Ophrys apifera - Buckinghamshire, 17/06/2014
Hawthorn blossom Around here the Hawthorn has finally come into blossom - the hedgerows are full of it, with branches tumbling over one another to show off their finery. Together with the Cow Parsley at its feet it makes a fine sight. Cow parsley There is something fresh and calming about the white and green together - before the blossom falls and the cow parsley turns dusty in the heat of summer and promptly goes to seed. Doesn't it make you feel as though you want to lay in the long grass to cool off and smell the sweet smells that surround you. It is hard to capture in a photo just how pretty the hedgerows look, taking your breath away with the sheer abundance of the blossom. Layer upon layer of tiny flowers with little pink stamens just waiting to be pollinated by the obliging bees. For those of you interested in the history and folk lore of the Hawthorn there is a site here. Lucy over at Loose and Leafy recently did a post on Blackthorn and Hawthorn - she is far better at taking pictures than I am. This a view of our field where I have my kitchen garden - it is sheltered by a huge hawthorn hedge - not only is it beautiful when full of blossom but it provides a good barrier against the wind, keeps the garden warm and protects the plants from the vagaries of the weather. My two sheep love nibbling the fresh young leaves and use the drooping branches to rub against when they have an itch that they can't scratch. This year is definitely a good year for may blossom.
Properly potted and cared for, coleus makes a beautiful addition to your houseplants.
Orchid growing on Tree
Below are some recommended native plants and trees. We have broken them down into categories. If you are interested in a particular category, click on the tab t
Truth be told, all houseplants were wild at some point in time, until humans decided to bring them indoors to grow for food or medicinal purposes—and for their beauty. So, where did your houseplants come from? Check out these 10 popular houseplants in their wild habitat.
Learning how to care for orchids includes determining when and how to fertilize them. Find out why orchids need fertilizer, how to pick an orchid fertilizer, and how often to feed them. Then learn the simple process of how to actually fertilize a Phalaenopsis orchid.
This beautiful orchid was found growing in a woodland fringe of stoke park woods in bishopstoke hampshire and after the recent summer downpours is in full flower for this shot.
Learn about different types of orchids to grow in your home with photos to identify them. Find orchid varieties including beginner-friendly species and more.
Orchid lovers in North American America and Canada can find more than 200 species of native orchids, which are just as rare and exotic as the tropical cousins.
Dicentra cucullaria (Dutchman's Breeches) is an easily recognized early spring wildflower with flower stems and basal leaves rising...
This post gives a summary of 63 species of wild orchids found in the Cantabrian Mountains of Spain.
Orchids are exceptional plants, adored for their intricate blooms, arching stems, and magnificent foliage. There are more than 28,000 species of these stunning tropical and subtropical plants. Each orchid type grows in a unique habitat and requires variations in orchid care and growing environments in order for them to thrive. The types of orchids commonly grown as houseplants are epiphytic plants—ones that grow on the surfaces of other plants and take in moisture and nutrients from the air around them. Orchids are relatively easy to grow and care for, and they provide lasting blooms of up to 6 months a year. Check out our tips on the ultimate guide to orchid care which will help you grow the healthiest and most prolific blooming orchid plants. The Best Containers for Growing Orchids Containers are extremely important when planting houseplants like orchids. In nature, many tropical orchids cling to tree branches, where their root systems are highly aerated. So, when growing and caring for orchid plants, the pot that you select is paramount. Ideally, your pot should have holes around it for added ventilation. You can buy pots made explicitly for orchid growing or use a traditional pot as long as you plant your orchid in a plastic insert pot with plentiful, punched-out holes and place it inside the conventional container. Ideal Soil Composition for Planting Orchids In order to mimic their natural habit, when planting orchids, use a planting mix that is specifically formulated for orchid plants. These mixes are more of a consistency of a coarse bark mix than a true soil. You can also use sphagnum moss as your planting medium. Traditional all-purpose potting mixes contain tiny particles that hold onto water which will suffocate the intricate root systems of orchid plants. How To Repot Orchids It is essential to note that even the highest quality orchid mix, composed of large organic particles, will break down naturally over time when it comes to orchid care. This can cut off the supply of air to the roots of orchids, leading to the plants’ demise. When caring for