Flower Power Fights Pests

What if you could improve the health of your garden by adding more flowers? Washington State University researchers have discovered that Sweet Alyssum attracts lots of beneficial insects. These insects provide natural pest control by hunting bugs which munch on garden greenery. After experimenting with a few types of plants, researchers found that Sweet Alyssum attracted the most beneficials.

Sweet Alyssum, Lobularia maritimaSweet Alyssum flowers close up, Lobularia maritimaSweet Alyssum, Lobularia maritima, growing outdoors in Pacifica, California

Sweet Alyssum is a fragrant Mediterranean native, often grown as a tough, drought-tolerant groundcover. Clusters of tiny flowers emit a strong, sweet honey scent. This annual species is easy to grow, and reseeds readily. In hot climates, it prefers shade, but in cooler climates, it enjoys full sun. Cut the old flowers back to encourage new blooms. I’ve seen many varieties of pink and purple, but white flowers seem to be the most popular.

Attracting beneficial insects is a great non-toxic way to control pests. This and other natural strategies, like using carnivorous plants, can spare you dangerous chemicals, and actually add life to your garden. For those growing orchids outdoors, Sweet Alyssum is a winning addition.

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The Yellow Lady’s Slipper, Afoot in Central Park

Much to everybody’s surprise, there’s a rare, native Lady’s Slipper blooming in Central Park. The New York Times reports that a dozen flower buds have been growing over the past few weeks, and they’re starting to open. The plant is the Yellow Lady’s Slipper, also known as Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens. This __orchid species is native to almost all of the USA and Canada, but increasingly rare. It once bloomed in New York City, but its large, brilliant flowers can’t help but be noticed, and it disappeared long before the skyscrapers arrived. In an attempt to bring it back, Central Park staff had purchased and planted one in the Ramble.

Introduced by woodland managers for the Central Park Conservancy well over a decade ago, the plant was purchased from a reputable grower and planted at a time when the orchids were only beginning to be commercially available. It was then forgotten until it began blooming two years later, to the surprise of both staff and urban ecologists. I imagine the first naturalist to recount this rarest of Manhattan sightings must have been greeted as if he were reporting an alien abduction.

The return of this “ethereal masterwork of nature” to New York City is surprising enough, but its public location is even more so. Despite thousands of park visitors passing the __orchid daily, it has not been damaged or dug up, which often seems to be the fate of these beautiful Lady’s Slippers. Please remember that native orchids are endangered, and you should never pick a wild orchid or dig up the plant. It’s illegal, and the trauma almost always kills it.

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The Coconut Orchid

Maxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant __orchid species, red white and yellow flower, Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo, Hilo, HawaiiMaxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant __orchid species, red white and yellow flowers and leaves, Kawamoto orchid Nursery, Honolulu, HawaiiMaxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant orchid species, red white and yellow flowers and leaves, grown in San Francisco, California

Whatever the Coconut orchid lacks in showiness, it makes up with fragrance. This tropical species features brilliant red flowers, but they’re often hidden in the foliage. However, their sweet coconut scent always gives them away.

Maxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant orchid species, red white and yellow flowers, grown in San Francisco, CaliforniaMaxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant orchid species, red white and yellow flower, grown in San Francisco, CaliforniaMaxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant orchid species, red white and yellow flower, long narrow leaves, grown in San Francisco, California

Coconut Orchids are easy to grow, and with their delicious aroma, they are popular choices for orchid lovers. Their deep red flowers can last more than two months. This species is better known by its old name, Maxillaria tenuifolia, than its new name, Maxillariella tenufolia (trust me — there are a few extra letters in the new name.) Whatever it’s called, it’s native to tropical rainforests from Mexico south to Costa Rica.

Maxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant orchid species, red white and yellow flower, grown in San Francisco, CaliforniaMaxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant orchid species, red white and yellow flower, grown in San Francisco, CaliforniaMaxillariella tenuifolia, aka Maxillaria tenuifolia, aka Coconut Orchid, fragrant orchid species, red white and yellow flowers, long narrow leaves, grown in San Francisco, California

To care for Coconut Orchids, provide morning sun, regular water, fertilizer, high humidity, and winter dormancy. My Coconut orchid has been a faithful harbinger of spring for over a decade, blooming with dozens of flowers each year. I rely on my nose to know when they’ve opened. I’ll be enjoying their sweet coconut scent until they finish.

