I brought a few of my Chinese Ground Orchids up the mountain. They are also called Hardy Ground Orchids which are said to survive in the ground in Zones 5 -7.
Ground orchid striated leaves
I am new to Zone 5 gardening. The winters here are harsh. I hate sacrificing plants during experimentation. I decided to bring one pot into the unheated garage to go dormant and divide the second pot.
I will put 1/2 of this plant in the ground and pulled some pseudobulb/tubers to wash, photograph and store inside.
Pseudobulbs/ tubers
If all fails, I have a nice stand of this plant inside the fence at Wildwood which is in Zone 7. I can get more in the spring and try again.
What a difference twelve days makes in the garden this time of the year. My busy husband sent me some flower photos this morning. I took similar pictures while I was home in early April. Let’s compare them.
Bletilla striata had only one bloom per stalk.Chinese Ground Orchid Bletilla
I dug up about half of this Ground Orchid while I was home and filled in the hole with good soil. It has really taken off blooming since then.
The iris row was all pink earlier.Shipshape had only one open bloom but many buds then.Persian Berry, Shipshape and Night Affair
The pink Persian Berry is a bully. The blue Ship Shape and deep purple Night Affair hold their own better than more timid growers like Little Much.
Gibralter had one open bloom two weekends ago.The Flame Azalea ‘Gibralter’ always amazes me. It glows in bright sunshine. This photo was taken in morning. Its deep color looks saturated here.This was the only bloom so I zoomed in on it.Now, this Spiderwort is in full swing.
I have read that deer do not eat Spiderwort, but something eats the one in the front yard. This one is in the now bunniless, bunny yard. Safe from whatever eats the other one.
Every day is different once plants start growing and blooming. I inspect plants several times each day during spring.
I am happy Mr. Flower and Rose are enjoying our blooms at home. I appreciate seeing my flowers from afar.
