#Euglossine bee

[wayti-blog]

(images: x x x x x)

"The tribe Euglossini, in the subfamily Apinae, commonly known as orchid bees or euglossine bees, are the only group of corbiculate bees whose non-parasitic members do not all possess eusocial behavior."

Wikipedia

"The perfume that male orchid bees create by collecting scents from the flowers they visit is designed to make females choose them rather than another mate.

Male orchid bees collect raw materials from multiple sources, including the orchid flowers they pollinate. These are used to concoct perfume mixtures that are stored in specialised hind-leg pouches (...)."

"The composite odour created by combining different molecules allows communication of more integrated information, such as how suitable a male is to be a father (...)."

continue article

[floralreality4eva]

A Vanilla Scented Tulip Orchid - by Becky Brinkman

Monday, June 13, 2016

Vanilla was not what I was expecting to smell yesterday when watering the Anguloa bench. If anything, I would have expected some foetid smells from the adjacent Nepenthes, quietly digesting their insect soup. Vanilla just isn't a fragrance I associate with Tulip Orchids. But no mistake, a little searching among the big accordion pleated leaves brought me to this guy, Anguloa cliftonii. At close range the fragrance was the familiar camphor/cineole common to many Euglossine bee fragrances, but with sweet overtones of vanilla. This is only the second time we have flowered cliftonii. Either I wasn't paying attention last time, or I caught it at the wrong time of day. What a treat.

[tameblog]

Happy Friday and Valentine’s Day GPODers! In case you missed it last week, I shared another fabulous guest post from Fine Gardening’s digital editor, Christine Alexander. She had finally gotten around to gathering photos from a trip she took to Costa Rica in August of 2021. With absolutely no intention on my behalf, the second installment of her trip to the fabulous Monteverde Orchid Garden aligned with Valentine’s Day. No, I’m not insinuating that orchids are the best gift to give a loved one—most of us probably know that kind of gift comes with a whole lot of work and varying rates of success. However, this destination was so beautiful and the trip altogether so special, that Christine and her (now) husband decided to elope while they were there. For Christine’s full version of that story, and the first batch of photos she shared, check out Part 1, here. And read the paragraphs below for a refresher on the incredibly unique Monteverde Orchid Garden. I have probably 500 photos I could share of the beauty of that country but I decided to send you something kind of cool that we accidentally ran into which is the Monteverde Orchid Garden. Despite working at Fine Gardening for 7 years, I have to admit I didn’t know much about orchids and was astounded to learn some of the specifics that make them special – for instance, many orchids have exclusive relationships with a specific pollinator, that they have developed incredible ways to lure insects into their flowers for pollination such as mimicking the scent of pheromones of the opposite sex or even the smell of rotting flesh all in an effort to attract insects to pollinate them. Other orchids are noted for their highly floral or sweet scent and are often used in perfumery as a result. The cooking ingredient vanilla actually comes from an orchid, the Vanilla planifolia. (You can learn how to grow your own vanilla orchid here). The Monteverde Orchid garden has over 450 varieties or orchids, including the smallest orchids in the world – which we needed a magnifying glass to view. It is a small garden, but packed full of flowers and information. Highly recommend checking it out if you are an orchidist or have orchidelirium, (the history of which is fascinating!) Today’s batch of photos is a mixture of the orchids the garden is famous for as well as other tropical plants that can be seen there. Of course, we have to start off with another outstanding orchid. The long-leaf phragmipedium (Phragmipedium longifolium) above is a slipper orchid, with its characteristic slipper-shaped pouch that traps insects inside to ensure pollination. Next up is an orchid that I believe is closely related to one of the orchids we saw in Part 1. That orchid was a Stanhopea wardii, which also has those oddly shaped petals that are said to mimic the shape and pheromones of a female euglossine bee to attract male bees to pollinate. This specimen has fascinating coloring that I couldn’t pin down in the Stanhopea genus. This orchid got the memo that’s it’s Valentine’s Day! Bamboo orchid (Arundina graminifolia) gets its name from its bamboo-like foliage, but can also be compared to bamboo for its incredible height—growing up to 6 feet high. Definitely worth getting onto the tips of your toes to see these pretty blooms. Of course, sometimes beauty is in the eye (and nose) of the beholder. Pelican flowers (Aristolochia grandiflora) are pretty infamous for being one of the world’s largest flowers, and for its foul odor that attracts the flies that pollinate it. However, the smell of rotting meat apparently doesn’t bother butterflies so much, as the plant has been introduced in Florida where they attract and support butterflies. As Christine mentions in the description at the top of this post, Monteverde Orchid Garden really makes the most of every inch available for plants. A winding path allows you to weave through the dense plantings and admire everything from low-growers to the vines and air plants that cling to the tree branches and trunks. While many conventional containers can be seen scattered throughout the garden, some unconventional materials are also used. Potting up plants in an old boot is certainly nothing new, but I absolutely love that moss has begun to cover the entirety of the boot. Another large family of plants in the tropics are the bromeliads. While maybe not quite as diverse as the showy orchid family (Orchidaceae), bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) do have some very interesting growing habits and spectacular inflorescences. Also called the “pineapple family” the commercial pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a bromeliad as well as air plants like Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides, Zones 8–11). The urn plant (Aechmea fasciata, Zones 10–11) above shows another common characteristic of bromeliads, the reservoir created at the base of their leaves that holds water. Another bromeliad that might remind you of it’s relative the pineapple, cone-headed guzmania (Guzmania conifera, Zones 10–11). However, the dazzling part of this plant is not a fruit but another example of bromeliad’s incredible inflorescences. The yellow-tipped, bright red scales are floral bracts and keep the interest going as the flowers that emerge from these bracts are short lived. Is a tropical forest garden complete without some banana trees? While we’re most familiar with the bright yellow fruits full of potassium, the banana tree also produces these huge banana blossoms (the large purple bud trailing off the bunch of fruit) that is also completely edible. A popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines, the flavor is mild and often compared to the taste of artichokes. I hope that you enjoyed a taste of the tropics on this Valentine’s Day. While the holiday is often associated with romantic relationships, it’s important to show our love and appreciation for everyone and everything we hold dear. Hello! Our plants wouldn’t mind a little extra love on this holiday, too! I’ll be showing my houseplants some much-needed love this weekend, and I’m sending my love and appreciation to everyone in the GPOD community. Have a lovely day and a great weekend!   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products Corona E-Grip Trowel Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Handle Material: Aluminum. Handle Length: 14-1/2 in. Overall Length: 14.5 in. Head Material: Aluminum. Handle Color: Red. Alpine Corporation 28" Tall Outdoor Birdbath with Scrollwork Decoration Yard Statue Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. STUNNING BIRDBATH: Quality birdbath is sure to attract feathered friends and create a charismatic ambiance for your garden, patio, deck, yard, or other outdoor space. SHALLOW SHAPE: Shallow and wide bowl assures that multiple small birds can drink and bathe safely at the same time BEAUTIFUL DESIGN: Luxurious and antique styling adds a touch of elegance to your garden or yard. DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Polypropylene material resists rust and damage from the elements while the sturdy base prevents the birdbath from tipping over. IDEAL SIZE: Birdbath measures 20" L x 20"W x 28"H, the perfect size for your yard, and includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty from date of purchase. A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY. Source link

[ramestoryworld]