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Mother’s Day Orchid Care

With brilliant colors and fascinating shapes, orchids have become favorite gifts for Mother’s Day. Don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb; most orchids don’t deserve their finicky reputations. A few care basics can help you enjoy your tropical flowers for a long time.

Phalaenopsis hybrid, Moth __orchid harlequin pattern, Orchids in the Park 2013, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaPhalaenopsis flower close up, white Moth Orchid, Orchids in the Park 2013, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaPhalaenopsis Sogo Berry 'KHM 1219', Moth __orchid hybrid, Orchids in the Park 2013, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

To get the most out of your gift, check these helpful care tips:

  • Identify your orchid to better understand its light, temperature, and water needs. You don’t need to find its exact name, just its orchid family. Phals, or Moth Orchids, are the most popular (shown in the three photos above.) Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, and Paphs are also favorites.
  • If you cannot identify your orchid, use these general care tips.
  • To water, soak roots and potting material thoroughly. Let the excess drain out of the holes in the bottom of the pot. Don’t allow the pot to sit in water for more than a few hours, or the roots may rot.
  • When you water, remove ribbons, wrapping paper, or decorative containers if they block drainage holes.
  • All orchids need high humidity and good air movement. Dry, stagnant air can cause blooms to wilt.
  • As cut flowers, orchids don’t need any special care. Keep out of direct sun, and change their water every couple days to keep blossoms fresh.
  • Browse AboutOrchids for more growing tips, FAQ, and beautiful photos. Enjoying orchids has never been easier.

Paphiopedilum, Lady Slipper flower, Orchids in the Park 2013, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOncidium hybrid, Dancing Lady flowers, Orchids in the Park 2013, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCattleya hybrid, Orchids in the Park 2013, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

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How to Paint a lion nail (Step by Step Tutorial)

The shape of spikes, spiky petals is what gave these plants his name.

The word "lion" is actually a lion's tooth French name, meaning "Dandelion".

You will need:

Her nails painted a color that will leave dandelion really "pop"

A fine brush nail art

The color of nail polish to be displayed against its background color

I chose to use black and white, because I love the look silhouette in black and white can create.

How to paint Dandelion Nail Art

 

How to Paint Dandelion Nail Art

Source: Chace Watkins

Step 1: Painting a solid background

For your dandelion in the center of the show, begins to paint the nails of a plain, solid color. You can paint a beautiful blue to represent the sky, green to represent grass, or just simple, elegant black and white.

Source: Chace Watkins

Step 2: The rod

Using a thin nail art brush, paint the trunk at a slight angle (for a more natural look). He must hit the nail halfway around to make room for all the fluff later. To keep your bar is too thick, make sure to wipe off any excess polish off of your brush.

Source: Chace Watkins

Source: Chace Watkins

Step 3: The center

With the tip of the nail art brush, stippling some polish around the end of the stem to form the center of the seeds. Should be roughly circular in shape, but do not focus too hard to get absolutely perfectly round.

Source: Chace Watkins

Source: Chace Watkins

Source: Chace Watkins

Step 4: The "Parachute"

Using a brush is almost completely dry (do not want there to be a lot of ink, or their seeds will come out as huge bubbles), draw very fine lines radiating from the center of the flower. Try to make them slightly tilted, even crossing each other in some places, to create depth, variety and a more realistic look.

When finished, it should be something like fireworks exploding or a spider with lots of legs.

Source: Chace Watkins

Source: Chace Watkins

Source: Chace Watkins

Step 5: Completing the lint

With the tip of the nail art brush, apply small lines around the outside of the flower at the tips of fine lines you just drew. Sometimes Avoid pressing too hard or too many in a given area.

To make your three-dimensional flower, lightly dab on some points of the mass of the flower (as seen through the thin seed for the other side). When finished, the dandelion should be fluffy and full.

