendrum (eh-pi-DEN-drum).  This genus is large but not as confusing as some of the others.  There are two main types: those with reedlike stems and those with pseudobulbs.  I have the reedlike stem kind, Epidendrum radicans to be specific. 

My friend, Adina, at Manure Depot gave me my first cuttings from her personal garden!  Passalongs are so special because your friends always have a place in your garden and are thus remembered with such kind, warm thoughts. Isn't that great?  OK...I digress.  Anyway, this orchid is very easy to grow.  In fact, they are known to be able to take plenty of abuse or neglect while continuing to thrive and bloom.  Again, this is NOT the delicate little bloom I've heard about all my life!  The blossoms cluster at the end of 15" stems and open into fiery red blooms, blooming heavily over a long period of time.

Another terrestrial orchid is the ground orchid, or Spathoglottis plicata.  The arching broad leaves emerge from pseudobulbs.  The bloom clusters emerge at the end of long stalks.  The blooms range in color from purple to white to pink and yellow, but mine are the more common purple. 

A co-worker provided me with several pots of these lovely orchids several years ago.  Admittedly, the plants have struggled from time to time, but I simply relocated them until they were finally happy.  They enjoy bright light and some full sun in my garden, although they are not fond of the hot afternoon sun.

And yet another terrestrial orchid, the Monk orchid or Oeceoclades maculata, is locally considered invasive, although I keep it on my screened patio where it cannot spread.  

Mine were found on a construction job site, as well as beneath overgrowth on my own property.  You can read more about it here as well as see photos of the bloom (mine haven't bloomed yet).

Cattleyas (KAT-lee-ah) are among the most popular orchids and is best known for corsages.  Alas, I do not have any of this variety...YET!  Give me a chance!!  However, remember that my Potinara Hoku Gem is cross with a Cattleya, if that counts.

I'm in love a purple mottled leaf orchid that has been hybridized to grow at sea level, even though it originates in high altitudes.  However, a small young version runs around $35-$40.  Another I have my eye on is a Zygopetalum as the blooms are intensely scented and very long lasting.  Their flowers are also quite dramatic with variations in color and pattern including deep reds and purples.

But, again, I would like to reiterate that I only have twelve orchids...at this time.  I do hope to provide detailed information relatively soon regarding the two types I eye from time to time at my local orchid nursery.  But for now, and then, too, I will continue to enjoy the lovely blooms my orchids bestow upon me throughout the year.

Do you have a favorite orchid or orchid collection?   

Bamboo and Orchids!!

Last week, something really spectacular occurred
in my little corner garden!! 
We added some MAJESTIC, Tropical
BAMBOO
to our piece of Paradise!!

HOW COOL IS THAT?!!??!?!?!

I must admit my fear of bamboo...
I'd always heard of it's aggressive, invasive qualities
so I only admired it from afar. 
However, there are many varieties of clumping bamboo
that are NOT invasive. 
Hallelujah!! 

Clumping bamboo still grows in a 360 degree pattern,

but within inches of each other

and only to a diameter of approximately 10-20 feet. 

Another exciting factoid...it's cold tolerant...even to 10 derees F!

AND...as if that's not exciting enough,

bamboo reaches maturity in about 3-1/2 years. 

It makes a fantastic hedge / privacy screen in no time.   

After a bit of conversation about it,
my husband and I decided to head down the road
to one of our local nurseries, Jupiter Jungle.
This nursery offers wonderful varieties of bamboo,
citrus and rare fruit trees, palms, and orchids. 
It's owned and operated by a great guy named
Russell, aka"the jungle man". 
Russell is such an interesting gentleman
that we ended up spending the next couple of hours
chatting with him and his son, Shane!!
(great name, by the way!)
Russ is the kind of guy that you're really glad
to be friends with...sincere, kind, and genuine. 

So what did we get?

Bambusa textilis gracilis...

a lovely "graceful" bamboo variety. 

This type is tightly clumping and very erect

with gracefully nodding leaves giving an Asian garden ambiance.

We opted to plant it next to the pond,

accented by the water lilies.

Check out a more mature speciman at

 JupiterJungle.com!

We also brought home the lovely

China Gold Bamboo,

or officially, Bambusa eutuldoides var ‘Viridi vittata’. 

Mature bamboo will grow to 2.5-3 inches in diameter. 

Beautiful, isn't it?

Decorative is an understatement with China Gold...

golden canes, or culms as they call them, 

with bright green vertical stripes...a show stopper! 

We placed this one in our newly formed Asian garden.

Here's a shot of the young striped trunks...

Quite a difference from the mature trunks above,

but it won't take long for this beauty to bulk up.

After a couple of days, Russ, aka Jungle Man,

asked that I stop by. 

I knew Russ had something on his mind,

but like I said before, he's the kind of guy

that you just want to hang out with. 

So I was happy to stop by.

This is what was on Russ' mind....

Yup...the Jungle Man gifted me this
AMAZINGLY AWESOME Vulgaris (wamin),
or DWARF BUDHA BELLY BAMBOO!!!!

I probably shouldn't boast Russ' generousity,
but this is the heart of the jungle,
as it beats in the Jungle Man, my friend, Russell!!
Many, many thanks!!!! 

What makes the Budha Belly Bamboo
so extraordinary is its knotty canes
and its manageable height of 15'.
Check out JupiterJungle.com 
for a glimpse of a gorgeous mature Budha!

To make matters even MORE exciting (if it's possible)
bamboo wasn't the only newcomer last week. 
I was gifted a poor soul of an orchid by a coworker. 
The plant was found on a construction job site. 
Although it's definitely seen better days,

it'll be back to good health shortly. 
I gave it a good drink, and the roots plumped right up!!

I think this variety is a Paphiopedilum, or a Lady Slipper. 
There's no way for an amateur like me
to know for certain, though, until it flowers
...which could be a while.
I'm not sure if the burned leaves are the result of
sunburn or our cold winter temps.
I repotted in two seperate pots,
and will keep moist in filtered light.

BREAKING NEWS!!!!
A reader (see comments below...Anonymous - Thank you!) has identified this orchid as an invasive African Orchid commonly named Monk Orchid, or Oeceoclades maculata.  My orchid completely matches the description, down to the obvious seed pods.  Although it is considered invasive, I will keep it, and control it by housing it in a screened area and disposing of the seed pods before they mature.


Looking back,
it's been an especially CRAAAAZY week,
but my new garden additions have provided
so much peace, tranquility, and joy
to me and my ever-evolving
Garden in Paradise!!