Happy Friday and Valentine’s Day GPODers! In case you missed it last week, I shared another fabulous guest post from Fine Gardening’s digital editor, Christine Alexander. She had finally gotten around to gathering photos from a trip she took to Costa Rica in August of 2021. With absolutely no intention on my behalf, the second installment of her trip to the fabulous Monteverde Orchid Garden aligned with Valentine’s Day. No, I’m not insinuating that orchids are the best gift to give a loved one—most of us probably know that kind of gift comes with a whole lot of work and varying rates of success. However, this destination was so beautiful and the trip altogether so special, that Christine and her (now) husband decided to elope while they were there. For Christine’s full version of that story, and the first batch of photos she shared, check out Part 1, here. And read the paragraphs below for a refresher on the incredibly unique Monteverde Orchid Garden. I have probably 500 photos I could share of the beauty of that country but I decided to send you something kind of cool that we accidentally ran into which is the Monteverde Orchid Garden. Despite working at Fine Gardening for 7 years, I have to admit I didn’t know much about orchids and was astounded to learn some of the specifics that make them special – for instance, many orchids have exclusive relationships with a specific pollinator, that they have developed incredible ways to lure insects into their flowers for pollination such as mimicking the scent of pheromones of the opposite sex or even the smell of rotting flesh all in an effort to attract insects to pollinate them. Other orchids are noted for their highly floral or sweet scent and are often used in perfumery as a result. The cooking ingredient vanilla actually comes from an orchid, the Vanilla planifolia. (You can learn how to grow your own vanilla orchid here). The Monteverde Orchid garden has over 450 varieties or orchids, including the smallest orchids in the world – which we needed a magnifying glass to view. It is a small garden, but packed full of flowers and information. Highly recommend checking it out if you are an orchidist or have orchidelirium, (the history of which is fascinating!) Today’s batch of photos is a mixture of the orchids the garden is famous for as well as other tropical plants that can be seen there. Of course, we have to start off with another outstanding orchid. The long-leaf phragmipedium (Phragmipedium longifolium) above is a slipper orchid, with its characteristic slipper-shaped pouch that traps insects inside to ensure pollination. Next up is an orchid that I believe is closely related to one of the orchids we saw in Part 1. That orchid was a Stanhopea wardii, which also has those oddly shaped petals that are said to mimic the shape and pheromones of a female euglossine bee to attract male bees to pollinate. This specimen has fascinating coloring that I couldn’t pin down in the Stanhopea genus. This orchid got the memo that’s it’s Valentine’s Day! Bamboo orchid (Arundina graminifolia) gets its name from its bamboo-like foliage, but can also be compared to bamboo for its incredible height—growing up to 6 feet high. Definitely worth getting onto the tips of your toes to see these pretty blooms. Of course, sometimes beauty is in the eye (and nose) of the beholder. Pelican flowers (Aristolochia grandiflora) are pretty infamous for being one of the world’s largest flowers, and for its foul odor that attracts the flies that pollinate it. However, the smell of rotting meat apparently doesn’t bother butterflies so much, as the plant has been introduced in Florida where they attract and support butterflies. As Christine mentions in the description at the top of this post, Monteverde Orchid Garden really makes the most of every inch available for plants. A winding path allows you to weave through the dense plantings and admire everything from low-growers to the vines and air plants that cling to the tree branches and trunks. While many conventional containers can be seen scattered throughout the garden, some unconventional materials are also used. Potting up plants in an old boot is certainly nothing new, but I absolutely love that moss has begun to cover the entirety of the boot. Another large family of plants in the tropics are the bromeliads. While maybe not quite as diverse as the showy orchid family (Orchidaceae), bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) do have some very interesting growing habits and spectacular inflorescences. Also called the “pineapple family” the commercial pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a bromeliad as well as air plants like Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides, Zones 8–11). The urn plant (Aechmea fasciata, Zones 10–11) above shows another common characteristic of bromeliads, the reservoir created at the base of their leaves that holds water. Another bromeliad that might remind you of it’s relative the pineapple, cone-headed guzmania (Guzmania conifera, Zones 10–11). However, the dazzling part of this plant is not a fruit but another example of bromeliad’s incredible inflorescences. The yellow-tipped, bright red scales are floral bracts and keep the interest going as the flowers that emerge from these bracts are short lived. Is a tropical forest garden complete without some banana trees? While we’re most familiar with the bright yellow fruits full of potassium, the banana tree also produces these huge banana blossoms (the large purple bud trailing off the bunch of fruit) that is also completely edible. A popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines, the flavor is mild and often compared to the taste of artichokes. I hope that you enjoyed a taste of the tropics on this Valentine’s Day. While the holiday is often associated with romantic relationships, it’s important to show our love and appreciation for everyone and everything we hold dear. Hello! Our plants wouldn’t mind a little extra love on this holiday, too! I’ll be showing my houseplants some much-needed love this weekend, and I’m sending my love and appreciation to everyone in the GPOD community. Have a lovely day and a great weekend!   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products Corona E-Grip Trowel Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Handle Material: Aluminum. Handle Length: 14-1/2 in. Overall Length: 14.5 in. Head Material: Aluminum. Handle Color: Red. Alpine Corporation 28" Tall Outdoor Birdbath with Scrollwork Decoration Yard Statue Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. STUNNING BIRDBATH: Quality birdbath is sure to attract feathered friends and create a charismatic ambiance for your garden, patio, deck, yard, or other outdoor space. SHALLOW SHAPE: Shallow and wide bowl assures that multiple small birds can drink and bathe safely at the same time BEAUTIFUL DESIGN: Luxurious and antique styling adds a touch of elegance to your garden or yard. DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Polypropylene material resists rust and damage from the elements while the sturdy base prevents the birdbath from tipping over. IDEAL SIZE: Birdbath measures 20" L x 20"W x 28"H, the perfect size for your yard, and includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty from date of purchase. A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY. Source link

[alexha2210]

Happy Friday and Valentine’s Day GPODers! In case you missed it last week, I shared another fabulous guest post from Fine Gardening’s digital editor, Christine Alexander. She had finally gotten around to gathering photos from a trip she took to Costa Rica in August of 2021. With absolutely no intention on my behalf, the second installment of her trip to the fabulous Monteverde Orchid Garden aligned with Valentine’s Day. No, I’m not insinuating that orchids are the best gift to give a loved one—most of us probably know that kind of gift comes with a whole lot of work and varying rates of success. However, this destination was so beautiful and the trip altogether so special, that Christine and her (now) husband decided to elope while they were there. For Christine’s full version of that story, and the first batch of photos she shared, check out Part 1, here. And read the paragraphs below for a refresher on the incredibly unique Monteverde Orchid Garden. I have probably 500 photos I could share of the beauty of that country but I decided to send you something kind of cool that we accidentally ran into which is the Monteverde Orchid Garden. Despite working at Fine Gardening for 7 years, I have to admit I didn’t know much about orchids and was astounded to learn some of the specifics that make them special – for instance, many orchids have exclusive relationships with a specific pollinator, that they have developed incredible ways to lure insects into their flowers for pollination such as mimicking the scent of pheromones of the opposite sex or even the smell of rotting flesh all in an effort to attract insects to pollinate them. Other orchids are noted for their highly floral or sweet scent and are often used in perfumery as a result. The cooking ingredient vanilla actually comes from an orchid, the Vanilla planifolia. (You can learn how to grow your own vanilla orchid here). The Monteverde Orchid garden has over 450 varieties or orchids, including the smallest orchids in the world – which we needed a magnifying glass to view. It is a small garden, but packed full of flowers and information. Highly recommend checking it out if you are an orchidist or have orchidelirium, (the history of which is fascinating!) Today’s batch of photos is a mixture of the orchids the garden is famous for as well as other tropical plants that can be seen there. Of course, we have to start off with another outstanding orchid. The long-leaf phragmipedium (Phragmipedium longifolium) above is a slipper orchid, with its characteristic slipper-shaped pouch that traps insects inside to ensure pollination. Next up is an orchid that I believe is closely related to one of the orchids we saw in Part 1. That orchid was a Stanhopea wardii, which also has those oddly shaped petals that are said to mimic the shape and pheromones of a female euglossine bee to attract male bees to pollinate. This specimen has fascinating coloring that I couldn’t pin down in the Stanhopea genus. This orchid got the memo that’s it’s Valentine’s Day! Bamboo orchid (Arundina graminifolia) gets its name from its bamboo-like foliage, but can also be compared to bamboo for its incredible height—growing up to 6 feet high. Definitely worth getting onto the tips of your toes to see these pretty blooms. Of course, sometimes beauty is in the eye (and nose) of the beholder. Pelican flowers (Aristolochia grandiflora) are pretty infamous for being one of the world’s largest flowers, and for its foul odor that attracts the flies that pollinate it. However, the smell of rotting meat apparently doesn’t bother butterflies so much, as the plant has been introduced in Florida where they attract and support butterflies. As Christine mentions in the description at the top of this post, Monteverde Orchid Garden really makes the most of every inch available for plants. A winding path allows you to weave through the dense plantings and admire everything from low-growers to the vines and air plants that cling to the tree branches and trunks. While many conventional containers can be seen scattered throughout the garden, some unconventional materials are also used. Potting up plants in an old boot is certainly nothing new, but I absolutely love that moss has begun to cover the entirety of the boot. Another large family of plants in the tropics are the bromeliads. While maybe not quite as diverse as the showy orchid family (Orchidaceae), bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) do have some very interesting growing habits and spectacular inflorescences. Also called the “pineapple family” the commercial pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a bromeliad as well as air plants like Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides, Zones 8–11). The urn plant (Aechmea fasciata, Zones 10–11) above shows another common characteristic of bromeliads, the reservoir created at the base of their leaves that holds water. Another bromeliad that might remind you of it’s relative the pineapple, cone-headed guzmania (Guzmania conifera, Zones 10–11). However, the dazzling part of this plant is not a fruit but another example of bromeliad’s incredible inflorescences. The yellow-tipped, bright red scales are floral bracts and keep the interest going as the flowers that emerge from these bracts are short lived. Is a tropical forest garden complete without some banana trees? While we’re most familiar with the bright yellow fruits full of potassium, the banana tree also produces these huge banana blossoms (the large purple bud trailing off the bunch of fruit) that is also completely edible. A popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines, the flavor is mild and often compared to the taste of artichokes. I hope that you enjoyed a taste of the tropics on this Valentine’s Day. While the holiday is often associated with romantic relationships, it’s important to show our love and appreciation for everyone and everything we hold dear. Hello! Our plants wouldn’t mind a little extra love on this holiday, too! I’ll be showing my houseplants some much-needed love this weekend, and I’m sending my love and appreciation to everyone in the GPOD community. Have a lovely day and a great weekend!   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products Corona E-Grip Trowel Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Handle Material: Aluminum. Handle Length: 14-1/2 in. Overall Length: 14.5 in. Head Material: Aluminum. Handle Color: Red. Alpine Corporation 28" Tall Outdoor Birdbath with Scrollwork Decoration Yard Statue Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. STUNNING BIRDBATH: Quality birdbath is sure to attract feathered friends and create a charismatic ambiance for your garden, patio, deck, yard, or other outdoor space. SHALLOW SHAPE: Shallow and wide bowl assures that multiple small birds can drink and bathe safely at the same time BEAUTIFUL DESIGN: Luxurious and antique styling adds a touch of elegance to your garden or yard. DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Polypropylene material resists rust and damage from the elements while the sturdy base prevents the birdbath from tipping over. IDEAL SIZE: Birdbath measures 20" L x 20"W x 28"H, the perfect size for your yard, and includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty from date of purchase. A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY. Source link

