Hardy Orchids and Water Lilies

It was a nice surprise to see some very healthy flower buds on this water lily. We were moving it to it's summer pond and now know that there will be some flowers fairly soon. I think my photo is sideways - Sorry!

The fabric birdhouse in place in the cherry tree. No inhabitants yet, but it sure looks bright and cheery out there. I ended up using velcro tabs and a few safety stitches to secure the top in a way that it could be cleaned out if the birds use it. I decided not to put the other one out because the hole is so close to the bottom I'm afraid the babies or eggs would fall out in a stiff wind.

I did not know there were hardy orchids available but a local greenhouse had a bunch of these for sale at normal perennial prices. Maybe I just don't get out enough. This is Bletilla Striata, a hardy woodland orchid from China. It needs moist conditions, partial sun, and a little mulch protection so that it doesn't come up too early in the spring. It grows 12-18 inches tall. And it is a lovely little flower. It also comes in white or yellow, but I only saw purple where I bought this one.

The center ruffles and ridges were especially interesting to me.

Inspired by the flower and people like Val Littlewood over at Pencil and Leaf, and Val Webb at The Illustrated Garden, I decided to try a black and white drawing of the orchid before I plant it. I used to do a lot of drawing and painting, but I haven't done much of anything for a couple of years. It turned out okay, but I tell you - it is NOT fun trying to do detail work from life with bifocals. I'm wondering if that is part of the reason I haven't done much drawing for a while.

My father-in-law used to say as he got older: Golden years, my @#$@!

And on that cheery note, good-bye for today.