How to Keep Orchids

Orchids are really easy to keep, if you follow some simple rules.

All these orchids are on a windowsill outside my bathroom upstairs.

Here are my four rules for keeping orchids.

Orchids need a bright windowsill, but no direct sunlight, or at least very little. This is most important.

They need misting regularly.

Outside the bathroom they get some steam from the shower. Or in a kitchen they like the steam from the hot water in the washing up bowl. But you can do it with a mister.

Feed them with a little fertiliser like Baby Bio. I don't think they need special orchid food. Water regularly but sparingly.

Orchids come in transparent pots. The roots like light, so I think it's best not to put the transparent pot into a decorative ceramic pot, even though it may look tidier.

And don't cut off a flower spike when it finishes flowering. More spikes may grow from it. Wait until the spike dies down before you cut it off. The flower spike will need supporting with a green stick.

And if all this seems too much trouble, then treat an orchid like a long-lasting cut flower, and enjoy!

Household Guardians 2

My two cats have very different roles to play in my working life. One likes to watch over the computer, and keeps my poetry warm by sleeping on it as I try to type it out. He wakes occasionally and edits the verses by walking across the keyboard. He is an essential part of the creative process.

The other cat doesn't like modern technology and is outside in the shed, looking after the letterpress machine and art materials.

Lohengrin and his Swan Boat

I have been trying to visualise
Lohengrin floating down the
river, and have had the vision of a swan pedallo in my head, complete
with Lohengrin pedalling like mad.

Either that, or an actual swan very slowly towing Lohengrin who is probably standing in a little flat bottomed boat.

Anyway, Kermit as always has provided an alternative. Just don't ask him anything about himself!

Late Summer Flowers

 There is something wonderful about late summer flowers,
especially those with variegated foliage.

Here are two different phlox, both a delight.

I can't help feeling that they are a mid life crisis last gasp of excess plant.

 "Look at us - the summer's nearly over, but we're still vibrant and colourful!"

 It's not autumn yet.

Dealing with loss

Cecilie's garden ornament

at ease by my pond -
sunlight and shaded green,
a new home, absence

Exotic Creatures in Wales

Madame Butterfly drifts through the crowds at the Royal Welsh show in Builth Wells,

and a flamingo has a chat with two friends in the street in
Abergavenny.