[angusstory]

Happy Friday and Valentine’s Day GPODers! In case you missed it last week, I shared another fabulous guest post from Fine Gardening’s digital editor, Christine Alexander. She had finally gotten around to gathering photos from a trip she took to Costa Rica in August of 2021. With absolutely no intention on my behalf, the second installment of her trip to the fabulous Monteverde Orchid Garden aligned with Valentine’s Day. No, I’m not insinuating that orchids are the best gift to give a loved one—most of us probably know that kind of gift comes with a whole lot of work and varying rates of success. However, this destination was so beautiful and the trip altogether so special, that Christine and her (now) husband decided to elope while they were there. For Christine’s full version of that story, and the first batch of photos she shared, check out Part 1, here. And read the paragraphs below for a refresher on the incredibly unique Monteverde Orchid Garden. I have probably 500 photos I could share of the beauty of that country but I decided to send you something kind of cool that we accidentally ran into which is the Monteverde Orchid Garden. Despite working at Fine Gardening for 7 years, I have to admit I didn’t know much about orchids and was astounded to learn some of the specifics that make them special – for instance, many orchids have exclusive relationships with a specific pollinator, that they have developed incredible ways to lure insects into their flowers for pollination such as mimicking the scent of pheromones of the opposite sex or even the smell of rotting flesh all in an effort to attract insects to pollinate them. Other orchids are noted for their highly floral or sweet scent and are often used in perfumery as a result. The cooking ingredient vanilla actually comes from an orchid, the Vanilla planifolia. (You can learn how to grow your own vanilla orchid here). The Monteverde Orchid garden has over 450 varieties or orchids, including the smallest orchids in the world – which we needed a magnifying glass to view. It is a small garden, but packed full of flowers and information. Highly recommend checking it out if you are an orchidist or have orchidelirium, (the history of which is fascinating!) Today’s batch of photos is a mixture of the orchids the garden is famous for as well as other tropical plants that can be seen there. Of course, we have to start off with another outstanding orchid. The long-leaf phragmipedium (Phragmipedium longifolium) above is a slipper orchid, with its characteristic slipper-shaped pouch that traps insects inside to ensure pollination. Next up is an orchid that I believe is closely related to one of the orchids we saw in Part 1. That orchid was a Stanhopea wardii, which also has those oddly shaped petals that are said to mimic the shape and pheromones of a female euglossine bee to attract male bees to pollinate. This specimen has fascinating coloring that I couldn’t pin down in the Stanhopea genus. This orchid got the memo that’s it’s Valentine’s Day! Bamboo orchid (Arundina graminifolia) gets its name from its bamboo-like foliage, but can also be compared to bamboo for its incredible height—growing up to 6 feet high. Definitely worth getting onto the tips of your toes to see these pretty blooms. Of course, sometimes beauty is in the eye (and nose) of the beholder. Pelican flowers (Aristolochia grandiflora) are pretty infamous for being one of the world’s largest flowers, and for its foul odor that attracts the flies that pollinate it. However, the smell of rotting meat apparently doesn’t bother butterflies so much, as the plant has been introduced in Florida where they attract and support butterflies. As Christine mentions in the description at the top of this post, Monteverde Orchid Garden really makes the most of every inch available for plants. A winding path allows you to weave through the dense plantings and admire everything from low-growers to the vines and air plants that cling to the tree branches and trunks. While many conventional containers can be seen scattered throughout the garden, some unconventional materials are also used. Potting up plants in an old boot is certainly nothing new, but I absolutely love that moss has begun to cover the entirety of the boot. Another large family of plants in the tropics are the bromeliads. While maybe not quite as diverse as the showy orchid family (Orchidaceae), bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) do have some very interesting growing habits and spectacular inflorescences. Also called the “pineapple family” the commercial pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a bromeliad as well as air plants like Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides, Zones 8–11). The urn plant (Aechmea fasciata, Zones 10–11) above shows another common characteristic of bromeliads, the reservoir created at the base of their leaves that holds water. Another bromeliad that might remind you of it’s relative the pineapple, cone-headed guzmania (Guzmania conifera, Zones 10–11). However, the dazzling part of this plant is not a fruit but another example of bromeliad’s incredible inflorescences. The yellow-tipped, bright red scales are floral bracts and keep the interest going as the flowers that emerge from these bracts are short lived. Is a tropical forest garden complete without some banana trees? While we’re most familiar with the bright yellow fruits full of potassium, the banana tree also produces these huge banana blossoms (the large purple bud trailing off the bunch of fruit) that is also completely edible. A popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines, the flavor is mild and often compared to the taste of artichokes. I hope that you enjoyed a taste of the tropics on this Valentine’s Day. While the holiday is often associated with romantic relationships, it’s important to show our love and appreciation for everyone and everything we hold dear. Hello! Our plants wouldn’t mind a little extra love on this holiday, too! I’ll be showing my houseplants some much-needed love this weekend, and I’m sending my love and appreciation to everyone in the GPOD community. Have a lovely day and a great weekend!   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products Corona E-Grip Trowel Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Handle Material: Aluminum. Handle Length: 14-1/2 in. Overall Length: 14.5 in. Head Material: Aluminum. Handle Color: Red. Alpine Corporation 28" Tall Outdoor Birdbath with Scrollwork Decoration Yard Statue Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. STUNNING BIRDBATH: Quality birdbath is sure to attract feathered friends and create a charismatic ambiance for your garden, patio, deck, yard, or other outdoor space. SHALLOW SHAPE: Shallow and wide bowl assures that multiple small birds can drink and bathe safely at the same time BEAUTIFUL DESIGN: Luxurious and antique styling adds a touch of elegance to your garden or yard. DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Polypropylene material resists rust and damage from the elements while the sturdy base prevents the birdbath from tipping over. IDEAL SIZE: Birdbath measures 20" L x 20"W x 28"H, the perfect size for your yard, and includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty from date of purchase. A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY. Source link

[tumibaba]

