First bloom on the "species tree"...

[gixrj18]

My old greenhouse required a center column, due to the fact that it was made from pvc. I made this column out of an old oak branch that I dried out and de-barked. The new greenhouse, which extends from (and will eventually replace) the old greenhouse, does'nt require any center columns because it is made from aluminum screenroom channel. However, I am going to keep this one in here (for aesthetic purposes), and probably add another one. I mounted a bunch of species orchids on it last year, hence the name "species tree".....and this is the first to bloom, Enc. cordigera! Also mounted to the tree are Enc. belizensis, Enc. plicata, Rl. digbyana, C. walkeriana, and one of my seedlings from my first cross (which makes it species in this house only)! They have all rooted to it wonderfully, and now comes the blooms!

[greenbean]

That is so awesome! I'll have to do something like this when I get my own greenhouse!

Thanks for sharing your creativity!

[SP2340]

Beautiful, love the mount, and very nice greenhouse!

[Zoi2]

Your species tree is awesome!!
Joann

[Lorraine]

Jasen..nice job! I know you are really happy with your species tree. Looks like you had lots of room for your chids. I did a driftwood project last year and am waiting for blooms. Got the spikes...now waiting for buds...then out comes the camera. How tall is that branch and how hard was debarking it??

[gixrj18]

Originally Posted by Lorraine

Jasen..nice job! I know you are really happy with your species tree. Looks like you had lots of room for your chids. I did a driftwood project last year and am waiting for blooms. Got the spikes...now waiting for buds...then out comes the camera. How tall is that branch and how hard was debarking it??

Thank you! Actually, it laid out in my yard for about a year, dehydrated and shrunk. I went to throw it out one day, and when I threw it on the ground, the bark just fell off. What was an ugly branch, became a beautiful center column in a second! The branch is between 6'-7', I just stacked 2x4's around the base in log cabin-type fashion and screwed them all together to make up the height difference. This gives it a nice base with shelf space for more plants, and allows you to add whatever height you need to the branch.

[isurus79]

Awesome! Great looking coridgera and what a great use of a 'trash' branch.

[snow]

you not only grow nice orchids but you,re artisytic as well.
great job.

[RosieC]

You've got a great setup there, wonderful green house and the tree looks a great way to grow your orchids.

That flower is pretty special too

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

Beautiful flowers, and what an awesome species tree! I really like your greenhouse. It's fun to see the unique and creative touches each person thinks up for their growing areas.

Thanks for sharing!