My father, A.A. Chadwick, is a collector of historical cattleyas - many of which are more than a century old. Over the years, a small number of these heirlooms have acquired a virus which is a disease that can adversely affect the flowers or foliage and is highly contagious. He quarantines these infected plants on a separate bench in his greenhouse where they can’t come in contact with the rest of the collection.
Once shunned by growers for their persnickety culture, Dendrobium Nobiles are enjoying a rally rarely seen in orchid commerce. It all began with the quest for an alternative to Phalaenopsis that could be mass produced and distributed with little damage and have a good shelf life. Thus far, the public has responded by snapping up the plants like hot cakes.
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.
Public gardens across the country are trying to safely accommodate visitors who have been cooped up at home for months and want to experience a little freedom. Admission rules have tightened and reserved entrance times, mask requirements, and social distancing are now the norm. Still, there is much to see and orchids are leading the way.
The Huntington is widely considered to be one of the finest botanical gardens in the country. Located on the outskirts of Los Angeles, California in the swanky neighborhood of San Marino, the 120 acre site of developed gardens was formerly the home of railroad tycoon Henry Huntington and his wife Arabella who founded the institution in 1919. In addition to the plant collections, there is also an extensive library of rare books and several art galleries such that it can take tourists three days to experience everything.
“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 recent lava flows in Hawaii occurred on the east side of the island where most of the tropical plant growers are located. Eight orchid nurseries were lost.” Courtesy of the United States Geological Survey