Happy Friday and Valentine’s Day GPODers! In case you missed it last week, I shared another fabulous guest post from Fine Gardening’s digital editor, Christine Alexander. She had finally gotten around to gathering photos from a trip she took to Costa Rica in August of 2021. With absolutely no intention on my behalf, the second installment of her trip to the fabulous Monteverde Orchid Garden aligned with Valentine’s Day. No, I’m not insinuating that orchids are the best gift to give a loved one—most of us probably know that kind of gift comes with a whole lot of work and varying rates of success. However, this destination was so beautiful and the trip altogether so special, that Christine and her (now) husband decided to elope while they were there. For Christine’s full version of that story, and the first batch of photos she shared, check out Part 1, here. And read the paragraphs below for a refresher on the incredibly unique Monteverde Orchid Garden. I have probably 500 photos I could share of the beauty of that country but I decided to send you something kind of cool that we accidentally ran into which is the Monteverde Orchid Garden. Despite working at Fine Gardening for 7 years, I have to admit I didn’t know much about orchids and was astounded to learn some of the specifics that make them special – for instance, many orchids have exclusive relationships with a specific pollinator, that they have developed incredible ways to lure insects into their flowers for pollination such as mimicking the scent of pheromones of the opposite sex or even the smell of rotting flesh all in an effort to attract insects to pollinate them. Other orchids are noted for their highly floral or sweet scent and are often used in perfumery as a result. The cooking ingredient vanilla actually comes from an orchid, the Vanilla planifolia. (You can learn how to grow your own vanilla orchid here). The Monteverde Orchid garden has over 450 varieties or orchids, including the smallest orchids in the world – which we needed a magnifying glass to view. It is a small garden, but packed full of flowers and information. Highly recommend checking it out if you are an orchidist or have orchidelirium, (the history of which is fascinating!) Today’s batch of photos is a mixture of the orchids the garden is famous for as well as other tropical plants that can be seen there. Of course, we have to start off with another outstanding orchid. The long-leaf phragmipedium (Phragmipedium longifolium) above is a slipper orchid, with its characteristic slipper-shaped pouch that traps insects inside to ensure pollination. Next up is an orchid that I believe is closely related to one of the orchids we saw in Part 1. That orchid was a Stanhopea wardii, which also has those oddly shaped petals that are said to mimic the shape and pheromones of a female euglossine bee to attract male bees to pollinate. This specimen has fascinating coloring that I couldn’t pin down in the Stanhopea genus. This orchid got the memo that’s it’s Valentine’s Day! Bamboo orchid (Arundina graminifolia) gets its name from its bamboo-like foliage, but can also be compared to bamboo for its incredible height—growing up to 6 feet high. Definitely worth getting onto the tips of your toes to see these pretty blooms. Of course, sometimes beauty is in the eye (and nose) of the beholder. Pelican flowers (Aristolochia grandiflora) are pretty infamous for being one of the world’s largest flowers, and for its foul odor that attracts the flies that pollinate it. However, the smell of rotting meat apparently doesn’t bother butterflies so much, as the plant has been introduced in Florida where they attract and support butterflies. As Christine mentions in the description at the top of this post, Monteverde Orchid Garden really makes the most of every inch available for plants. A winding path allows you to weave through the dense plantings and admire everything from low-growers to the vines and air plants that cling to the tree branches and trunks. While many conventional containers can be seen scattered throughout the garden, some unconventional materials are also used. Potting up plants in an old boot is certainly nothing new, but I absolutely love that moss has begun to cover the entirety of the boot. Another large family of plants in the tropics are the bromeliads. While maybe not quite as diverse as the showy orchid family (Orchidaceae), bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) do have some very interesting growing habits and spectacular inflorescences. Also called the “pineapple family” the commercial pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a bromeliad as well as air plants like Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides, Zones 8–11). The urn plant (Aechmea fasciata, Zones 10–11) above shows another common characteristic of bromeliads, the reservoir created at the base of their leaves that holds water. Another bromeliad that might remind you of it’s relative the pineapple, cone-headed guzmania (Guzmania conifera, Zones 10–11). However, the dazzling part of this plant is not a fruit but another example of bromeliad’s incredible inflorescences. The yellow-tipped, bright red scales are floral bracts and keep the interest going as the flowers that emerge from these bracts are short lived. Is a tropical forest garden complete without some banana trees? While we’re most familiar with the bright yellow fruits full of potassium, the banana tree also produces these huge banana blossoms (the large purple bud trailing off the bunch of fruit) that is also completely edible. A popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines, the flavor is mild and often compared to the taste of artichokes. I hope that you enjoyed a taste of the tropics on this Valentine’s Day. While the holiday is often associated with romantic relationships, it’s important to show our love and appreciation for everyone and everything we hold dear. Hello! Our plants wouldn’t mind a little extra love on this holiday, too! I’ll be showing my houseplants some much-needed love this weekend, and I’m sending my love and appreciation to everyone in the GPOD community. Have a lovely day and a great weekend!   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products Corona E-Grip Trowel Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Handle Material: Aluminum. Handle Length: 14-1/2 in. Overall Length: 14.5 in. Head Material: Aluminum. Handle Color: Red. Alpine Corporation 28" Tall Outdoor Birdbath with Scrollwork Decoration Yard Statue Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. STUNNING BIRDBATH: Quality birdbath is sure to attract feathered friends and create a charismatic ambiance for your garden, patio, deck, yard, or other outdoor space. SHALLOW SHAPE: Shallow and wide bowl assures that multiple small birds can drink and bathe safely at the same time BEAUTIFUL DESIGN: Luxurious and antique styling adds a touch of elegance to your garden or yard. DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Polypropylene material resists rust and damage from the elements while the sturdy base prevents the birdbath from tipping over. IDEAL SIZE: Birdbath measures 20" L x 20"W x 28"H, the perfect size for your yard, and includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty from date of purchase. A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY. Source link

[romaleen]

Happy Friday and Valentine’s Day GPODers! In case you missed it last week, I shared another fabulous guest post from Fine Gardening’s digital editor, Christine Alexander. She had finally gotten around to gathering photos from a trip she took to Costa Rica in August of 2021. With absolutely no intention on my behalf, the second installment of her trip to the fabulous Monteverde Orchid Garden aligned with Valentine’s Day. No, I’m not insinuating that orchids are the best gift to give a loved one—most of us probably know that kind of gift comes with a whole lot of work and varying rates of success. However, this destination was so beautiful and the trip altogether so special, that Christine and her (now) husband decided to elope while they were there. For Christine’s full version of that story, and the first batch of photos she shared, check out Part 1, here. And read the paragraphs below for a refresher on the incredibly unique Monteverde Orchid Garden. I have probably 500 photos I could share of the beauty of that country but I decided to send you something kind of cool that we accidentally ran into which is the Monteverde Orchid Garden. Despite working at Fine Gardening for 7 years, I have to admit I didn’t know much about orchids and was astounded to learn some of the specifics that make them special – for instance, many orchids have exclusive relationships with a specific pollinator, that they have developed incredible ways to lure insects into their flowers for pollination such as mimicking the scent of pheromones of the opposite sex or even the smell of rotting flesh all in an effort to attract insects to pollinate them. Other orchids are noted for their highly floral or sweet scent and are often used in perfumery as a result. The cooking ingredient vanilla actually comes from an orchid, the Vanilla planifolia. (You can learn how to grow your own vanilla orchid here). The Monteverde Orchid garden has over 450 varieties or orchids, including the smallest orchids in the world – which we needed a magnifying glass to view. It is a small garden, but packed full of flowers and information. Highly recommend checking it out if you are an orchidist or have orchidelirium, (the history of which is fascinating!) Today’s batch of photos is a mixture of the orchids the garden is famous for as well as other tropical plants that can be seen there. Of course, we have to start off with another outstanding orchid. The long-leaf phragmipedium (Phragmipedium longifolium) above is a slipper orchid, with its characteristic slipper-shaped pouch that traps insects inside to ensure pollination. Next up is an orchid that I believe is closely related to one of the orchids we saw in Part 1. That orchid was a Stanhopea wardii, which also has those oddly shaped petals that are said to mimic the shape and pheromones of a female euglossine bee to attract male bees to pollinate. This specimen has fascinating coloring that I couldn’t pin down in the Stanhopea genus. This orchid got the memo that’s it’s Valentine’s Day! Bamboo orchid (Arundina graminifolia) gets its name from its bamboo-like foliage, but can also be compared to bamboo for its incredible height—growing up to 6 feet high. Definitely worth getting onto the tips of your toes to see these pretty blooms. Of course, sometimes beauty is in the eye (and nose) of the beholder. Pelican flowers (Aristolochia grandiflora) are pretty infamous for being one of the world’s largest flowers, and for its foul odor that attracts the flies that pollinate it. However, the smell of rotting meat apparently doesn’t bother butterflies so much, as the plant has been introduced in Florida where they attract and support butterflies. As Christine mentions in the description at the top of this post, Monteverde Orchid Garden really makes the most of every inch available for plants. A winding path allows you to weave through the dense plantings and admire everything from low-growers to the vines and air plants that cling to the tree branches and trunks. While many conventional containers can be seen scattered throughout the garden, some unconventional materials are also used. Potting up plants in an old boot is certainly nothing new, but I absolutely love that moss has begun to cover the entirety of the boot. Another large family of plants in the tropics are the bromeliads. While maybe not quite as diverse as the showy orchid family (Orchidaceae), bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) do have some very interesting growing habits and spectacular inflorescences. Also called the “pineapple family” the commercial pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a bromeliad as well as air plants like Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides, Zones 8–11). The urn plant (Aechmea fasciata, Zones 10–11) above shows another common characteristic of bromeliads, the reservoir created at the base of their leaves that holds water. Another bromeliad that might remind you of it’s relative the pineapple, cone-headed guzmania (Guzmania conifera, Zones 10–11). However, the dazzling part of this plant is not a fruit but another example of bromeliad’s incredible inflorescences. The yellow-tipped, bright red scales are floral bracts and keep the interest going as the flowers that emerge from these bracts are short lived. Is a tropical forest garden complete without some banana trees? While we’re most familiar with the bright yellow fruits full of potassium, the banana tree also produces these huge banana blossoms (the large purple bud trailing off the bunch of fruit) that is also completely edible. A popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines, the flavor is mild and often compared to the taste of artichokes. I hope that you enjoyed a taste of the tropics on this Valentine’s Day. While the holiday is often associated with romantic relationships, it’s important to show our love and appreciation for everyone and everything we hold dear. Hello! Our plants wouldn’t mind a little extra love on this holiday, too! I’ll be showing my houseplants some much-needed love this weekend, and I’m sending my love and appreciation to everyone in the GPOD community. Have a lovely day and a great weekend!   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products Corona E-Grip Trowel Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Handle Material: Aluminum. Handle Length: 14-1/2 in. Overall Length: 14.5 in. Head Material: Aluminum. Handle Color: Red. Alpine Corporation 28" Tall Outdoor Birdbath with Scrollwork Decoration Yard Statue Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. STUNNING BIRDBATH: Quality birdbath is sure to attract feathered friends and create a charismatic ambiance for your garden, patio, deck, yard, or other outdoor space. SHALLOW SHAPE: Shallow and wide bowl assures that multiple small birds can drink and bathe safely at the same time BEAUTIFUL DESIGN: Luxurious and antique styling adds a touch of elegance to your garden or yard. DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Polypropylene material resists rust and damage from the elements while the sturdy base prevents the birdbath from tipping over. IDEAL SIZE: Birdbath measures 20" L x 20"W x 28"H, the perfect size for your yard, and includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty from date of purchase. A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY. Source link

