Cymbidium Season

Potted cymbidium orchid plants require very little care to thrive outdoors here in our mild climate, and with space always an issue in a city garden, the miniature varieties have always had a special appeal.

Unfortunately it hasn't been the most floriferous cymbidium season, but I discovered this spike tightly curled and hiding behind a cluster of strappy leaves in the potted plants on the deck. It's amazing that the snails and slugs hadn't chewed its plump buds to shreds, but I suppose it's one of the few advantages of having had such a remarkably dry winter this year.

Cymbidium spikes make especially fine cut flowers - they last for weeks, and one by one each of the buds unfurls and opens. The small branch of round green leaves framing this flower spike are from the neighbor's coprosma bush - its common name is "mirror plant" because the leaves are so waxy and shiny.

Have to confess that the sturdy stoneware vase usually sits next to the sink, offering a sweet distraction from dishwashing, always filled with whatever the garden can offer up during the year. I cheated and moved the vase over to the kitchen buffet to take these photos - couldn't seem to crop the faucet out of my original picture and it didn't quite add to the overall mood of the moment.

You might want to follow me and head over to Jane's blog to see what other blooming delights people have rustled up and brought into their homes......

Will be joining in over at Common Ground's Be Inspired gathering this week.....