76 and still gardening
I’ve have variety of Guzmanias ages ago before this plant became a fad here in Lanao del Norte. I remember that most of my collection came from Camp Phillips in Bukidnon during the 1970’s to 80’s. I retained the one in the photos because of the vibrant color of its bracts…
We have no Autumn or Fall Season here in the Philippines…but I’m glad that this fragile-looking blooming rose gets some attention from me and the bees last September 23.
Vanda Rosalind Cheok x Vanda Varut Leopard is the most expensive orchid recently added to my collection. It is this plant’s first time to bloom in 14 years. I guess it’s worth the wait for the red-mottled yellow flowers are quite large about 6 inches wide. Honestly, I wasn’t attracted to it at first or second glimpse but then again…once you’ve got orchid fever, you couldn’t resist to collect.
There exist some evils so terrible and some misfortunes so horrible that we dare not think of them, whilst their very aspect makes us shudder; but if they happen to fall on us, we find ourselves stronger than we imagined, we grapple with our ill luck, and behave better than we expected we should.
– Jean de La Bruyere
I admire the resilience of the Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) living in my garden. They’re not pets but they’re always welcome to hang out here. Unlike some of my orchids that are currently in intensive care; they are able to deal with the wet season better than some of my air plants. Every time heavy rains pour down and prevailing winds hit my hometown, they seek refuge at my mango tree. Also, finding food is not a problem for them; they’re pals with the resident canines who are generous enough to share a portion of their meal for the birds.
It’s the third time in 2011 that my favorite cactus flowered; it bloomed in February and in May earlier this year. I noticed that every time this particular Sea Urchin Cactus (Echinopsis subdenudata) blooms, it is always on a rainy day/night. It’s frustrating that it stays open for only 24 hours or so. Because of the wind and rain, I failed to see its flowers open in the evening. However, I could still admire its beauty and oh-so sweet perfume in its remaining blooming hours in the morning up to 12 noon. I guess the bees would agree with me…
This Dendrobium orchid is one of the birthday gifts from Sopronia, an orchid delear. When she brought it last August 8, the plant had two sprays of green/purple flowers. I was so attracted to its flowers because of purple coloring on the petals and lips.
Alas, I found one spray on the ground last Monday morning. What to do? I simply put it in a tall vase with a little water. My daughter put some colorful bio-gel granules to add an interesting touch.
Tropical Storm Juaning hits the Luzon area. Yet here in Mindanao, we experience downpour with strong winds even if we’re at the outskirts of the storm. Such a wet Wednesday...
Mama Nene's Garden 