Melania Knauss Trump is the wife of the 45th United States President. Prior to marrying Donald J. Trump in 2005, she was a successful model working with major fashion houses in Milan and Paris and later appearing on the covers of dozens of magazines including Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Glamour. She also had her own watch and jewelry line.
My father, Art Chadwick Sr., turns 90 this week and he credits his longevity to orchids. Since the age of 13, he has been collecting cattleyas and, to this day, he can’t wait to wake up in the morning and see what’s in bloom. His lifelong interest began rather innocently, as a teenager walking home from school.
Murals have become an increasing popular art form in recent years. Once dismissed as a form of graffiti (which is done without permission), murals are now highly planned projects involving shop owners, community leaders, schools, and, maybe, a team of professional artists. The end result is something that enhances the area.
The American Orchid Society has just released a book that is affordably priced, has hundreds of breathtaking photographs, and is chock full of expert advice. This handy little guide was written with the help of dozens of recognized authorities and its timing coincides with the organization’s upcoming 100th anniversary.
The very first orchid species were pulled out of the jungle by Westerners in the early 1800’s and it took half a century of trial and error to figure out how to water these mysterious epiphytes. There were countless mishaps along the way and many of the best varieties were lost forever. But, by the dawn of the new millennium and, for the next 100 years or so, professional growers and hobbyists alike had mastered the art of keeping their orchids properly hydrated.
“Rhynchostylis orchids are best grown in slatted baskets where they produce colorful sprays of fragrant flowers each winter. Daily watering is suggested.” Photo Credit – Arthur Chadwick
Wine lovers take note. Some orchids prefer corks as their potting media.
“This terrarium contains a petite yellow Oncidium and a multi-floral Phalaenopsis, a small ivy, a thick bed of living moss, and several sprigs of curly willow. The base uses a layer of river rock, sphagnum moss, and potting soil to help hydrate the greenery.” Photo Credit – Arthur Chadwick
“The owner of this tattoo is a nanny in Richmond. She was raised in Colombia where Cattleya trianaei is the National Flower. The three-blossom drawing with foliage is an example of a charcoal drawing with shading.” Photo Credit – Arthur Chadwick
“Re-enactors portrayed President Woodrow Wilson and his wife, Edith, at the signing of the Armistice on Veteran’s Day. The stunning five-flowered cattleya orchid corsage was in keeping with the First Lady’s style at high profile events.” Photo Credit – Suzanne Feigley/Virginia War Memorial
The introduction of Phalaenopsis in grocery stores about a decade ago brought the orchid hobby to millions of Americans who might never have gotten involved. Many plants were sold with limited or incorrect growing instructions, however, and owners were left to experiment. Most Phals survived, but reblooming has been hit or miss.
