Oak Hill Gardens
Holiday Newsletter
Seasons Greetings! 
In This Issue
Holiday Special
Growing Tip of the Month
Quick Links
Orchid Books
 
Issue: # 21 Nov-Dec 2008
Happy Holidays!
 
Whether (weather?) or not you are ready for it, the season is upon us!  We hope this message finds you in good spirits.  If not, try a few good spirits.  Thats what Liese and I do.  We are regular visitors to the local "fermented grape juice" shop this time of year.  Nothing cures a good whine like a good wine!
 
Things have slowed down around here for the winter, which is pretty much normal.  Plant growth slows down, too, which is why Liese has decided to grace us with her wisdom on how to coax your orchids through the difficult winter months.  See her article on "Orchids in Hibernation" near the bottom of the newsletter.
 
As usual, this month we aim to tempt you into being generous gift givers for the holidays. Phal equestris We have many plants in bud and spike (see the home page and scroll down!) just fixin' ta bloom to add some color to your home. 
             Phalaenopsis equestris
       
 
These plants can be shipped the weeks of December 1st and December 8th to get them to you before the Holidays.  After that we will shut down shipping of plants (perishables) until after the first of the year, mostly due to our past experience with Holiday delivery service delays the week before and the week of Christmas.
 
Gift certificates are always a great idea, also, and we are offering them with 10% bonus dollars through the end of the calendar year.  For instance, for $50.00 you can send a $55.00 gift certificate (applies to any dollar denomination).  See details at the link below:
                   Gift Certificate Order
                     
 
 
 
 
 
If you wish to give a unique gift, we have put together a non-perishable
"Orchid Survival Kit" gift basket especially for the holidays.  Scroll down to see the details in the section below.
 
Wishing you all the best for a happy and safe season!
 
Greg
Holiday Special
Survival Kit    Orchid Survival Kit
 
 Just in time for the holidays, we offer a non-perishable gift basket with the orchid grower in mind!  Full of growing supplies for your favorite hobbyist.  Over $50.00 worth of good stuff for only $37.50!  Click the link below for details.....
 
Growing Tip of the Month - by Liese
Liese Head Shot   Orchids in Hibernation
 
The first snowflurries have fallen here in Chicagoland, and the cold weather is upon us.  Many orchids bloom during these cold winter and early spring months.  However, the growth of your plants slows down drastically this time of year.  The day length is hours shorter than during the spring/summer growing season.  Supplemental lighting is sometimes useful this time of year, expecially in darker growing areas.
 
Many orchids go into "hibernation" this time of year.  We carry many varieties that are deciduous and drop all of their leaves during the winter months.  Many Dendrobiums, Cycnoches, Mormodes and Eulophias lose all of their leaves and just sit there with bare bulbs/canes.  When this happens, one should cut way back on the watering of these plants. 
 
Here at Oak Hill we do continue to water sparingly during this time - a light sprinkling every 2-3 weeks, just to keep the bulbs and canes semi-hydrated.  Many of these varieties will bloom in early spring off of these bare pseudobulbs before new growth appears.  As soon as we see any sign of growth (usually by February or March) we begin watering on a more normal schedule and also begin feeding again. 
 
Most of these deciduous orchids do like to dry out thoroughly between watering; therefore your watering schedule will depend on your humidity levels.  Drier air means one will need to water more often. 
 
Many orchids we carry are not totally deciduous but do go semi-dormant during the winter months.  Phalaenopsis braceana, lowii and parishii are examples of this.  They do not drop all of their leaves, but usually several of their older leaves.  The newer leaves also go "limp" and hang down as if wilted.  In early spring these leaves "perk up" and new leaves begin to grow along with bud spikes.  Many of the species we carry have special growth habits like this.  To grow many of our unusual species you must understand their natural growth habits and adapt your watering, fertilizing and light from season to season for optimal growth and blooming. 
 
Stay warm and be good!  Maybe Santa will leave an orchid in your stocking this year.  Or, better yet, an Oak Hill Gardens gift certificate!!
 
Happy Holidays!
Liese
Happy Holidays from the entire Oak Hill Family!
 
Sincerely,
 

Greg, Liese and Hermann