I'll bet, and the lake must be creeping up towards the house, too? Yoicks! Watch for gators when you're standing out there, won't you. Don't wait for your shoes to get stuck!

I was out bushwhacking through the jungle behind my pool cage when this pretty sight caught my eye. Again, sorry for the bad picture, cell phone with a foggy lens, what can I say. Rhyn. David Sander, second bloom this year.

David Sander is such a treat to behold. There is some progress to report on the Stanhopea undulata. It started to open early this morning and I think it will be fully open tomorrow. Since the flowers hang straight down, picture taking is difficult. Here is what it looks like now. The last two pictures were taken looking straight up. The fragrance is heavenly.



Jim

Oh, they are so beautiful, Jim. Wish we could smell them too.

Here are some better pics of David Sander. I had to fetch him down out of the top corner of the cage where he lives, so I could get a shot at his face. Alongside his buddy Luke Skywalker, and a couple more of the tiny Epi. magnoliae in its miniature glory.

Beautiful flowers Elaine and Jim.

The Stanhopea is fantastic! I guess i'm doomed to looking at pictures of David Sanders. I think mine is toast.

You need some "climate-control", Carol.

Ya Think?
I finally have a few pics.

Laelia pacavia


Sobralia mirablis 'Madeira' a dwarf only 2 1/2 '


I think this is Laelia purpurata 'Bleeding heart' , but not positive. It has a nice scent, which most Laelias don't

Carol, I was just reading about heavy rains washing out highway bridges in Southern California. It sounded like you are doing the back stroke just to get the mail, kind of like us Floridians. What's up?

Jim

That is the inland areas, Jim. We only got .40" out of two days of rain, but we have had Fla. humidity with it.

Carol, we cross-posted. Lovely Laelias and a cute little Sobralia. Good growing.

Jim

We cross-posted again. It seems like all of that rain will have to flow past you to get back to the sea? It must surely help the shortages somehow.

Jim

I like those flowers, Carol. Nice growing! I don't have a single orchid in bloom right now. Plumeria, but no orchid.

I love the Stanhopea, Jim!! And David Sander always pleases, Elaine, right?
Carol, I love both Laelias, and that is a pretty Sobralia!

Jim, Just for perspective, the total rainfall for the weekend was 1.30" in Orange County...the most rain in July since they started keeping records in 1890.

That's amazing, Carol. That just seems like so little rain for a month. Hopefully, since it was so much, it did not just run off and none soaked in for a lasting affect.

I guess the best we can pray for is seasonal weather. One of our thunder storms would do more damage than good in California. I am glad you are at least getting some relief.

I'm at the Extension Service maning the desk and phones today. At 1 PM, a couple of us will meet with a park ranger to help him learn about rose and orchid care. We have spotty thunder showers so I'm hoping to avoid a drenching.

Jim

A look at Stanhopea oculata today. I expect it to start to fade tomorrow.

Jim

Jim, it is a beauty!!

I spent the whole day buying a new car and am exhausted. There should be a better way.

Jim