Posts Tagged ‘orchid decoration’
Tips to Water Orchids
Posted on: November 7, 2011
Orchids have been included in list of home plants for their gorgeous fragrance and variety in shapes, color and sizes. Like other plants, orchid plants also need proper growing conditions. Giving right amount of water at right time to your orchids is one of the basic needs of orchid flowers to grow and thrive. Remember that different species of orchids have different water needs, so you are required to research your particular plant as well as you should also be aware of general watering needs of an orchid.
Orchid plants are typically found in tropical areas. The areas where many orchids are grown receive tremendous rain. These areas can also be very humid in native habits. Ideal humidity level for orchid flowers is 80% but this humidity level could be quite uncomfortable for human to live in so you need to think other strategies to provide your orchids with healthier environment. A very convenient way to humidify your orchids is to water them frequently. You may purchase a deep saucer or and some pebbles. Pour these pebbles into the saucer then water the pebbles. Make sure that the water never touches the actual orchid pot. This way you will be able to create artificial humid climate for your orchid plant.
Very common mistake that people do is over watering their orchids. Many people wait for the soil of their orchid pot to look dry and when it becomes, they feel that their orchid plants need to be watered now. This is not true especially for orchids. The rule to water your orchid plants is to water once a week. Let the potting bark of your orchid plant dry out completely before you water again.
Orchid plants also need to be fertilized but sparingly as well. Buy best fertilizer for your orchid plants from nearby garden shops. Make sure to maintain for watering and fertilizing your orchids is a guarantee in itself that your orchid plants will grow best and you will have exotic plants for a long time.
Orchids will thrive in your home environment if you succeed to provide them with proper care, for instance right amount of water at right time, proper sunlight and best fertilizer occasionally. Orchid flowers are quite beautiful and can also be temperamental. Once you get to know exact needs of your orchids, it is not so complicated to maintain your orchid flowers healthy conditions.
Ten Creative Garden Design Ideas
Posted on: October 27, 2011
- In: Flower | Flowers | Garden | Growing Flowers | Orchid Flowers | Orchids Tips | Types of Orchids
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It always gives great pleasure to the gardeners to add some new design ideas to their gardens. There are a lot of ideas which can be added to the garden. Some of them need much time to give them a finishing touch, while others need just a moment, but all of them help in beatifying the garden.
Here are some of the most popular and unique garden design ideas. Gardeners can use them to make the garden look wonderful and attractive, and also to add style to the landscape.
1.The Rose Walk
If you have enough space in your garden then constructing a chain of three to five arches of uneven-cut cedar, and planting the climbing roses at each foundation is the good idea to make garden look attractive. The path surrounded by them, could be grassy, flagstone, or pea gravel. If you like, you can also use thyme or chamomile as a path.
2.A Florid Patio
Another great idea is to place the big square stones close together giving a little space between them and utilize the open areas for planting creepers, herbs, and other low-growing plants. Violets and pinks thyme looks perfect here. A florid patio is best for small gardens.
3.The Chamomile Lawn
Chamomiles are beautiful and scented plants that give their strong scent when walked over. Therefore, making a chamomile lawn or chamomile path is a wonderful idea for designing a garden.
4.The Laburnum Walk
Planting the yellow hanging flowers or laburnum on the sides of walkways is a great idea. It adds romance to the garden as these flowers make the tunnel affect of a traditional laburnum walk. If you do not want to plant laburnum then you can go for easy-to-grow vine plants.
5.Morning Glory for Quick Coverage
Annual vines, such as morning glory, not only give colorful flowers but also make a quick coverage over an unattractive wall, shed, or fence. You just need to twine a wire upright from the top to the base, and sow the plant seeds just a few inches away from the base of the wire. This plant is very fast growing and gives splendid flowers in the mid-summer.
6.A Rock Garden on the Flat
Generally, rock gardens are made on hillsides to keep the soil in place. The low-growing alpine plants grow well in the spaces of a rock garden.
However, you can also make a rock garden on a flat surface. The plants in it grow vertical and the attractive stones are more visible. Also, weeding and cultivating become easier if stone pathways are made between the beds.