[monaleen101]

Happy Friday and Valentine’s Day GPODers! In case you missed it last week, I shared another fabulous guest post from Fine Gardening’s digital editor, Christine Alexander. She had finally gotten around to gathering photos from a trip she took to Costa Rica in August of 2021. With absolutely no intention on my behalf, the second installment of her trip to the fabulous Monteverde Orchid Garden aligned with Valentine’s Day. No, I’m not insinuating that orchids are the best gift to give a loved one—most of us probably know that kind of gift comes with a whole lot of work and varying rates of success. However, this destination was so beautiful and the trip altogether so special, that Christine and her (now) husband decided to elope while they were there. For Christine’s full version of that story, and the first batch of photos she shared, check out Part 1, here. And read the paragraphs below for a refresher on the incredibly unique Monteverde Orchid Garden. I have probably 500 photos I could share of the beauty of that country but I decided to send you something kind of cool that we accidentally ran into which is the Monteverde Orchid Garden. Despite working at Fine Gardening for 7 years, I have to admit I didn’t know much about orchids and was astounded to learn some of the specifics that make them special – for instance, many orchids have exclusive relationships with a specific pollinator, that they have developed incredible ways to lure insects into their flowers for pollination such as mimicking the scent of pheromones of the opposite sex or even the smell of rotting flesh all in an effort to attract insects to pollinate them. Other orchids are noted for their highly floral or sweet scent and are often used in perfumery as a result. The cooking ingredient vanilla actually comes from an orchid, the Vanilla planifolia. (You can learn how to grow your own vanilla orchid here). The Monteverde Orchid garden has over 450 varieties or orchids, including the smallest orchids in the world – which we needed a magnifying glass to view. It is a small garden, but packed full of flowers and information. Highly recommend checking it out if you are an orchidist or have orchidelirium, (the history of which is fascinating!) Today’s batch of photos is a mixture of the orchids the garden is famous for as well as other tropical plants that can be seen there. Of course, we have to start off with another outstanding orchid. The long-leaf phragmipedium (Phragmipedium longifolium) above is a slipper orchid, with its characteristic slipper-shaped pouch that traps insects inside to ensure pollination. Next up is an orchid that I believe is closely related to one of the orchids we saw in Part 1. That orchid was a Stanhopea wardii, which also has those oddly shaped petals that are said to mimic the shape and pheromones of a female euglossine bee to attract male bees to pollinate. This specimen has fascinating coloring that I couldn’t pin down in the Stanhopea genus. This orchid got the memo that’s it’s Valentine’s Day! Bamboo orchid (Arundina graminifolia) gets its name from its bamboo-like foliage, but can also be compared to bamboo for its incredible height—growing up to 6 feet high. Definitely worth getting onto the tips of your toes to see these pretty blooms. Of course, sometimes beauty is in the eye (and nose) of the beholder. Pelican flowers (Aristolochia grandiflora) are pretty infamous for being one of the world’s largest flowers, and for its foul odor that attracts the flies that pollinate it. However, the smell of rotting meat apparently doesn’t bother butterflies so much, as the plant has been introduced in Florida where they attract and support butterflies. As Christine mentions in the description at the top of this post, Monteverde Orchid Garden really makes the most of every inch available for plants. A winding path allows you to weave through the dense plantings and admire everything from low-growers to the vines and air plants that cling to the tree branches and trunks. While many conventional containers can be seen scattered throughout the garden, some unconventional materials are also used. Potting up plants in an old boot is certainly nothing new, but I absolutely love that moss has begun to cover the entirety of the boot. Another large family of plants in the tropics are the bromeliads. While maybe not quite as diverse as the showy orchid family (Orchidaceae), bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) do have some very interesting growing habits and spectacular inflorescences. Also called the “pineapple family” the commercial pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a bromeliad as well as air plants like Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides, Zones 8–11). The urn plant (Aechmea fasciata, Zones 10–11) above shows another common characteristic of bromeliads, the reservoir created at the base of their leaves that holds water. Another bromeliad that might remind you of it’s relative the pineapple, cone-headed guzmania (Guzmania conifera, Zones 10–11). However, the dazzling part of this plant is not a fruit but another example of bromeliad’s incredible inflorescences. The yellow-tipped, bright red scales are floral bracts and keep the interest going as the flowers that emerge from these bracts are short lived. Is a tropical forest garden complete without some banana trees? While we’re most familiar with the bright yellow fruits full of potassium, the banana tree also produces these huge banana blossoms (the large purple bud trailing off the bunch of fruit) that is also completely edible. A popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines, the flavor is mild and often compared to the taste of artichokes. I hope that you enjoyed a taste of the tropics on this Valentine’s Day. While the holiday is often associated with romantic relationships, it’s important to show our love and appreciation for everyone and everything we hold dear. Hello! Our plants wouldn’t mind a little extra love on this holiday, too! I’ll be showing my houseplants some much-needed love this weekend, and I’m sending my love and appreciation to everyone in the GPOD community. Have a lovely day and a great weekend!   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products Corona E-Grip Trowel Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Handle Material: Aluminum. Handle Length: 14-1/2 in. Overall Length: 14.5 in. Head Material: Aluminum. Handle Color: Red. Alpine Corporation 28" Tall Outdoor Birdbath with Scrollwork Decoration Yard Statue Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. STUNNING BIRDBATH: Quality birdbath is sure to attract feathered friends and create a charismatic ambiance for your garden, patio, deck, yard, or other outdoor space. SHALLOW SHAPE: Shallow and wide bowl assures that multiple small birds can drink and bathe safely at the same time BEAUTIFUL DESIGN: Luxurious and antique styling adds a touch of elegance to your garden or yard. DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Polypropylene material resists rust and damage from the elements while the sturdy base prevents the birdbath from tipping over. IDEAL SIZE: Birdbath measures 20" L x 20"W x 28"H, the perfect size for your yard, and includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty from date of purchase. A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY. Source link

[iamownerofme]

