Another State of the Yard Thread

[voyager]

Well,I guess It is about time to rub it in a bit, while most of you are locked into winter.

I had made the observation that I was coming around to thinking that I had become obsessed with orchids as a sublimation for keeping animals.
It looks as if I was right.
Since getting the cats my interest in orchids has waned a bit.

I'm no longer out buying more.
I'm not working at the orchids in any way.
If they make it, they make it.
If not , they don't.
But, I do walk the yard most mornings with my morning coffee in hand checking them out, monitoring how they're doing.

Several have bloomed without my getting any photos.
But, these are doing so well I had to get photos.


Dendrobium aberans X johnsoniae



THis one began blooming a few months ago and now is in full regalia.
It should continue blooming for a few more months.

Dendrochilum wenzelii




It is blooming much farther behind the other two dendrochilums than it has before.
But, it is putting out a very nice show.

Dracula lotax



This little cutie has been giving a very low key bloom for the last few months, a few blossoms open all the time.

Onc sotoanum (ornythorhynchum)


This one hasn't bloomed yet.
But, I am excited that it has finally begun to grow an inflorescence.

I was gifted this as a runty little single PB after I had expressed a hunger to get myself another Onc. ornythorhynchum now known as sotoanum.
He reached down and pulled it out of a mass of moss growing on the top of a table.
No pot, no label, just a loose PB.
It had apparently gone feral.
I'm about to see if he was correct in its being the Oncid I want to have again.
I will add a pic here when I find out what it is.

Also have a Rhynchostylus gigantia that will be opening blossoms for the first time in a few days, pics of that when it does too.

It is winter here too.
Morning temps are down to about 60F or less by the time the sun comes up.
I'm expecting the cool dry rest Dendobiums to begin stirring around soon.

Avocado trees are beginning to bloom.
A banana bunch will be ready in a week or so.

I do like being here.
But, I miss the grandeur And beauty of Alaska.

I have begun to build myself a new online photo gallery.
It is still in it's very early stages with many photos yet to be worked through before they can be up loaded to albums.
Other than these newest pics, most of what I've put up so far are older photos, which is why I'm feeling a bit nostalgic right now.
For those that might be interested, it is here:
Mike's Photo Gallery - Alaska - Hawai'i & Elsewhere

[Pattywack]

I’ve always enjoyed your posts, the pictures are beautiful and your yard is such a natural setting. You may not be buying and planting as often as you once were, you’re still enjoying the hobby. Relax and sip that morning coffee, pet the kitties. You have accomplished an absolute dream, now it’s time to enjoy it.

It’s cold here, winter is trying to keep us indoors but there certainly is something to be said about the snow and ice on trees and ponds, bushes and fences. The complete silence of winter always amazes me each time I step outside. You could hear a pin drop!

I hope you will post pictures as your runty little Onc flowers, how exciting! Now I have to check out your photo gallery and as always, thanks for sharing!

[DeaC]

Couldn't wait to see the Alaska album.Sunset shots are spectacular particularly. Seems you've experienced best of both worlds for many years. I've also been to both states in happier days but will never forget such splendor. Consider making coffee table books.I'd buy!

[camille1585]

I really enjoyed the photos last time you shared what was happening in your yard, and this time is no different! Makes me forget the cold, wet weather for a few minutes.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Thanks for sharing. I have been wondering just where you were. Animals have a way of taking up ones time.

[dounoharm]

cats and orchids mix nicely! I live with 4 kitties, 3 grown toms and one half grown widdie girl.....who is the leader of the pack, lol....
we have a small little dog, the cats think she is a retarded cat, so all is well....

cats cannot be owned....they own you! I must do as my cats tell me....tuna every morning and nite, dry to munch in between....little beds everywhere....AND the jungle gym!

they have to live indoors here due to highway traffic. so, of course I HAD to build them a greenhouse, and the princess kitty loves orchids!! who would have thunk it???

the orchids hang (to provide shade) and a lot on the top of the benches (kitty sauna shelving) and there are a bunch of foliage plants on the bottom shelf and floor (hiding places)....

several nice things to drink out of, and some thyme to munch.....hey, its cat heaven!

the plants on the bench tops are close together and in plastic plant flats to keep them from tipping, the outer plants are in heavy clay pots, and after a few months the kitties learned to enjoy their space without losing plants....I still cant keep houseplants....that kitten!