Introducing my Orchids ( part 1 )

Since I seem  to have become a collector . I thought I would start introducing my Orchids.  I  have  tried to narrow my collecting to miniature Orchid species.                                                                                                                             Greediness ... I can fit more under my LED light selves .
I 'll start with this tiny Native of Taiwan : Haraellalla  retroca . It's supposedly an easy one to get blooming . And here it is blooming . In Taiwan it grows in the forest on mossy branches in semi shade .  The bloom looks like a beetle which attracts the male for pollination . I guess the male also like the scent of 'Lemon pledge ' because that's what my nose says.

I've mounted mine on a piece of Tree fern with Spagnum moss . I also discovered it's better to tie it with thin strips of   stocking  ( I have been using fishing line ) . I haven't  worn tights in years , so I had to buy  a box of 'Leggs' .
It likes to be kept moist so , every morning it gets a good misting , and every Saturday all the Orchids get a good shower . So far so good !

A vase on Monday

Is it a cheat to just plop an Orchid in a vase ? Oh well, I've been waiting for months for these blooms to open , Orchids are never in a great Rush . I just found the tag , this is Howeara Lava Burst 'Puanini'. I also made the vase which I was pleased with except the top rim is slightly wonky !

January Garden Blogger's Bloom Day and Tell the truth Tuesday

I jammed my camera  up under the Hellebore bloom . 

I noticed this little clump of Primula's the other day.

And Primula 'Wanda' 

 I almost missed  this tiny  Saxifraga  starting to bloom , Probably I need to get out more.  

Another easily missed bloom Polygala chamaebuxus .

A single Knautia 'thunder &lightning '

Hamamelis Jelena in full bloom .

This is the ugly damage the plumber caused with his huge double wide van a few weeks ago. The Cotinus  on the right  he rammed out by its roots. Philip spend hours ratcheting it back up . I think it will have to be chopped down , it's old and looks a hacked up mess . 

The big Spruce was also damaged , with big limbs ripped  off ... I hate plumbers  !

Happy New Year and a Tell The Truth Tuesday

I was all set to post for Alison's Bonnie Lassie) 'Tell the Truth Tuesday' . With photo's of the damage to the trees along the drive way when the plumber plowed through with his double wide van the other week,  I 'm too relieved that the garden didn't need to be dug up to replace the main water pipe.

So I won't show all that . Anyway it's a new year and freezing fog and stagnant air makes the garden look so good !