New Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)

Well in contrast to two weeks ago there is actually very little blooming outside for this months Garden Blogger’s Bloom Day.  So that’s why I chose to lead off with a spectacular new little Phalaenopsis which graces our kitchen counter at the moment.  This is a recent purchase but all the old orchids are coming into bloom right now so we’re in the midst of kind of an orchid frenzy which may go on for weeks (one of the nice things about orchids).  The red Cattleya is another especially striking specimen — and it has a marvelous fragrance as well.

Red Cattleya Orchid

Outside one of the few flowering elements is the red Camellia sasanqua which can be found in flower just about every year at this time.

Red Camellia sasanqua

There’s also a Verbena hanging on in a pot by the driveway that doesn’t realize it should have died back long ago.

Verbena hanging on in a pot

What I find particularly remarkable are a patch of Allium that we are growing here for the first time.  The Allium thunbergii ‘Ozawa’ did not bloom until October but they were absolutely striking when the appeared.  Now, two months later we still have the pleasure of their pink blossoms.  They are more like dried pink blossoms but lovely nonetheless.  This is a real winner.

Allium thunbergii 'Ozawa'

There would also be pictures of the Snowdrops to share, but some critter (I suspect deer) chopped all the snowdrop flowers off.  In addition they are chewing on blueberries that have never had any animal damage in the last thirty years.  I’m contemplating building a new house that is of Roman design with a totally walled exterior and a large central atrium, say about 7 acres in size, that is not accessible to deer.

I would also like to note that the Calendula in the herb garden are poised, buds at the ready, waiting for the slightest thaw.

Calendula in bud

And as a final farewell to this day let me share the Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’ which still has it’s seed heads waving in the wind.  It’s another plant with a long season of delight.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'

I encourage you to visit the center point for all Garden Blogger’s Bloom Days at May Dreams Gardens and see what other gardeners have to share.