A strange and wonderful gift....help?

[vmax3000]

My grandmother passed away about 3 weeks ago. She was instrumental in my love of plants. Her death was swift and that fact was merciful, for all of my sadness at her passing. My friends, instead of sending flowers, took up a collection totaling ~$100 and want me to choose an orchid to add to my collection as a memorial to my grandmother.

Ok, I am floored. Usually, I get seedlings (not so expensive when I kill them with my "love" ). My greenhouse is full of all of the plants I love and have survived my care tactics for a number of years... the hardiest crowd, mind you. What I need is suggestions for plants? What would you do if this gift were set before you?

A little background so selections can be appropriate....I live in central Texas and we are entering into the season I refer to as "Hell". It always comes in the middle of summer. We will get up into the triple digits and the humidity will create this phenomenon call the "heat index". One feels the need to follow lizard instincts and hide under rocks or in cooled buildings! My gh is not cooled by anything other than a fan and a mister/sprinkler timed to go off twice daily. So, temps soar into the scary range until the sprinkler goes off. My spousal unit has agreed to an actual cooling unit (evap system of some sort - thank you tax refund ), but that's not immediately coming. Any plant ideas from you guys would be greatly appreciated!

[Dorothy]

My deepest condolescence on the passing of your grandmother and what fine friends to give you such a wonderful gift.

What is your grandma's name? I can scan the RHS registry for hybrids with her name in it
and/or if you find a hybrid without a registered name .. you may have it named after her. I believe we have had a few stories of members registering names as a memorial to their deceased loved ones
Here is Jasen's story - http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ew-year-3.html

[vmax3000]

Originally Posted by Dorothy

My deepest condolescence on the passing of your grandmother and what fine friends to give you such a wonderful gift.

What is your grandma's name? I can scan the RHS registry for hybrids with her name in it
and/or if you find a hybrid without a registered name .. you may have it named after her. I believe we have had a few stories of members registering names as a memorial to their deceased loved ones
Here is Jasen's story - http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ew-year-3.html

Thanks for the link, Dorothy. What a wonderful story. My grandmother's name was Flo Mary Luton. She was a product of the depression, creative, capable and strong. She loved my sister and I and our cousins and always had a warm bed and square meals for us, when my parents were experiencing trying times. She would sew us Easter dresses and our dolls would have a matching outfit. She had a bountiful garden and had trellised roses and apple trees beautifully in the back yard. Thank you, also, for the offer to look up her name. What does that mean, exactly? That her name or someone like her has a plant named after them?

[Royal]

My condolences as well. Loosing a loved one is always hard. I hope it shakes loose some of those great old memories. She must have been great to create in you such a love for plants.

I think searching the registry for her namesake is a great idea. You may also search the registry for things she may have loved, or words you would like to associate with the memory of her (love, stars, sunshine, sweet, etc.) Or, you can look at all the crosses that have been made with a certain orchid that you know will do well here in TX and just browse that list for a name that pops out at you. Again, I'm sorry for your loss.

[sunny]

i would wait until sept or oct or when the conditions cool. your spousal unit has taken care of next year so it would be fine next year.

there is no hurry. your friends would understand your wanting to make sure what you get thrives. just be patient. by then you may know what you want.

carol

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by sunny

i would wait until sept or oct or when the conditions cool. your spousal unit has taken care of next year so it would be fine next year.

there is no hurry. your friends would understand your wanting to make sure what you get thrives. just be patient. by then you may know what you want.

carol

I really like Carol's suggestion. Right now your life is a little upside down. Wait awhile and think about it. No hurry and this is kinda like a major decision.
Al

[vmax3000]

Originally Posted by Bird Song Farm

I really like Carol's suggestion. Right now your life is a little upside down. Wait awhile and think about it. No hurry and this is kinda like a major decision.
Al

Yeah, and the folks I work with have not been so understanding. I think you and Carol are right about waiting. I will look and see what strikes my heart! I really appreciate all of the input and help, thus far. You guys are the best!!

[Royal]

Yes, I was thinking there could be a Lc Mary's Joy, or a Blc Easter Dress, or a Pot Grandma's Garden, or something like that. You can search by the name (wich may be slower) or you can put in a heat tolerant parent plant like Laelia anceps and look at the names of its hybrids.

[vmax3000]

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

Yes, I was thinking there could be a Lc Mary's Joy, or a Blc Easter Dress, or a Pot Grandma's Garden, or something like that. You can search by the name (wich may be slower) or you can put in a heat tolerant parent plant like Laelia anceps and look at the names of its hybrids.

Where are you looking them up?

[Royal]

Royal Horticultural Society - Plants: Registration of Orchids

Take that Dorothy!