7. A Topiary
Topiary surely adds interest, innovation, and formality to a garden. You can spruce and prepare at least one evergreen into topiary. A lot of informative books are available in stationery shops about the different ways to do this. A garden gate having smaller topiary in iron or cement pots at each side of it provides a graceful welcome.
8.Runner Beans and Sunflowers
Runner beans and sunflowers can be grown side by side. The strong stems of the sunflower provide a support to the beans and both the plants grow up collectively. This idea creates a great interest to the vegetable garden.
9.The Plant Collection
Another design idea is to start collecting a particular plant species. Many plants come in a number of varieties that are not only available in the garden centers but also online. Get the information as much about your favorite plant as you can and grow its different types to add more colors to your garden.
You can also make separate sections of the garden and devote each section to one plant such as lily garden, rose garden, or peony garden.
10.The Pink Garden
Pink gardens are very eye-catching and make your garden beautiful. For this, you can plant a border with pink flowers but the trick is to disintegrate the many shades of one-color garden. Adding some gypsophila and different shades of green foliage will do just fine.
These are some of the design ideas that can be applied in the garden. It all depends on the gardeners’ own sense of creativity that how many ideas they can introduce to their gardens to make them beautiful.
Building Rock Garden
Posted on: October 26, 2011
- In: Flower | Flowers | Garden | Growing Flowers | Orchid Flowers | Orchids Tips | Types of Orchids
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A rock garden is an area with different types and sizes of rocks and various species of small flowers. It looks quite natural and also gives you a great pleasure to have a rock garden in your back or front yard.
Building a rock garden is not a difficult task. If you have an area in your yard with a mild slope that receives a good amount of sunlight then you can easily build a rock garden in it. If you do not have that type of sloping place in your yard then you can use your own imagination to create a natural looking rock garden.
There is no specific layout or design for building a rock garden. But there are certain steps that should be kept in mind while building a rock garden. They are as follows:
- Lay the foundation:
The good rock garden depends on the good foundation. An ideal natural slope also needs to be dug up so that a proper foundation can be laid down. It is because many rock garden plants require water-retentive and fast-draining soil.
- Excavate:
It is ideal to dig down a slope at least 1 foot to clear out all the weeds and their roots. If you are not having a natural slope for building a garden, then you can build a raised bed elevated upheld by walls. It is recommended for a raised bed to dig down about 3 feet. The higher the walls, the more your delicate flowers will be safe from the pets.
- Put down the drainage layer:
It is important to place a layer of a hodgepodge of clunky rocks, old pieces of concrete or brick and even broken pieces of clay pots in the base of the foundation. As this drainage layer will absorb excess moisture from the soil above, you need to make up about one third to one half of your trough’s deepness.
- Put down the sand layer:
The sand layer will hold up the topsoil and acts as a water-absorbent layer. A few inches of coarse layer should be added between the drainage layer and the soil layer.
- Put down the soil layer:
Blooming of your garden plants highly depends on this layer. It is best to use a mixture of following components for the proper growth of garden plants:
- 1 part leaf mold
- 1 part topsoil
- 1 part small gravel
- Place the rocks:
You can use rocks found in your surroundings. However, there are several different types of garden rocks are also available. It is a good idea to get one variety of rock in various different sizes. Arrange them in a way that it looks natural and blends in with your environment.
- Let the garden settle:
Before planting the flowers, let the garden settle. This is important because the soil can fall a bit after few weeks. If this happens then fill it with the remaining mixture of soil.
- Plant flowers:
Planting should always be done carefully and properly to make the flowers grow fast. Many different plants can grow easily in the rock garden. The best evergreen plant to use is low growing junipers such as the Armstrong, and the low growing conifers, ground covers, and bulbs are also a good choice for the rock garden. You can also grow Alyssum, Gazania, Pansy, Verbena, etc.
- Proper and regular care:
If you select your plants wisely and according to your climate then they will require less care. You just need to weed them occasionally to keep them healthy. During dry season, always give them plenty of water so that they could not wither away.