Source: Chace Watkins

Source: Chace Watkins

Step 6: Add Grass

In order to keep your dandelion sits alone, you can add herb leaf sweeping motions using fast even with the tip of his brush nail art. Cancellation of some of them to a three-dimensional illusion. In addition, pressuring bases, relieving pressure as it approaches the tip of the blade creates a natural look.

 

Try to make them rotate in the same direction as the flower to make it look like a gentle breeze blowing through the area.

 



Orchid Hybrid Vigor

Laeliocattleya hybrid, purple white and yellow flowers, Pacific __orchid Expo 2015, San Francisco, CaliforniaCymbidium hybrid, red white and yellow flowers, Pacific __orchid Expo 2015, San Francisco, CaliforniaAustralian Dendrobium hybrid, white yellow and hot pink flowers, Pacific orchid Expo 2015, San Francisco, California

Shopping for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? An orchid hybrid is your best bet. Hybrids are crosses between closely related plants. Breeders cross-pollinate different orchid varieties, and then choose the best offspring. Hybrid vigor emerges when the best traits from both parents create tougher descendants. They are often easy to grow and flower, and hardy enough to survive some neglect. Hybrids usually have larger and longer-lasting blooms. With basic orchid care info, they’re as easy as other common houseplants.

Fortunately, most orchids sold today are hybrids. If you buy from a supermarket or home improvement store, you’re almost certainly buying a hybrid. If you buy from a florist or garden center, it’s likely to be a hybrid, but you should always ask if you’re not sure. orchid species can have finicky care needs, and you wouldn’t want your gift to cause your mother any stress. Tell her not to worry, and that’s it’s easy to care for an orchid with hybrid vigor.

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May Orchid Shows

Orchid shows are one of the best places to learn about orchids. Most shows feature local experts, knowledgable vendors, and __orchid society members who are eager to share their love of this amazing plant family. Many events are timed for Mother’s Day celebrations on May 10th.

May 1 – 2
Maclean District __orchid Society Autumn Show, McLean Bowls Club, McLachlan St., Maclean, NSW, Australia
May 1 – 3
Blue Ridge orchid Society Show, Center in the Square, Advance Auto Parts Atrium, 1 Market St., Roanoke, Virginia
May 1 – 3
Exposicion Nacional de Orquideas Cartago, Centro Comercial Paseo Metropoli, La Lima, Entrada a Cartago, Cartago, Costa Rica
May 1 – 3
North Gauteng orchid Society Autumn Show, Safari Garden Centre, Pretoria, Gauteng Province, South Africa
May 1 – 3
Rustenburg orchid Society Autumn Show, Waterfall Garden Centre, Rustenburg, North West Province, South Africa
May 1 – 3
Orchid’en Seine, Jardin des Plantes, 114 ter, av. des Martyrs de la Resistance, 76100 Rouen, France
May 1 – 3
Journees des Orchidees, Jardins du Manoir d’Eyrignac, 24590 Salignac-Eyvigues, France
May 1 – 3
Salon des Orchidees, Salle des Fetes, 37250 Veigne, France
May 1 – 3
Exposicao de Orquideas de Orquidario, Jardim Botanico, Rua Jardim Botanico, 1008, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
May 1 – 3
Exposicao Nacional de Orquideas de Mogi Guacu, Campo da Lagoa, Jardim Murilo, Mogi Guacu, Sao Paulo, Brazil