Happy Friday and Valentine’s Day GPODers! In case you missed it last week, I shared another fabulous guest post from Fine Gardening’s digital editor, Christine Alexander. She had finally gotten around to gathering photos from a trip she took to Costa Rica in August of 2021. With absolutely no intention on my behalf, the second installment of her trip to the fabulous Monteverde Orchid Garden aligned with Valentine’s Day. No, I’m not insinuating that orchids are the best gift to give a loved one—most of us probably know that kind of gift comes with a whole lot of work and varying rates of success. However, this destination was so beautiful and the trip altogether so special, that Christine and her (now) husband decided to elope while they were there. For Christine’s full version of that story, and the first batch of photos she shared, check out Part 1, here. And read the paragraphs below for a refresher on the incredibly unique Monteverde Orchid Garden. I have probably 500 photos I could share of the beauty of that country but I decided to send you something kind of cool that we accidentally ran into which is the Monteverde Orchid Garden. Despite working at Fine Gardening for 7 years, I have to admit I didn’t know much about orchids and was astounded to learn some of the specifics that make them special – for instance, many orchids have exclusive relationships with a specific pollinator, that they have developed incredible ways to lure insects into their flowers for pollination such as mimicking the scent of pheromones of the opposite sex or even the smell of rotting flesh all in an effort to attract insects to pollinate them. Other orchids are noted for their highly floral or sweet scent and are often used in perfumery as a result. The cooking ingredient vanilla actually comes from an orchid, the Vanilla planifolia. (You can learn how to grow your own vanilla orchid here). The Monteverde Orchid garden has over 450 varieties or orchids, including the smallest orchids in the world – which we needed a magnifying glass to view. It is a small garden, but packed full of flowers and information. Highly recommend checking it out if you are an orchidist or have orchidelirium, (the history of which is fascinating!) Today’s batch of photos is a mixture of the orchids the garden is famous for as well as other tropical plants that can be seen there. Of course, we have to start off with another outstanding orchid. The long-leaf phragmipedium (Phragmipedium longifolium) above is a slipper orchid, with its characteristic slipper-shaped pouch that traps insects inside to ensure pollination. Next up is an orchid that I believe is closely related to one of the orchids we saw in Part 1. That orchid was a Stanhopea wardii, which also has those oddly shaped petals that are said to mimic the shape and pheromones of a female euglossine bee to attract male bees to pollinate. This specimen has fascinating coloring that I couldn’t pin down in the Stanhopea genus. This orchid got the memo that’s it’s Valentine’s Day! Bamboo orchid (Arundina graminifolia) gets its name from its bamboo-like foliage, but can also be compared to bamboo for its incredible height—growing up to 6 feet high. Definitely worth getting onto the tips of your toes to see these pretty blooms. Of course, sometimes beauty is in the eye (and nose) of the beholder. Pelican flowers (Aristolochia grandiflora) are pretty infamous for being one of the world’s largest flowers, and for its foul odor that attracts the flies that pollinate it. However, the smell of rotting meat apparently doesn’t bother butterflies so much, as the plant has been introduced in Florida where they attract and support butterflies. As Christine mentions in the description at the top of this post, Monteverde Orchid Garden really makes the most of every inch available for plants. A winding path allows you to weave through the dense plantings and admire everything from low-growers to the vines and air plants that cling to the tree branches and trunks. While many conventional containers can be seen scattered throughout the garden, some unconventional materials are also used. Potting up plants in an old boot is certainly nothing new, but I absolutely love that moss has begun to cover the entirety of the boot. Another large family of plants in the tropics are the bromeliads. While maybe not quite as diverse as the showy orchid family (Orchidaceae), bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) do have some very interesting growing habits and spectacular inflorescences. Also called the “pineapple family” the commercial pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a bromeliad as well as air plants like Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides, Zones 8–11). The urn plant (Aechmea fasciata, Zones 10–11) above shows another common characteristic of bromeliads, the reservoir created at the base of their leaves that holds water. Another bromeliad that might remind you of it’s relative the pineapple, cone-headed guzmania (Guzmania conifera, Zones 10–11). However, the dazzling part of this plant is not a fruit but another example of bromeliad’s incredible inflorescences. The yellow-tipped, bright red scales are floral bracts and keep the interest going as the flowers that emerge from these bracts are short lived. Is a tropical forest garden complete without some banana trees? While we’re most familiar with the bright yellow fruits full of potassium, the banana tree also produces these huge banana blossoms (the large purple bud trailing off the bunch of fruit) that is also completely edible. A popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines, the flavor is mild and often compared to the taste of artichokes. I hope that you enjoyed a taste of the tropics on this Valentine’s Day. While the holiday is often associated with romantic relationships, it’s important to show our love and appreciation for everyone and everything we hold dear. Hello! Our plants wouldn’t mind a little extra love on this holiday, too! I’ll be showing my houseplants some much-needed love this weekend, and I’m sending my love and appreciation to everyone in the GPOD community. Have a lovely day and a great weekend!   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products Corona E-Grip Trowel Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Handle Material: Aluminum. Handle Length: 14-1/2 in. Overall Length: 14.5 in. Head Material: Aluminum. Handle Color: Red. Alpine Corporation 28" Tall Outdoor Birdbath with Scrollwork Decoration Yard Statue Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. STUNNING BIRDBATH: Quality birdbath is sure to attract feathered friends and create a charismatic ambiance for your garden, patio, deck, yard, or other outdoor space. SHALLOW SHAPE: Shallow and wide bowl assures that multiple small birds can drink and bathe safely at the same time BEAUTIFUL DESIGN: Luxurious and antique styling adds a touch of elegance to your garden or yard. DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Polypropylene material resists rust and damage from the elements while the sturdy base prevents the birdbath from tipping over. IDEAL SIZE: Birdbath measures 20" L x 20"W x 28"H, the perfect size for your yard, and includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty from date of purchase. A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY. Source link

[shelyold]

Happy Friday and Valentine’s Day GPODers! In case you missed it last week, I shared another fabulous guest post from Fine Gardening’s digital editor, Christine Alexander. She had finally gotten around to gathering photos from a trip she took to Costa Rica in August of 2021. With absolutely no intention on my behalf, the second installment of her trip to the fabulous Monteverde Orchid Garden aligned with Valentine’s Day. No, I’m not insinuating that orchids are the best gift to give a loved one—most of us probably know that kind of gift comes with a whole lot of work and varying rates of success. However, this destination was so beautiful and the trip altogether so special, that Christine and her (now) husband decided to elope while they were there. For Christine’s full version of that story, and the first batch of photos she shared, check out Part 1, here. And read the paragraphs below for a refresher on the incredibly unique Monteverde Orchid Garden. I have probably 500 photos I could share of the beauty of that country but I decided to send you something kind of cool that we accidentally ran into which is the Monteverde Orchid Garden. Despite working at Fine Gardening for 7 years, I have to admit I didn’t know much about orchids and was astounded to learn some of the specifics that make them special – for instance, many orchids have exclusive relationships with a specific pollinator, that they have developed incredible ways to lure insects into their flowers for pollination such as mimicking the scent of pheromones of the opposite sex or even the smell of rotting flesh all in an effort to attract insects to pollinate them. Other orchids are noted for their highly floral or sweet scent and are often used in perfumery as a result. The cooking ingredient vanilla actually comes from an orchid, the Vanilla planifolia. (You can learn how to grow your own vanilla orchid here). The Monteverde Orchid garden has over 450 varieties or orchids, including the smallest orchids in the world – which we needed a magnifying glass to view. It is a small garden, but packed full of flowers and information. Highly recommend checking it out if you are an orchidist or have orchidelirium, (the history of which is fascinating!) Today’s batch of photos is a mixture of the orchids the garden is famous for as well as other tropical plants that can be seen there. Of course, we have to start off with another outstanding orchid. The long-leaf phragmipedium (Phragmipedium longifolium) above is a slipper orchid, with its characteristic slipper-shaped pouch that traps insects inside to ensure pollination. Next up is an orchid that I believe is closely related to one of the orchids we saw in Part 1. That orchid was a Stanhopea wardii, which also has those oddly shaped petals that are said to mimic the shape and pheromones of a female euglossine bee to attract male bees to pollinate. This specimen has fascinating coloring that I couldn’t pin down in the Stanhopea genus. This orchid got the memo that’s it’s Valentine’s Day! Bamboo orchid (Arundina graminifolia) gets its name from its bamboo-like foliage, but can also be compared to bamboo for its incredible height—growing up to 6 feet high. Definitely worth getting onto the tips of your toes to see these pretty blooms. Of course, sometimes beauty is in the eye (and nose) of the beholder. Pelican flowers (Aristolochia grandiflora) are pretty infamous for being one of the world’s largest flowers, and for its foul odor that attracts the flies that pollinate it. However, the smell of rotting meat apparently doesn’t bother butterflies so much, as the plant has been introduced in Florida where they attract and support butterflies. As Christine mentions in the description at the top of this post, Monteverde Orchid Garden really makes the most of every inch available for plants. A winding path allows you to weave through the dense plantings and admire everything from low-growers to the vines and air plants that cling to the tree branches and trunks. While many conventional containers can be seen scattered throughout the garden, some unconventional materials are also used. Potting up plants in an old boot is certainly nothing new, but I absolutely love that moss has begun to cover the entirety of the boot. Another large family of plants in the tropics are the bromeliads. While maybe not quite as diverse as the showy orchid family (Orchidaceae), bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) do have some very interesting growing habits and spectacular inflorescences. Also called the “pineapple family” the commercial pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a bromeliad as well as air plants like Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides, Zones 8–11). The urn plant (Aechmea fasciata, Zones 10–11) above shows another common characteristic of bromeliads, the reservoir created at the base of their leaves that holds water. Another bromeliad that might remind you of it’s relative the pineapple, cone-headed guzmania (Guzmania conifera, Zones 10–11). However, the dazzling part of this plant is not a fruit but another example of bromeliad’s incredible inflorescences. The yellow-tipped, bright red scales are floral bracts and keep the interest going as the flowers that emerge from these bracts are short lived. Is a tropical forest garden complete without some banana trees? While we’re most familiar with the bright yellow fruits full of potassium, the banana tree also produces these huge banana blossoms (the large purple bud trailing off the bunch of fruit) that is also completely edible. A popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines, the flavor is mild and often compared to the taste of artichokes. I hope that you enjoyed a taste of the tropics on this Valentine’s Day. While the holiday is often associated with romantic relationships, it’s important to show our love and appreciation for everyone and everything we hold dear. Hello! Our plants wouldn’t mind a little extra love on this holiday, too! I’ll be showing my houseplants some much-needed love this weekend, and I’m sending my love and appreciation to everyone in the GPOD community. Have a lovely day and a great weekend!   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products Corona E-Grip Trowel Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Handle Material: Aluminum. Handle Length: 14-1/2 in. Overall Length: 14.5 in. Head Material: Aluminum. Handle Color: Red. Alpine Corporation 28" Tall Outdoor Birdbath with Scrollwork Decoration Yard Statue Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. STUNNING BIRDBATH: Quality birdbath is sure to attract feathered friends and create a charismatic ambiance for your garden, patio, deck, yard, or other outdoor space. SHALLOW SHAPE: Shallow and wide bowl assures that multiple small birds can drink and bathe safely at the same time BEAUTIFUL DESIGN: Luxurious and antique styling adds a touch of elegance to your garden or yard. DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Polypropylene material resists rust and damage from the elements while the sturdy base prevents the birdbath from tipping over. IDEAL SIZE: Birdbath measures 20" L x 20"W x 28"H, the perfect size for your yard, and includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty from date of purchase. A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY. Source link