Following these steps will make it easy for you to build a nice, beautiful and natural-looking rock garden.
Flower Planting Tips
Posted on: October 19, 2011
Gardening is a wonderful hobby but it is not a simple task unless you know the basic knowledge of planting and taking care of different kinds of plants and flowers. Fortunately, there are some easy-to-follow tips which can help you in making gardening easy and enjoyable. They are briefly discussed below:
- Identify the suitable area for planting:
Before start planting, you need to identify the suitable area of the garden where you want to plant the flowers. Generally, plants and flowers require proper and adequate sunlight to thrive and grow. But it should be remembered that different flowers need different amount of sunlight. Some flowers flourish well in direct sunlight while others need indirect sunlight to bloom fully.
Therefore, you should not only know the basic light requirements of the specific flower you want to grow, but also know that particular area of your garden where that flower will get enough sunlight and thrive well.
- Buy the flowers carefully:
Planting should be done properly so that flowers can bloom soon. For this, always try to buy those flowers which have the tags attached to it. These tags provide you the necessary instructions for planting the flowers in a most suitable way.
There are several kinds of flowers that you can buy. Some of them are perennial flowers, annual flowers, flower bulbs, and roses.
Perennial flowers include perennial fruits (such as banana), perennial herbs (such as fennel), and perennial vegetables (such as eggplant). On the other hand, annual flowers include henbit, peas, deadnettle, chickweed, winter cress, etc.
Flower bulbs and roses can also add beauty and color to your garden. Flower bulbs include flowers like daffodils, tulips, crocus, allium, etc. On the other hand, different types of roses are also available such as hybrid tea roses, floribunda roses, shrub roses, and polyantha roses.
Besides flower bulbs and roses, it is always best to purchase perennial flowers as they bloom yearly, on the other hand, if you go for the annual flowers then they will last only for a year and need replanting next year. You can also consider purchasing inexpensive wild flower seeds to make other areas of your garden more colorful. However, the selection of flowers entirely depends on you.
- Plant the flowers properly:
When planting, you need to follow the instructions given on the tags. Mix some fertilizer in the soil and water it thoroughly so that the soil absorbs maximum water which is good for the proper growth of the flowers. Ensure that flowers are placed into a loose soil flower bed, providing each of them proper space. It is also necessary to transfer the flowers carefully into the dug hole to avoid any damage to the stem or leaves. After placing the flowers, fill the hole with the soil and water the plants.
After planting, dispersing a thin layer of mulch over the flower bed not only helps in preventing weed growth but also give a finished look to the flower bed. Regular watering and frequently feeding will reward you with colorful and beautiful flowers in the coming spring season.
Thus, by following these simple tips, a novice can easily create his own wonderful flower garden. And if perennial flowers are grown in the garden then they will bloom every year adding colors to your garden.
Water Orchids
Posted on: October 18, 2011
- In: Flower | Flowers | Garden | Garden Decoration | Growing Flowers | Orchid Flowers | Orchids Tips
- 1 Comment
The beauty of Orchid flowers is the main reason for its increasing popularity. In order to make Orchid plants bear more flowers, they need to be provided an adequate amount of sunlight, minerals, and water.
The quantity of water required by the Orchids highly depends on the type of Orchids. Some species do not need plenty of water, whereas others need a lot of water more often. Therefore, it is very important to know what type of Orchids you are growing and how much water they need. You can get complete information about your Orchid type from Orchid stores, through internet, or by consulting a professional Orchid grower. These sources help you in finding out whether the Orchid plant needs more or less water.
Orchids are generally inhabitant of tropic climates where there are heavy rainfalls throughout the year. The humidity level in these regions reaches up to 80% which is quite suitable for the Orchids but not for the indoor home environment. However, you can easily recreate this humidity level around the Orchid plant by putting water in a deep tray or saucer full of pebbles or stones, and after that placing your Orchid pot onto these pebbles. You just need to ensure that the water level is not reaching the bottom of Orchid pot so that the plant roots can be protected from getting soaked. This artificial water Orchid source can provide sufficient amount of humidity to the plant the whole day.