May 1 – 3
Exposicao Nacional de Orquideas de Monte Alto, Centro de Convivencia da Melhor Idade, Av. 15 de maio, Monte Alto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
May 1 – 3
Exposicao Nacional de Orquideas de Garca, Gremio Teatral Leopoldo Froes, Carlos Ferrari, 594, Garca, Sao Paulo, Brazil
May 2
Delaware orchid Society Auction, Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 1006 Wilson Rd., Wilmington, Delaware
May 2
North of England orchid Society Monthly Meeting & Show, Barton Village Hall, Barton, Lancashire, UK
May 2
Redlands orchid Society Show, Donald Simpson Centre, 171 Bloomfield St., Cleveland, Queensland, Australia
May 2 – 3
Southern Tier orchid Society Show, Oakdale Mall, 601-605 Harry L. Dr., Johnson City, New York
May 2 – 3
Platinum Coast orchid Society Show & Sale, Kiwanis Island Park Gym, 951 Kiwanis Island Park Rd., Merritt Island, Florida
May 2 – 3
Kansas City Regional orchid Show, Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, Missouri
May 2 – 3
Gympie & District orchid Society Show, Gympie Garden Expo, Gympie Showgrounds, Gympie, Queensland, Australia
May 3
Fenland orchid Society Show, Terrington St. Clement Village Hall, Churchgate Way, Terrington St. Clement, Norfolk, UK
May 3 – 4
Darlington & District orchid Society Show, Raby Castle, Staindrop, Darlington, County Durham, UK
May 6 – 8
Redcliffe District orchid Society Show, Redcliffe Municipal Library, Oxley Ave., Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia
May 6 – 9
Boolaroo orchid Society Show, Belmont Citi-Centre, Macquarie St., Belmont, NSW, Australia
May 7 – 8
Ayr & District orchid Society Show, Burdekin Centrepoint, Queen St., Ayr, Queensland, Australia
May 7 – 9
Maui orchid Society Mothers’ Day Show, Maui Mall, 70 East Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului, Maui, Hawaii
May 7 – 9
Lockyer Valley orchid Society Show, Gatton Shire Hall, North St., Gatton, Queensland, Australia
May 7 – 9
Hawkesbury District orchid Show, Richmond Market Place, March St., Richmond, NSW, Australia
May 7 – 9
Gold Coast District orchid Society Show, Pines Shopping Centre, Guiness Rd. & McGrath Dr., Elanora, Queensland, Australia
May 7 – 9
Logan & District orchid Society Mother’s Day Display & Sale, Centro Shopping Mall, Springwood, NSW, Australia
May 7 – 10
Five Dock RSL orchid Society Show, Leichhardt Market Town, Flood St., Leichhardt, NSW, Australia
May 8 – 10
Lowveld orchid Group Autumn Show, Riverside Mall, Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, South Africa
May 8 – 10
Zululand orchid Society Autumn Show, Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
May 8 – 10
Wolkberg orchid Society Mother’s Day Show, Tzaneen Lifestyle Centre, Tzaneen, Limpopo, South Africa
May 8 – 10
East Rand orchid Society Autumn Show, Edenvale Community Centre, Edenvale, Gauteng, South Africa
May 8 – 10
Exposicao Nacional de Orquideas de Araras, Hipermercado Tiradentes, Av. Dona Renata, 1075, Jd. Itapua, Pav. Superior, Araras, Sao Paulo, Brazil
May 8 – 10
Ballina & District orchid Society Mother’s Day Show, RSL Club, River St., Ballina, NSW, Australia
May 8 – 10
Bundaberg orchid Society Autumn Show, Bundaberg Civic Centre, Bourbong St., Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia
May 8 – 10
North Queensland orchid Society Cairns Mother’s Day Show, Mt. Sheridan Shopping Centre, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
May 9
Northeast Judging Center Judges Forum, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 232 Durham Rd., Madison, Connecticut
May 9
orchid Society of Great Britain Essex Group Spring Show, Billericay South Green Memorial Hall, Southend Rd., Billericay, Essex, UK
May 9
Ecuagenera y Cioccolato, Km. 10.3 Antigua Carretera a El Salvador (Muxbal), Sta. Catarina Pinula, Guatemala City, Guatemala
May 9
Toowoomba orchid Society Autumn Show, St. Pauls Lutheran Church, Phillip St., Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
May 9
Pumicestone District orchid & Foliage Society Show, Ningi Hall, Bribie Island Rd., Ningi, Queensland, Australia
May 9 – 10
orchid Society of California Mother’s Day Show & Sale, Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland, California
May 9 – 10
South Central Washington orchid Society Show & Sale, Tri-Tech Skills Center, 5929 W. Metaline, Kennewick, Washington
