Very nice, Ursula. I like them all but the Vanda is special. I wish my Vandas would kick in.

Jim

Jim, they will!
You would really love this one, the scent is incredible. I have a whole scenting competition going on with this Vanda and that Enc. tampensis/whatever mix in the cage.

oooooh Ursula ! Your Vanda tessellata is adorable...and fragrant as well? Nice combo!

love the Vanda Ursula, i keep going to but one of them but never get around to it because my Vandas havent done anything for ages.

It is certainly hot and sunny enough right now for the Vandas, but we sure could use some rain. The lawns are downright crispy right now when you walk on them.
I have been watering my little heart out.

We are into the summer grind with every day the same. Highs in the low 90s with an afternoon thunder storm. I must say that the Aluminet has lowered the temperature in the OC 10 to 15 degrees. I'm very happy with it so far.

Jim

oh thats great Jim. Funny how its winter her, though not very cold. Showers here on and off every few days.

I had phone duty at the Extension Service today and found a book there called "Orchids to Know and Grow" by Thomas Sheehan and Robert Black. I liked it so well I ordered it as soon as I got home. Does anyone else know of it?

Jim

I don't know it, perhaps Kathy does?

That's the one I have, too Jim. My favorite. Tom Sheehan is the guy (UF prof emeritus) who replied to me about the urea-based fertilizer question.

I can't tell you how many nights I've fallen asleep over that book.

I have been MIA the last couple of days, fighting off the Black Plague on my orchids. Found another besides the little phal that has it, one of my Paphs. I think it is a lost cause, unfortunately. Good news is that the spot on my phal has dried up completely and is not progressing, that I can see.

I hate black plague!!!! Once it gets into a Cattleya, I have a tough time saving a piece, it is a gigantic set back or straight death.

So far, I've examined everybody else minutely with my magnifying glass, and see no signs yet. But it sure does seem to come on suddenly, doesn't it!

The catts have been sheltering under the patio table so not getting every downpour. I'm letting everybody dry out today, as much as possible. We were supposed to have a dry day today but . . . here it is looking grey and sounding rumbly-thumpy again.

Last summer I only had 4 or 5 orchids, and had no problems. Got complacent, I will admit. This summer I have over 70, and many more kinds so . . . more potential for headaches and "learning the hard way". Arg.

The OC really helps me. I am in charge of watering now, not mother nature.

Jim

Bulb. fascinator opened today.



Update on Brassia Eternal Wind 'Sato'


Jim

I love this Bulbo. Really nice details!!

It certainly is aptly named. I like the 'heart on the sleeve' detail, too.

The Brassia is fantastic as well. Nice job, Jim.

excellent photos Jim... Bulb. fascinator looks like it could be a Jim Henson creation!

The tiny, teensy Schoenorchis fragrans starts to open


Dendrobium hercoglossum shows some bonus blooms this time of year


and there is a nice and shiny bloom on Dendrobium trantuanii, the plant is hanging on a Stanhopea basket.


Neofinetia falcata Suikaden is blooming late this year.

I love the color on the Dendrobium and the form on the Neofinetia. The tiny one is also interesting. I can see how a person could completely miss that bloom. I just got a call that our car is ready at the repair chop so gotta run. It will be good to have it back.

Jim

1st flower on P.Villosum opened
and i can't wait any longer for this one...