your orchid, it is vital to repot your orchid plants in a new orchid potting mix once each year. Here’s how: Take the orchid plant out of its pot. Carefully remove all of the potting mix from around the windy root system. Assess the roots- roots should be bright green and healthy-looking. Prune away any brown, twisted, or dried-up roots with clean pruning shears. Tuck new orchid potting mix in and around the root system of your orchid plant. Place the root ball into a well-aerated pot with holes. Water and allow water to drain through fully. Orchid Care: Light & Temperature Requirements Phalaenopsis orchids thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Place orchid plants in a room near a window that faces south or west for optimal growing conditions. Too much direct sunlight can burn your orchid plant. *Note that some orchid varieties may require different lighting requirements. Always check your plant tag for care considerations for your particular plant variety. Humidity Needed for Growing Orchids Orchid plants grow naturally in subtropical and tropical climates where humidity reigns. When it comes to orchid care, a humidity tray is recommended. If your home is dry, you can make your own humidity tray by placing your orchid plant on a shallow bowl of small stones, applying water to the stones. Just make sure that the pot itself is not submerged in water, as this can lead to root rot. Over time, the water will evaporate and create the ideal humidity the plant needs to grow. The Best Way to Water Orchids Watering is a crucial task on the ultimate guide to orchid care. However, there is no exact answer as to how often you should water your orchid plant. As a general rule, you should water your orchid plant once a week to once every 10-14 days. Press the tip of your finger into coarse bark to check if the orchid potting mix is dry. If the mix feels moist at all or if you are unsure if it is damp, do not water your orchid plant. Water orchid plants using lukewarm water to mimic their natural tropical environment. Allow the water to drain through the pot thoroughly and remove any standing water. Do not allow water to pool up on leaf stems. If water is sitting at the base of leaves, pat them with a paper towel to prevent crown rot and fungal growth. Reduce watering throughout the plant’s dormant phase in the winter months, as it is preparing to bloom the following spring and summer. When To Fertilize Orchid Plants Orchids perform with gorgeous blooms for up to 6 months out of the year, and they don’t have a lot of soil to gain nutrients from, so they can benefit significantly from fertilizer. Select a fertilizer specifically formulated for orchid plants. Add either a half dosage to your watering can once a week or a full dose of fertilizer to your watering can every two weeks. Orchid Care & Pruning Once your orchid plant has flowered, and the blooms have faded, use a sharp pair of clean pruning shears to snip off the bloom stalk at the base. As mentioned earlier, during the yearly repotting, prune away any dried-up or damaged roots from the plant to ensure plant health. Common Orchid Pests & Diseases Scale Mealybugs Spider Mites Crown Rot Root Rot Recommended Orchid Varieties to Grow Try growing some of our favorite varieties of orchid plants. Our ultimate guide to orchid care will help you get the most out of these delicate blooming treasures. ‘Phalaenopsis Orchids’: Most commonly found and easy to grow. Produces large moth-like blooms and comes in over 75 different varieties. ‘Cattleya Orchids’: Bicolored, speckled, and highly fragrant orchid variety. ‘Dendrobium Orchids’: Produce delicate yellow, white or lavender blooms. Top-heavy blooming plant requires staking. ‘Miltonia Orchids’: Produce blooms that resemble a facelike motif that blooms from late spring through early summer. Share The Garden Love
Below you will find a picture of the most incredible and unusual bluebonnet that I have ever seen. My best friend, Johnny Pickle, found this on his place just outside of Bellville,Texas. It is th…
Dittany of Crete About the Plant: Dittany of Crete Origanum dictamnus,[Lamiaceae][Common Names; Dictamnus creticus, dittany, diktamo, eronda, Crete dittany and Cretan dittany, hop majoram and winte…
A good dactylorhiza producing an elegant flower with a broad lip. This tuberous perennial orchids is found on a range of well-drained or wet acidic soils in a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, moors, heaths, flushes and bogs. A good choice for the edge of a pond or a damp grassland situation.
Healing & Magical Uses of Bluebell. Harebell, Folklore. Healing, Magical, Mystical. Enchantment, Beliefs, Folk Remedies, Sacred Flower. Green Magic
Here is a list of amazing fragrant plants that smell heavenly. Get to know 10 fragrant plants with scents to die for. Perfect for the green thumb who loves to smell what they've grown!
Explore jose senna's 817 photos on Flickr!
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And now for something completely different--a wild look in Alliums. Much like the Egyptian Onion in our kitchen garden, 'Hair' forms small purple bulbils a