May 9 – 10
Volusia County orchid Society Show & Sale, Volusia County Fairgrounds, Hester Bldg., 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand, Florida
May 9 – 10
Oklahoma orchid Society Mother’s Day Show & Sale, Will Rogers Garden Exhibition Center, 3400 NW 36th St., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
May 9 – 10
Trinidad and Tobago South orchid Show, Southern Academy for the Performing Arts, Todd St., San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago
May 9 – 10
Aspley orchid Society Mother’s Day Show, Community Hall, Edinburgh Castle Rd., Wavell Heights, Queensland, Australia
May 9 – 10
Noosa District orchid & Foliage Show, CWA Hall, Maple St., Cooroy, Queensland, Australia
May 9 – 10
Pietermaritzburg orchid Society Autumn Show, Allan Wilson Shellhole, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
May 9 – 10
Natal orchid Society Autumn Show, Parkhill Bowling Club, Umhlanga Rocks Dr., Durban North, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
May 10
orchid Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania Show, Palms Banquet Room, Boston’s, 8071 Peach St., Erie, Pennsylvania
May 10
Sheffield & District orchid Society Show, Chatsworth Cavendish Hall, Edensor, Derbyshire, UK
May 14
Journee des Plantes, Salle des Fetes, 10200 Bergeres, France
May 14 – 17
Exposition Internationale d’Orchidees, Abbaye Royale du Moncel, 5 Rue du Moncel, 60700 Pontpoint, France
May 15 – 17
Redland International orchid Festival, Fruit & Spice Park, 24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead, Florida
May 15 – 17
Memphis orchid Society Show & Sale, Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry Rd., Memphis, Tennessee
May 15 – 17
Orchids Out West, Hawkesbury Racecourse, Racecourse Rd., Clarendon, South Australia, Australia
May 15 – 17
Cape orchid Society Autumn Show, Alphen Centre, Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa
May 16
Devon orchid Society Show, Budleigh Salterton Public Hall, Station Rd., Budleigh Salterton, Devon, UK
May 16 – 17
Glasgow orchid Fair, Kibble Palace, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Great Western Rd,, Glasgow, UK
May 16 – 17
Orchibo, Villa Aldrovandi Mazzacorati, Via Toscana 19, Bologna, Italy
May 17
Bowen orchid & Foliage Society Field Day, Bowen Showgrounds, Bowen Hills, Queensland, Australia
May 19 – 23
RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London, UK
May 21 – 22
Maryborough District orchid Society Show, Fraser Coast Ag Showgrounds, 23349 Bruce Hwy. Maryborough, Queensland, Australia
May 21 – 23
Tweed District orchid Society Winter Show, Tweed City Shopping Centre, Tweed Heads South, NSW, Australia
May 21 – 24
Bankstown orchid Society Autumn Show, Chester Square Shopping Centre, Leicester St., Chester Hill, NSW, Australia
May 23 – 24
Northwestern Michigan orchid Society Show & Sale, Grand Traverse County Civic Center, 1213 W. Civic Center Dr., Traverse City, Michigan
May 23 – 24
Calgary orchid Show & Sale, Triwood Community Centre, 2244 Chicoutimi Dr. NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
May 23 – 24
Goulburn Valley orchid Society Show, Shepparton Harness Racing Track Hall, Goulburn Valley Hwy. Kialla, Victoria, Australia
May 23 – 24
Boyne Tannum orchid & Foliage Society Autumn Show, St. Francis Church School Hall, Tannum Sands, Queensland, Australia
May 27
Newcastle orchid Society Show, Edgeworth Shopping Centre, Main Rd., Edgeworth, NSW, Australia
May 29 – 31
New Orleans orchid Society Show & Sale, Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Hwy., Metairie, Louisiana
May 29 – 31
Long Island orchid Festival, Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay, New York
May 29 – 31
Casino & District orchid Society Show, St. Marks Parish Hall, Barker St., Casino, NSW, Australia
May 29 – 31
orchid Symposium, Sir Tristan Lounge, Tauranga Racecourse, Cameron Rd., Greerton, New Zealand
May 29 – 31
Exposition Internationale d’Orchidees, Distillerie de Biercee, Ragnies, Belgium
May 29 – 31
Orchids And Wine, Cantina Rotari, Via del Teroldego 1/E, I-38016 Mezzocorona, Trento, Italy
May 30 – 31
Maitland & Coalfields District orchid Society Show, St. James Anglican Church Hall, High & Tank Sts., Morpeth, NSW, Australia
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