[iammeandmy]

Happy Friday and Valentine’s Day GPODers! In case you missed it last week, I shared another fabulous guest post from Fine Gardening’s digital editor, Christine Alexander. She had finally gotten around to gathering photos from a trip she took to Costa Rica in August of 2021. With absolutely no intention on my behalf, the second installment of her trip to the fabulous Monteverde Orchid Garden aligned with Valentine’s Day. No, I’m not insinuating that orchids are the best gift to give a loved one—most of us probably know that kind of gift comes with a whole lot of work and varying rates of success. However, this destination was so beautiful and the trip altogether so special, that Christine and her (now) husband decided to elope while they were there. For Christine’s full version of that story, and the first batch of photos she shared, check out Part 1, here. And read the paragraphs below for a refresher on the incredibly unique Monteverde Orchid Garden. I have probably 500 photos I could share of the beauty of that country but I decided to send you something kind of cool that we accidentally ran into which is the Monteverde Orchid Garden. Despite working at Fine Gardening for 7 years, I have to admit I didn’t know much about orchids and was astounded to learn some of the specifics that make them special – for instance, many orchids have exclusive relationships with a specific pollinator, that they have developed incredible ways to lure insects into their flowers for pollination such as mimicking the scent of pheromones of the opposite sex or even the smell of rotting flesh all in an effort to attract insects to pollinate them. Other orchids are noted for their highly floral or sweet scent and are often used in perfumery as a result. The cooking ingredient vanilla actually comes from an orchid, the Vanilla planifolia. (You can learn how to grow your own vanilla orchid here). The Monteverde Orchid garden has over 450 varieties or orchids, including the smallest orchids in the world – which we needed a magnifying glass to view. It is a small garden, but packed full of flowers and information. Highly recommend checking it out if you are an orchidist or have orchidelirium, (the history of which is fascinating!) Today’s batch of photos is a mixture of the orchids the garden is famous for as well as other tropical plants that can be seen there. Of course, we have to start off with another outstanding orchid. The long-leaf phragmipedium (Phragmipedium longifolium) above is a slipper orchid, with its characteristic slipper-shaped pouch that traps insects inside to ensure pollination. Next up is an orchid that I believe is closely related to one of the orchids we saw in Part 1. That orchid was a Stanhopea wardii, which also has those oddly shaped petals that are said to mimic the shape and pheromones of a female euglossine bee to attract male bees to pollinate. This specimen has fascinating coloring that I couldn’t pin down in the Stanhopea genus. This orchid got the memo that’s it’s Valentine’s Day! Bamboo orchid (Arundina graminifolia) gets its name from its bamboo-like foliage, but can also be compared to bamboo for its incredible height—growing up to 6 feet high. Definitely worth getting onto the tips of your toes to see these pretty blooms. Of course, sometimes beauty is in the eye (and nose) of the beholder. Pelican flowers (Aristolochia grandiflora) are pretty infamous for being one of the world’s largest flowers, and for its foul odor that attracts the flies that pollinate it. However, the smell of rotting meat apparently doesn’t bother butterflies so much, as the plant has been introduced in Florida where they attract and support butterflies. As Christine mentions in the description at the top of this post, Monteverde Orchid Garden really makes the most of every inch available for plants. A winding path allows you to weave through the dense plantings and admire everything from low-growers to the vines and air plants that cling to the tree branches and trunks. While many conventional containers can be seen scattered throughout the garden, some unconventional materials are also used. Potting up plants in an old boot is certainly nothing new, but I absolutely love that moss has begun to cover the entirety of the boot. Another large family of plants in the tropics are the bromeliads. While maybe not quite as diverse as the showy orchid family (Orchidaceae), bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) do have some very interesting growing habits and spectacular inflorescences. Also called the “pineapple family” the commercial pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a bromeliad as well as air plants like Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides, Zones 8–11). The urn plant (Aechmea fasciata, Zones 10–11) above shows another common characteristic of bromeliads, the reservoir created at the base of their leaves that holds water. Another bromeliad that might remind you of it’s relative the pineapple, cone-headed guzmania (Guzmania conifera, Zones 10–11). However, the dazzling part of this plant is not a fruit but another example of bromeliad’s incredible inflorescences. The yellow-tipped, bright red scales are floral bracts and keep the interest going as the flowers that emerge from these bracts are short lived. Is a tropical forest garden complete without some banana trees? While we’re most familiar with the bright yellow fruits full of potassium, the banana tree also produces these huge banana blossoms (the large purple bud trailing off the bunch of fruit) that is also completely edible. A popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines, the flavor is mild and often compared to the taste of artichokes. I hope that you enjoyed a taste of the tropics on this Valentine’s Day. While the holiday is often associated with romantic relationships, it’s important to show our love and appreciation for everyone and everything we hold dear. Hello! Our plants wouldn’t mind a little extra love on this holiday, too! I’ll be showing my houseplants some much-needed love this weekend, and I’m sending my love and appreciation to everyone in the GPOD community. Have a lovely day and a great weekend!   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products Corona E-Grip Trowel Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Handle Material: Aluminum. Handle Length: 14-1/2 in. Overall Length: 14.5 in. Head Material: Aluminum. Handle Color: Red. Alpine Corporation 28" Tall Outdoor Birdbath with Scrollwork Decoration Yard Statue Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. STUNNING BIRDBATH: Quality birdbath is sure to attract feathered friends and create a charismatic ambiance for your garden, patio, deck, yard, or other outdoor space. SHALLOW SHAPE: Shallow and wide bowl assures that multiple small birds can drink and bathe safely at the same time BEAUTIFUL DESIGN: Luxurious and antique styling adds a touch of elegance to your garden or yard. DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Polypropylene material resists rust and damage from the elements while the sturdy base prevents the birdbath from tipping over. IDEAL SIZE: Birdbath measures 20" L x 20"W x 28"H, the perfect size for your yard, and includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty from date of purchase. A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY. Source link

