My orchid

I got an orchid! It’s an Oncidium Twinkle and I love it. It is rather unexpected for an orchid. There are tons of tiny reddish pink flowers and is now in my office window. It’s lost a few flowers since arriving at it’s new home. I’m hoping it’s just a mild reaction to the move.

The presentation by Jason Fischer from Orchids Limited at the Longfellow Garden Club last week was very enlightening. He went over the basics, showed beautiful photographs and told intriguing stories. I am now under the impression I can care for an orchid. Only time will tell. If it’s still alive in a year I’ll allow myself to buy another one, maybe a ladies slipper type.

Orchids

Ghost orchid photo by NC Orchid

Orchids have always fascinated me. They’re exotic, beautiful, complex and the flowers last longer than most other house plants. I’ve grown up with a lot of exposure to gardening and house plants. My parents even owned a plant store called The Potted Jungle. Great name, eh? However, orchids were never part of this, at least that I can remember. I’ve always pictured orchids as delicate and assumed they took a lot of work. I have no idea to what degree, if any, this is true.

Orchid named for Jason Fischer

So in a recent email I received, I was excited to hear that Jason Makoto Fischer from Orchids Limited will be doing a free presentation to the Longfellow Garden Club on February 13th at 7pm. Apparently Jason has been working with orchids since he was 5! Lucky man. He will also have orchids for sale. (I assume this is how they got him to do the free presentation.) I have no idea how much they will cost but do know that you should bring something to protect the plant from the cold if you think you might purchase one. The Longfellow Garden Club welcomes any interested parties regardless of where they live. The group will be meeting at the Epworth Church on the corner of 32nd and 37th Ave S in Minneapolis. I plan on attending this talk. Anyone interested in joining me?