Upper Keys Orchid Ramble

My Orchid Club had its annual garden tour this past weekend. We visited 4 member's gardens. There was tremendous variety. The first was a small lot surrounding a mobile home that was chock full of whimsy and serious green thumb savvy. They even had an outdoor tiki hut TV viewing area. The next belonged to a member who has every inch of his lot covered with greenhouses because he is hybridizing orchids and getting into the selling end. He has a store on eBay. Since it takes almost 7 years from first having what he calls "sex with his orchids" to pollinate them, to the end result of a flower that may or may not be worthy of being named and recognized, it is an arduous journey. The third garden demonstrated the use of a rainwater catchment system for watering. And, the last property belongs to an American Orchid Society judge who travels the world for judging and owns a 14 acre property that has been naturalized with orchids as they grow in the wild. 14 acres in the Keys is like owning Manhattan in the state of New York. Well, maybe not exactly, but it is a spectacular piece of paradise. I took Harry and a couple guests, and it was a splendid way to spend a morning. And, it inspired me to come home and get to work on our little corner of Eden.