February 6, 2014

Vol 3, Issue 2

Down The Garden Path

with Joanne Shaw

Can't wait for Spring... or so that is what everyone says. And I know this winter has been an actual winter which has made us long for spring, but am I the only one who likes the 'cocooning' that winter brings?

Winter gives us the chance to catch up on family time, the movies we've been wanting to rent (sorry I mean download), the books we wanted to read by the fireplace and the other "to do's" around the house that just don't seem right to do when the weather is nice and the sun is shining. I have to admit, I am enjoying being 'stuck inside'.

Since we are not a winter activity family (if you count longing for baseball to start up again, an activity), I have caught up on shows from my PVR and watched a few movies with my family, with a few more to go. We freshened up all the interior doors and door trim in my house. And my other BIG goal was moving my office into our spare bedroom and all the reorganization that goes with it. The room will still be a guest room for whenever that is needed but I really wanted a whole room that's just mine.

Unfortunately the new view out my window is of my broken tree...

It looks like all 3 will have to come down and I am intrigued to see how I will need to redesign a few things in my yard to account for the new growing conditions - mainly a lot more sun. I have heard from many of you that your trees have survived nicely although a few others have also lost their city trees.

Just a gentle reminder that now is the time to start thinking about outdoor projects and despite your yard being covered in snow it is important to connect with a designer or contractor now before the season hits full swing. If you know anyone who is considering some work or who has tree damage to their yard please as I would love to chat with them.

I hope you enjoy the main article this month on Orchids. I think they would be a nice thing to brighten your home this winter!

All the best,

Joanne

Joanne Shaw

Landscape Designer

Down2Earth Landscape Design

joanne@down2earth.ca

In This Issue

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

FEATURE ARTICLE

A LOOK THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE

Knowing These Tips Will Make Your Orchids Look Amazing

Phalaenopsis

Light: Low light, East facing window is best

Water: Once a week if potted in bark. Let the plant dry out between waterings if planted in other medium. Let water drain completely from pot.

Fertilize: Those planted in bark need a fertilizer with a higher Nitrogen amount i.e. 30-10-10. Those planted in other medium can use an all purpose fertilizer (20-20-20). Feed them monthly after watering.

Dendrobium

Light: High light but not direct light. A lightly shaded South window is best. A warmer environment is necessary for this variety as well.

Water: Keep moist during active growth; let them dry out between waterings while they are flowering.

Fertilize: Feed when not in bloom, weekly with a 1/4 strength 20-20-20 fertilizer.

Both orchid varieties benefit from some humidity. Place pot on a dish of pebbles filled with water.

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For more gardening tips and informative articles, visit my Newsletter Archives page!

Pretty In Pink

Did you hear that the colour for 2014 is Radiant Orchid? When I heard it I originally laughed, thinking how are the interior designers going to convince us that we could use that colour in our kitchens or living rooms? But with my recent office renovation and my very grey room, I have found that some small touches of the colour of the year, Radiant Orchid, might just be what I am looking for.

And believe it or not that whole process got me thinking about orchids. I have always wanted to own one but I just didn't think I had the right spot for one. February and March are their main bloom times and I am sure all of us could use this tropical flower to brighten our month! And with Valentine's Day coming up this might be a nice change from the usual cut flowers!

Two of the most common types of orchids are Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium.

Orchid phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the easiest orchids to grow. Their long sprays of flowers stay blooming for months and they come in a variety of interesting colours. They are low light orchids that would grow well in an east window. Or it can grow in a south or west window if protected by a sheer curtain. The great thing about it is that once it is in bloom you can place it anywhere in the house out of direct sunlight. And once the plant has finished blooming your can move it back to increase the amount of light it receives. You can gage if the plant is getting the correct amount of light based on its leaves. Phalaenopsis orchid leaves should be olive green in colour. If they are darker green then the plant is not getting enough light or if they are developing red edges then the orchid is getting too much light.

As for watering a Phalaenopsis, it depends on what it is potted in when it came from the store. For the most part this variety should dry out between waterings. If it is potted in bark, then water once a week. If potted in moss, water when the top is dry. Either way be sure to let the water drain completely as sitting in water is a sure way to kill your orchid.

Fertilizing is also important for orchids but still doesn't require a ton of work on our part. More specific instructions will come with your orchid when you purchase it so make sure the instructions are attached. Generally the orchids need to be fed after watering, once a month.

Orchid dendrobium
Dendrobium's are another easy type of orchid to grow, smaller flowers than the Phalaenopsis and available in sprays of white, lavender or a combination of the two. They bloom during the fall and winter and the flowers remain open for about 3 to 4 weeks. Dendrobiums need a lot of light, still not direct sun. A lightly shaded south window is best. They also like a warmer environment and grow best when the daytime temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees F and between 55 and 60 degrees F at night. Please note that temperatures near the windows will be different than the rest of the house.

As for watering and fertilizing Dendrobiums, you can keep them moist during active growth and then let them dry out between waterings while they are flowering. When they are not flowering is when they need fertilizing. You can do it at the same time as watering since they appreciate a weak fertilizing of orchid fertilizer 20-20-20 (1/4 strength) weekly.

Both types of orchids appreciate humidity and this can easily be achieved by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water.

When either variety of your orchid has finished flowering you can cut the flowering stem here:

cutting orchids

Do not cut or damage the leaves as the new stem will come from here in about a year. If you are feeling adventurous, you can cut the Phalaenopsis in such a way that it will rebloom in about 12 weeks.

Watch video here:

Where to Cut a
Phalaenopsis Spike

Note: I don't think we have to worry about a fungicide in our homes with only one orchid; he is using it in this video because his orchid will be going back into a greenhouse.

cut orchid

I had no idea this was possible and I think that has helped me decide which variety I am going to try. Both varieties of orchids are also sold as cut flowers and can last several weeks in a vase of water.

All in all I feel this beautiful plant is less mysterious than I thought and easier to grow as well. I am looking forward to picking one up for my east facing office. One other note, I do recommend buying them from a reputable flower shop since you know they were cared for before you bring it home. I know you see racks of Orchid displays at big box stores but you never know how long they have been there or how they have been cared for and the last thing you need to do is bring an insect or fungus into your home...I know, I have done it.

Credits: American Orchid Society and wikiHow

A look through the garden gate...

Here are some neat varieties of Orchids courtesy of Canadian Company Paramount Orchids

Phalaenopsis

Dendrobiums

Dendrobium Berry x kingianum

Joanne Shaw is the owner and operator of Down2Earth Landscape Design. A graduate of Ryerson University in Landscape Design, Joanne has 15 years experience in designing gardens and a decade in landscape and related business, both for her own clientele and established local nurseries.

Joanne Shaw
Landscape Designer
Down2Earth Landscape Design
joanne@down2earth.ca
www.down2earth.ca
905.839.1597
905.903.2597