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| Hello everyone!
We wish to offer a hearty thanks to all of you who have ever bought an orchid during the Chicagoland Orchid Festival from "Cameron and Jared's Orchid Emporium." These were the specially discounted plants, usually staged outside on the north side of our residence. For years, Cam and Jared would sit there during the festival, look cute and collect your money for their college funds.
Well, those funds will begin to be put to use this fall. Cameron is graduating from Jacobs High School this weekend. He will graduate with "high honors" and has been accepted at the University of Illinois in the college of Chemical Engineering. We are bursting with pride over this, as the U of I is a top five nationally ranked engineering school.
Cam and Jared
 He didn't even need the help of an "influential" Illinois politician! The Chicago Tribune has been reporting this week that certain Illinois pols have been strong-arming the U of I to admit "less than deserving" relatives, or else! Imagine that, crooked politicians in Illinois....It just makes Cam's accomplishment that much more impressive.
You can rest assured that your education dollars are now going to a good cause. Cam promises to make you all proud at Illinois.
Cam's little brother Jared just finished his freshman year in high school. He made straight A's this year and played varsity soccer and ran varsity track. He has his eye on college, too. We will continue to discount plants this September to further his academic cause (just in case he doesn't get the full ride athlethic scholarship he hopes for....)
Thanks again to all of you who have contributed to their success!
 This month we are offering a special on Jewel Orchids (see immediately below!) and are extending the May special on the Aerangis, which was one of the most popular we have ever offered!
Ludochilus Friar Tuck
Liese offers some advice on growing the Jewels in her "Tip of the Month" column at the bottom of the newsletter.
Take care,
Greg
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| June Special - Jewel Orchids |
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 Terrestrials with beautiful foliage!
This family of orchids is known for it's striking leaves. They have a velvety texture and tesselation that often shimmers in the sunlight! Not only that, they bloom, too!
Dossinochilus Aurora
This month we are offering three unique varieties in this classification. They can be purchased in June at a special price. Usually they are $15.00 each, but you can get two for $25.00 or three for $30.00, plus shipping and handling. Check out our special page to see the details!
 Never grown one of these? If not, see Liese's article on the culture below in the "Growing Tip of the Month" column. If you can grow a Phal, you can grow a jewel!
Ludisia discolor v. nigrescens 'Ambrosia'
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| Growing Tip of the Month - by Liese |
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 Jewel Orchids - How to Grow Them
Jewel Orchids, know for their colorful and distinctive leaf patterns, are a wonderful addition to any orchid collection. Although they do bloom with pretty little flowers, their beauty is apparent throughout the year because of the colorful markings on their beautiful velvety leaves.
In the wild, these orchids are terrestrials, found on the floor of the rainforest in heavy shade and constant moisture. They do not like direct sun, and too much light will yellow and fade the colorful leaves. This family seems to grow best in moss, or a moss-based mix. The moss seems to hold onto the moisture longer, which these plants prefer.
Most of the jewel orchids bloom directly out of the center of the plant - similar to bromeliads. After their flowers fade, they either branch out from the side of the main stem, or die back to the rhizome, then grow out from the main stem.
Fertilize the jewels along with the rest of your orchid collection, only a bit less often and with a weaker solution. The moss tends to hold more fertilizer, and because of the lower light requirements the plants are not heavy feeders.
The gorgeous and shimmering leaves of these orchids are a complementary addition to any collection. They can be grown successfully under lights or in a north-facing windowsill, where it may be too shady to bloom other orchid varieties. Add some to your collection and appreciate the plant structure and growth of these unique orchids, as well as their cute little flowers.
Good luck!
Liese |
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Enjoy what is left of spring!
Sincerely,
Greg, Liese and Hermann |
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