26 Sep ’14 – Distinguished relatives

Who hasn’t grown a Pelargonium? They are great for summer colour in a sunny spot and give a longer display on a windowsill indoors. I have a couple of cherished, un-named zonals that have been grown from gifted cuttings. However, I also grow some of the species. Most of these are scented-leaf varieties, but I also have some of the more unusual species too.

This is P. gibbosum – a bit of a straggly plant that needs space to sprawl, some support for its brittle stems and the greenish-yellow flowers are produced infrequently. However, when it does flower its value is revealed in its scent, which is released during the night.

24 Sep ’14 – Satin and velvet

I was given this orchid a few years ago. I’m not even 100% sure what it is, an Oncidium hybrid of some sort.

It is very easy to grow in cool conditions, bright light without direct midday sun, occasional watering with a dilute liquid feed now and again. This is the best it has ever flowered. In some years there is more yellow in the petals, but this year most of them have very little.

The plant manages combine the texture of satin and velvet in the same flower.