When it comes to watering Orchids, some people give too much water to their plants because they think that a dry potting mix is harmful for the plant growth. This is not true for the Orchid plants. The Orchid potting mix contains bark which preserves water like a sponge. When water from the surface area of the bark is used by the plant then it seems like the bark is dry but actually it still holds much wetness in it. Over watering Orchid leads to the rotting of roots and destroying the whole plant.
Orchids can survive for quite a long time without water in their natural environment. But it does not mean that you start under-watering your Orchids. There are many ways of under-watering. The most common of these is when the Orchids are just sprayed with water and are not given adequate amount of water. Another way is to water the Orchid with enough water, but infrequently. Under-watering results in damaging the root system of the Orchid plant which eventually kills it altogether.
Thus, it is evident that Orchids should not be given over or under water. You should check the dampness just below the surface of the potting mix before watering, which should not be drenching wet or not extremely dry.
It is highly recommended to use lukewarm or room temperature water for watering Orchids. You should always water in the morning or early part of the day so that roots and leaves can get enough time to dry during the day. Also, you need to water the Orchid potting medium thoroughly so that fertilizer salts can be flushed out from around the roots.
Orchids are lovely plants and just need proper care to award you with wonderful Orchid flowers that you can enjoy throughout the year.
Growing Orchids
Posted on: September 28, 2011
Orchid plants are very fastidious, bearing the most attractive flowers having a wide range of colors. They can easily be grown both indoors and outdoors with minimum amount of care. Some of the Orchid species require to be kept in greenhouses, whereas some varieties of Orchids can grow among other house plants.
Growing Orchids indoor and outdoor could be a great fun. You just need to know some important general guidelines.
Natural light is very vital for the Orchid plants. Normally, an east or west facing window is more suitable for the growth of these plants. Direct sunlight can be harmful for them; therefore, you need to make sure that they are placed in the shaded area, having indirect sunlight. They need to have 10 to 15 hours of light everyday. Artificial lights can also be used in winter season.
Proper temperature is also necessary throughout the year for the good growth of Orchids because Orchid plants do not bear hot and unventilated conditions. They need to have daytime temperatures about 70 F in summer season and 60 F in winter season. In cold and frosty nights, keep your Orchid plants away from windows.
Watering is also very significant for the proper growth of these plants. Overwatering is fatal for them; therefore, let surplus water to seep away. You should water them when you feel that the growing medium is about to dry. Usually, watering the Orchid plants once a week would be enough.
Orchid plants flourish well in a humid atmosphere. Placing the plant on a tray of small wet pebbles would be quite helpful in increasing the humidity level. Be sure to place the Orchid pot on the top of the pebble layer, not in the water. The water around the pebbles will fade away and moisturize the air around the plant.
When growing Orchids, regular fertilization will lead the plant to grow soon and bloom well. But it should be kept in mind that over fertilization will harm or destroy the plant completely. Giving fertilizer twice a month is highly recommended. Avoid feeding the plant during winter season.
It is also important to know that you should reduce watering and fertilizing the Orchid plants once they stop blooming. Start giving water and fertilizer regularly when new leaves begin to appear.
The yellowish or brownish spots on the leaves are the indication that plant has red spider insects on it. In this situation the leaves wither away prematurely.
Re-pot the plant in new medium when you see small yellowish leaves with few or no flowers because this condition shows that the plant needs fertilizer or the medium is too damp. After repotting, water it carefully.
If your Orchid plant is unable to grow flower buds properly, it means that temperature is too cold or too hot for the plant. In this condition, you need to keep it in proper place.
Orchid plants can grow well in the places like cellars, terraces, or living rooms only if they are provided with appropriate light, temperature and moisture.
Wild Orchids
Posted on: September 27, 2011
The wild Orchids are beautiful flowers that everybody should have in his/her garden or in the backyard. They grow in different style and have a unique look. The good thing about wild Orchids is that they have wide range of species; each kind of specie has its own unique and attractive form and vibrant coloring. The most popular types of wild Orchids are Lady’s Slipper, Calanthe, and White Egret.
