Hey guys, I don't grow too many orchids anymore, but I still like seeing them in the wild. I follow Florida Native Orchids on Facebook and he's doing a guided walk in the Orlando area on June 4. Tickets are almost sold out but if you're interested, here's the link. http://flnativeorchids.blogspo...

Mom and I will be there! We went to Orlando Wetlands Park in January with the Florida Wildflower Foundation and it was awesome. Great for birders, too!

Hi Melaine, long time since you touched base here. Have you been ill? Thx for the link above, I am a birder but can't get out much, appreciate you!

Hi Melanie. It's good to hear from you. Tell your folks hi for me.

Jim

Hi guys! Well, I'm chronically ill with the fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue so there's always that. Then, they went and made me moderator on the Butterflies, Bees, and Birds forum! So I spend a lot time over there policing everyone. No, they're great folks. We have a fun time on that forum.

Hi Jim! My folks say hi back at ya!

I'll take lots of pictures of the orchids and post them here for you all to enjoy! When Mom and I went to Orlando Wetlands Park in January with the Florida Wildflower Foundation, we saw some FL Butterfly Orchids, but of course they weren't in bloom. The guides said there were Jingle Bell Orchids in the same area, but they couldn't find them. I'm guessing they were dormant. Our guide for the upcoming trip says we'll likely see: Grass Pink Orchids, Butterfly Orchids, Jingle Bell Orchids, and Greenfly Orchids. If you're on Facebook, you can follow him at "Florida Native Orchids". His pictures are gorgeous! Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/flori...

If I were living nearby, I would join this nature walk in a flash! Prem has a great reputation for knowing his Florida Orchids! This should be wonderful!

It does sound wonderful, but the early start and the heat are holding me back. Take your rain jacket too, Melanie. The weather's a little bit iffy for Saturday.

Ursula, I know! I can't wait to meet him in person!

Elaine, it's not until June 4, but he does recommend bringing a poncho.

Hi folks, this is Prem...I found this conversation via a Google search alert...Mellie, I look forward to meeting you and your mom on Sat, June 4. Responding to dyzzypyxxy's comment: the reason we are getting an early start on the day is to avoid the heat. Most of the walk will be shady, so the heat shouldn't be unbearable. Definitely bring an umbrella or poncho, as you can never predict the rain--although since we wrap up before noon, we may beat the rain (which is typically around 3pm with sea breeze effect showers).

Let me know if I can answer any other questions.

---Prem
www.flnativeorchids.com

and I wish I could join you on that walk.

I'll take plenty of pictures to share with everyone! And I'm sure you can check Prem's website for even better pictures!

Today's the big day! Prem went and scouted last week so we're making four stops. Two on the side of Colonial Drive, Fort Christmas Park, and Orlando Wetlands Park. I'm off to caffeinate myself! Back later with pictures!

Now Melanie, I know I gave you the day off but . . . you did take at least some orchid pictures, right?

I do hope so!!

I keep looking here and at Prem's wonderful site for a report on this event....

Well, I found the link after some considerable digging
The thread "Melanie's Merry Adventure to Christmas, Florida" in Gardening for Butterflies, Birds and Bees forum

Ursula, I know Melanie has plans to post here. The other forum is critters...no orchids. She was pretty exhausted, so maybe just hasn't gotten to us here yet.

Thanks Carol!
I just assume that the beautiful birds grabbed her attention and she never really saw the Orchids. Just a matter of different focus. It happens.

She indicated that she had orchid photos to post here, but she hasn't posted at all since then. I hope she isn't ill.

Thanks for the concern, guys. And I'm always kind of ill. Hence, the "chronic" part of the fatigue. I've been laying in bed for the last four days or so and having a tropical storm bring me excellent sleeping weather didn't help. Seriously, the caterpillars are lucky I managed to feed them.

I'm thinking I'm going to post all my flower pics over in the Wildflower forum. First of all, I think they need a little love over in that forum, and it makes more sense to post all the flowers together. Plus, I think it's helpful if I can show you what flowers grow in the same areas as the orchids because that's usually a big help when you're trying to find them. I'll post the link over here when I'm done, though!

Jim, I met Pam from your Orchid Club! There were actually quite a few people who drove from the Tampa area for the walk.

Okay, let me get started posting!

Okay, here it is, folks. The thread "Melanie's Awesome Orchid Walk in Christmas, FL" in Wildflowers forum

I know the Jingle Bell Orchid and the Greenfly Orchid start blooming in August, so if you think you can stand the heat, that would be a good time to check them out. Of course, it helps if you know where they are!