October & some Orchids

This past weekend the weather was just perfect here in South Florida: the humidity eased, the temperature dropped just enough, and the breeze picked up ever so slightly.

Some of my more hardy orchids are noticing the change in season. Why the Phals are more strict about their show dates and won't tempt me for a few more months, some of my more reliable multi-bloomers are out.

This Brassavola Nodosa has lovely white waxy flowers - fragrant only at night. He has outgrown his basket several times over the years and been separated into now about 3 plants (maybe 4...I think my mother has one from me now).

The little blue Ascocenda has such pretty blooms:

This dendrobium is quite hardy - I have him on a lower shelf and it looks like some critter has taken a few bites from a leaf, but he's such a bright bloomer.

Hopefully more plants will follow suit in the coming months!

Orchids! (that's where the name Aerides came from)

It might be Fall, technically, but in South Florida it's just barely dipping under 80 - my orchids tend to bloom mostly over these next few months - here are some that are making an appearance.

Aerides is a species of orchid, also known as the cats tail orchid. The literal translation is "Of the Air" and I kind of like the sound of that.

Here's a couple of shots from around the garden:

First up Brass. Nodosa - a lovely fragrant white flower that blooms for me a few times a year:
I picked up this large vanda (it's about 4' tall) at a show, very cheap, this past winter. It's not labeled but I'm very happy with the first blooms - lovely big and dark purple reds.

You can show me all the fancy species, but these simple white dendrobiums get me every time. Love the pink accents on the tips.