One of the most admired wild orchid types is the Lady’s Slipper which comes in a number of different varieties varying typically in the size of the flower and colors. Snowy color Lady’s Slipper is thought to be the most attractive and is in high demand by the Orchid lovers.
Many of these Orchids are about three inches in diameter and come in colors like pink, purple, or maroon with white blended in all over the petals. The wild Orchids can reach about two feet of height when fully grown. This is the maximum height of the Orchid plant.
Calanthe variety of Orchids is the more classic in shape, and has variety of colors. They give more flowers per stalk than the Lady’s Slipper. These Orchids are able to flourish in almost every climate on condition that you keep them in moderate temperature and prevent them from exposing in the direct sunshine or in the frost of winter season.
The most distinctive kind of wild Orchid is White Egret. It commonly grows in Asia and has been successfully flourishing in the United States. Its different appearance makes it feel like a flying bird. As its name shows, this type of wild Orchid comes only in white flowers. A completely grown flowering spike can have ten flowers, and can attain the height of sixteen inches.
Orchids, in general, bear capsules which contain thousands of microscopic seeds. These seeds need to have Mycorrhizal fungi to sprout. Therefore, wild Orchids require producing lots of seeds in order to grow and become a fully grown flowering plant because only the small portion of all the seeds has the ability to germinate and become a plant.
It takes at least 3 to 5 years to turn a seed into a plant and bear flowers. Some of the wild Orchids even take 15 years from seed to fully grown orchid plants, bearing flowers. Therefore, deciding to grow Orchid from seed is not a good idea as it is very time-consuming process and you need to be very patient as well.
Specialized horticultural methods abolish the requirement of fungi which the wild Orchid needs. You can easily buy a plant from the plant sales outlets and then providing adequate water and humidity will be enough for the plant to grow. Taking proper care of it will give you flowers that last for more than a month, giving you inner satisfaction and pleasure.
Orchid Flowers
Posted on: July 8, 2010
Orchid flowers belong to the Orchid family, Orchidaceae, which is the second largest flower family in the plant kingdom. The number of known and accepted species of Orchids ranges from 25,000 to 30,000. Orchid flowers are found in all parts of the world, except Antarctica.
Orchid flowers are considered as the most beautiful flowers on earth. They are highly in demand as the ornamental plants, and believed to be the symbol of love, comfort, splendor, and strength. Large variety of Orchids is available in the market as they come from an extremely large flower family. Orchids are also easy to look after however they do demand some attention.
Talking about owning the Orchids, wild Orchid could be the magnificent choice. It has a distinctive look and growth style. Wild Orchids have wide, wonderful and attractive range of species. It should be kept in mind that placing a wild Orchid at home (inside the house), and having an Orchid in the garden are two different things and there is an enormous difference between them. Orchid flowers need adequate humidity and air flow.
Besides house decoration, Orchid flowers are also used for stress relief and relaxation. They give plenty of enjoyment, pleasure and satisfaction. These flowers are intended to attract insects for reproduction means. Wide variety of Orchids is formed by attracting insects to transfer their pollen from one flower to the other. Some of the Orchid species attract the pollinators by producing flowers similar to female insects in color, appearance and scent. Male insects move from flower to flower in search of a mate. Thus, pollens are easily transferred to other Orchid flowers through these male insects.
Being the most popular flower around the world, Orchid flowers have a well renowned history. Many books and articles are written on the Orchid flowers and the Orchid family. Back in 700 B.C, Chinese and Japanese drawings and literature shows that it was believed that the Orchid flowers have the curing powers, and was used as an herbal remedy.
Orchid flowers are among the most beautiful, sensual, amazing, and costly decorative plants. These flowers can easily be bought from the flower shops. But they will not last long if exposed to sun, wind and cold. Orchid flowers need to be placed where there is lot of humidity and air flow. Taking care of these delicate and magnificent flowers can be a tricky task. One needs to know how to make Orchid flowers last as long as possible.
Orchid Flowers 