Outstanding specimen plant you have there, Kevin. Way impressive.

And sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. This was the one you found, wasn't it? I seem to remember you (or maybe I'm confusing you with someone else--so I'll apologize in advance if this is the case) indicating that he was an abandoned pup who you rescued. Mind if I ask what happened to him? I don't think you had him too long, did you?

Steve

Thanks, Steve. Dog lovers unite ! I hope your sweet pug is doing well. I wasn't 6 months in Miami when I went to a party and talked with a guy whose tenant found a dog that was wandering Biscyane Blvd., had been hit by a car, and had lacerations all over her body. I went to see the pup and fell in love immediately. The dog was free but cost almost a grand to patch up. I posted signs looking for the owners, but no one responded. Good because I didn't want to hand her over. Cosmo was a poodle-terrier mix and the most athletic dog I'd ever had - she ran like the wind and swam like a fish. Our favorite spot for years was the little private beach at Collins and 78th street. She'd chase the gulls - I'll swear the same ones over the years - who'd swoop down, teasing her. We held a little memorial service there, spreading her ashes by the shoreline, letting the gulls know she can now fly higher than them. My two dogs now are afraid of the water, but I still go back there now and then and get flooded with memories. Cosmo was a good dog I had for 11 wonderful years.

You gave her a good life, and that's something to be proud of. I know what you mean about them not appreciating the good-smelling orchids. Roger (the pug) is still doing very well. I'd like to say he's athletic, but I think you have to keep in mind that "athleticism," as far as the term can be applied to pugs, is very much a relative term. Last spring I placed a large C. mossiae on the floor for him to admire when it was in full bloom, and he had zero interest in it. In true pug fashion, as soon as he saw something that looked potentially edible being placed on the floor, he trotted over--and then looked up at me accusingly, as if I had just played a terribly unfunny joke on him. Be good to your other dogs. I know they appreciate you.

lol It still baffles me that they can't appreciate a nice orchid in bloom. Roger's a fun dog - I can see the look of disappointment on his face. Human responses are very different to an orchid in the face. Eyes light up and I love seeing that!

Yep, no two dogs are alike. Luna, the rat terrier in my avatar, is a little high strung and very sensitive to everything, smells, sounds, but a sweet girl and quite the flirt. Griffen, my little 12 pounder, was found near death in the Everglades. He's so full of character, a bit bratty with a strong will, but I don't mind considering what he went through before he found me. Griff | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Like Cosmo, they're great garden companions, just doing their thing while I fuss with the plants. Hey, mark your calender for April 2014. I think there's a special plant I want to send your way. Kevin

Wow, this one is stunning, I must get one of these, especially seeing how great they grow here in Miami outside! What are the light requirements if I may ask?

Hey, Tommy! I think this is a must have for so many reason, one of my favorites. Get the Amami Island clone. About light... they're pretty tolerant of extremes, but a little more than a Phal, a little less than a Catt. Mine grows in a frangipani tree and in rainy season gets direct morning light until about 11:00am then dappled indirect light the rest of the day. When the tree looses its leaves in the wet season it gets very bright light all day long and by the end of the season looks a little dry and rough. As soon as the temps warm up in May and the rains start it perks right up and puts out a flush of new roots and growth.

BTW, I really, really admire what you're doing by naturalizing orchids in the park! It's a whole long story, but I tried this a few years ago and ran into bureaucratic nonsense. I'm hatching a new plan for this Spring and you've re-inspired me, so thanks.