Thanks for thinking about me! I had my knee surgery and I HIGHLY recommend it! I had my last therapy last week and my last (I assume) appointment with the surgeon is this morning. I expect to be told that I can now be on my knee (you have no idea how many things you do on your knees around the INSIDE of the house until someone tells you you cannot for 4-6 weeks!).
All of my orchids are outside enjoying the sultry Savannah summer's humidity. I kept up with my Sunday fertilization ritual and they really are lush. For whatever reason our heat this year (it was 102 degrees yesterday with a 114 heat index at one point!!!) does not seem to be getting to them. ALL of my cats have buds (or sheaths if that's what we call them) - some multiple - and with the correct light I can see babies growing inside. They, and all of the other varieties except the vandas, are kept on a table under the eve of the house and get really bright, but never direct light. I have some 50% shade cloth for my greenhouse but have never gotten it pulled across and tied down for the summer. At this point I guess it'ss just wait until next spring!
My vandas are all living in baskets hanging from the trees. Most get some direct sun at some part of the day but not mid-day sun. Their roots are really hanging down and one, a bright orange with a purple apendage in the middle, is now in full bloom. I want to bring it in as I do all of my orchids in bloom but I have not figured out how to place it without the roots touching something.
Due to the possible re-occurance of knee problems from planting 3,000+ flats of seasonal color each season I have decided to close my 21 year business and am "parceling" out my clients to various companies in the Savannah area. Man, am I getting some 'noses out of joint' over that! I did not realize I was such a hard act to follow but I have been taking care of most of them for 12-15 years.
I AM, however, keeping Paula Deen and her "associated clan of business" by her request. So the flowers & veggies you see (if you watch her shows or see her magazines) in her garden will continue to be my work. The arrangements you may see in her home are cut from whatever I may have growing in her gardens at the time.
I will be starting with the oldest grower of seasonal plant material in our region (126 years in the business in Savannah) the first of August. Monday through Friday, 8-5, vacations, holidays and full benefits - as a Sales & Design Representative. It was a natural fit as I have been buying the majority of my material from them for the past 21 years AND I still get to be among my flowers full-time. Just on the growing/production end rather than on my knees planting.
Having been responsible for myself all of my life, first as a commercial/investment real estate broker then as a landscaper I think it is going to be nice to stay back and let someone else be responsible for "piloting the ship" for the rest of my working life. I'm soon to find out that a full weekend OFF is! Or a PAID vacation! Imagine that.
Oh yeah! I googled my "unknown orchid". something X Cordata "Little Stars". It's like nothing else I personally have. I see no signs of spikes yet, but WOW, the little plant is lush deep green and thriving like crazy. I'll post a pic when it ever decides to bloom.
Thanks for asking about me! Remember long winded answers are a "Southern Thang"! -Steven
Thanks for the update, I think we all like to hear about each other and the different issues we are having or even the fun stuff. As for the vanda roots. I have seen them tied around the basket, and tied with loose yarn to keep it from hitting the ground. This may help when you bring it indoors. If its not in a basket, put the pot in one, or add a hangler clip and tie the roots around that. This can be okay when nothing else works or ideas come up. Maybe you can invent something for us now that you have time to think about it... LOL