[januishstory]

Happy Friday and Valentine’s Day GPODers! In case you missed it last week, I shared another fabulous guest post from Fine Gardening’s digital editor, Christine Alexander. She had finally gotten around to gathering photos from a trip she took to Costa Rica in August of 2021. With absolutely no intention on my behalf, the second installment of her trip to the fabulous Monteverde Orchid Garden aligned with Valentine’s Day. No, I’m not insinuating that orchids are the best gift to give a loved one—most of us probably know that kind of gift comes with a whole lot of work and varying rates of success. However, this destination was so beautiful and the trip altogether so special, that Christine and her (now) husband decided to elope while they were there. For Christine’s full version of that story, and the first batch of photos she shared, check out Part 1, here. And read the paragraphs below for a refresher on the incredibly unique Monteverde Orchid Garden. I have probably 500 photos I could share of the beauty of that country but I decided to send you something kind of cool that we accidentally ran into which is the Monteverde Orchid Garden. Despite working at Fine Gardening for 7 years, I have to admit I didn’t know much about orchids and was astounded to learn some of the specifics that make them special – for instance, many orchids have exclusive relationships with a specific pollinator, that they have developed incredible ways to lure insects into their flowers for pollination such as mimicking the scent of pheromones of the opposite sex or even the smell of rotting flesh all in an effort to attract insects to pollinate them. Other orchids are noted for their highly floral or sweet scent and are often used in perfumery as a result. The cooking ingredient vanilla actually comes from an orchid, the Vanilla planifolia. (You can learn how to grow your own vanilla orchid here). The Monteverde Orchid garden has over 450 varieties or orchids, including the smallest orchids in the world – which we needed a magnifying glass to view. It is a small garden, but packed full of flowers and information. Highly recommend checking it out if you are an orchidist or have orchidelirium, (the history of which is fascinating!) Today’s batch of photos is a mixture of the orchids the garden is famous for as well as other tropical plants that can be seen there. Of course, we have to start off with another outstanding orchid. The long-leaf phragmipedium (Phragmipedium longifolium) above is a slipper orchid, with its characteristic slipper-shaped pouch that traps insects inside to ensure pollination. Next up is an orchid that I believe is closely related to one of the orchids we saw in Part 1. That orchid was a Stanhopea wardii, which also has those oddly shaped petals that are said to mimic the shape and pheromones of a female euglossine bee to attract male bees to pollinate. This specimen has fascinating coloring that I couldn’t pin down in the Stanhopea genus. This orchid got the memo that’s it’s Valentine’s Day! Bamboo orchid (Arundina graminifolia) gets its name from its bamboo-like foliage, but can also be compared to bamboo for its incredible height—growing up to 6 feet high. Definitely worth getting onto the tips of your toes to see these pretty blooms. Of course, sometimes beauty is in the eye (and nose) of the beholder. Pelican flowers (Aristolochia grandiflora) are pretty infamous for being one of the world’s largest flowers, and for its foul odor that attracts the flies that pollinate it. However, the smell of rotting meat apparently doesn’t bother butterflies so much, as the plant has been introduced in Florida where they attract and support butterflies. As Christine mentions in the description at the top of this post, Monteverde Orchid Garden really makes the most of every inch available for plants. A winding path allows you to weave through the dense plantings and admire everything from low-growers to the vines and air plants that cling to the tree branches and trunks. While many conventional containers can be seen scattered throughout the garden, some unconventional materials are also used. Potting up plants in an old boot is certainly nothing new, but I absolutely love that moss has begun to cover the entirety of the boot. Another large family of plants in the tropics are the bromeliads. While maybe not quite as diverse as the showy orchid family (Orchidaceae), bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) do have some very interesting growing habits and spectacular inflorescences. Also called the “pineapple family” the commercial pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a bromeliad as well as air plants like Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides, Zones 8–11). The urn plant (Aechmea fasciata, Zones 10–11) above shows another common characteristic of bromeliads, the reservoir created at the base of their leaves that holds water. Another bromeliad that might remind you of it’s relative the pineapple, cone-headed guzmania (Guzmania conifera, Zones 10–11). However, the dazzling part of this plant is not a fruit but another example of bromeliad’s incredible inflorescences. The yellow-tipped, bright red scales are floral bracts and keep the interest going as the flowers that emerge from these bracts are short lived. Is a tropical forest garden complete without some banana trees? While we’re most familiar with the bright yellow fruits full of potassium, the banana tree also produces these huge banana blossoms (the large purple bud trailing off the bunch of fruit) that is also completely edible. A popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines, the flavor is mild and often compared to the taste of artichokes. I hope that you enjoyed a taste of the tropics on this Valentine’s Day. While the holiday is often associated with romantic relationships, it’s important to show our love and appreciation for everyone and everything we hold dear. Hello! Our plants wouldn’t mind a little extra love on this holiday, too! I’ll be showing my houseplants some much-needed love this weekend, and I’m sending my love and appreciation to everyone in the GPOD community. Have a lovely day and a great weekend!   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products Corona E-Grip Trowel Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Handle Material: Aluminum. Handle Length: 14-1/2 in. Overall Length: 14.5 in. Head Material: Aluminum. Handle Color: Red. Alpine Corporation 28" Tall Outdoor Birdbath with Scrollwork Decoration Yard Statue Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. STUNNING BIRDBATH: Quality birdbath is sure to attract feathered friends and create a charismatic ambiance for your garden, patio, deck, yard, or other outdoor space. SHALLOW SHAPE: Shallow and wide bowl assures that multiple small birds can drink and bathe safely at the same time BEAUTIFUL DESIGN: Luxurious and antique styling adds a touch of elegance to your garden or yard. DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Polypropylene material resists rust and damage from the elements while the sturdy base prevents the birdbath from tipping over. IDEAL SIZE: Birdbath measures 20" L x 20"W x 28"H, the perfect size for your yard, and includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty from date of purchase. A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY. Source link

[dustedmagazine]

Euglossine — Bug Planet is the Current Timeline (Hausu Mountain)

Bug Planet Is the Current Timeline by Euglossine

Bug Planet is the Current Timeline is as profuse and diverse as the title suggests. Named for the adjective related to orchid bees, Euglossine AKA Gainesville musician Tristan Whitehall, adds guitar, bass, piano and flute to his synthesizers and drum machines, cross-pollinating jazz fusion, acoustic ambience, drum ‘n’ bass and illbient atmospherics into intricate micro-suites. Whitehall’s juxtapositions of clarity and murk ricochet his music along a spectrum from organic warmth to alien abstraction. His tracks are full of unexpected twists and changes in perspective. It’s like walking through a forest, full of life seen and unseen. There’s a path, carefully laid out, but in service to the environment rather than the visitor. Whitehall leads the listener through thickets of thorny beats into clearings of smooth bass and guitar runs, restless buzzing, the hum and rustle of tiny creatures in the loam of the forest floor and shafts of warmth through the avian rich canopy.

On “Rain People” the glossy keys and guitar riff struggle to maintain a foothold under a barrage of stuttering beats and bursting bubbles of synth. When it feels like it’s about to dissolve into its contradictory elements, a balance emerges. It’s a thread that runs through the record. “Ice Gel” begins like one of those big 1980s air grabbers, the foreboding build then Euglossine transforms not into hyperbolic emoting but a playful ping-ponging, Sabres of Paradise like IDM. In contrast “Mindgame” is straight ahead drum ‘n’ bass over synths that manage to both squiggle and surge. “Heavy Pink Glow vs Pink Dot” builds like a red sky morning,  with radiating synths over a wandering bass riff, awakening a busy daytime chatter of percussion and lively glitch.

The sound design throughout is impressive. Whitehall subtle manipulation of clarity, levels, balance and mix are key to his subversions and his percussion programming provides a structure resilient enough to accommodate those twists and turns. Crisp hi-hats and snares, cavernous kick drums and complex beats emerge from the undergrowth and then fade. The live instruments woven into the mix add warmth and balance. As he dances across genres, Whitehall makes Bug Planet is the Current Timeline a delightfully unpredictable joy of a record.

Andrew Forell

[ecuadorlife]

Orchid Bee, Euglossa sp. one Mesechites trifidus, Apocynaceae by Andreas Kay Via Flickr: from Ecuador: www.youtube.com/AndreasKay

[ironicallyantiquated]

Orchid Bees, or Euglossine Bees.

Photo taken by entomologist Gil Wizen.