Feb 012011
 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Fakahatchee_Strand_Preserve.jpg/320px-Fakahatchee_Strand_Preserve.jpgThe Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve Park is home to the largest collection of native orchid species and bromeliads in North America. It is also home to the Florida panther, black bear, Everglades mink, and the wood stork. It is the largest strand swamp on the continent and was the featured location for the Orchid Thief and the movie “Adaptation”.

This spectacular natural landscape is located approximately 75 minutes by car west of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. On February 26, 2011, the Friends of the Fakahatchee will be hosting the annual “safari”. Visitors can participate in guided swamp walks, birding walks, photo workshops, and scenic tram rides as well as wildlife presentations, a camp fire program, and a cookout. Swamp buggy rides will also be available. All profits will go to support the preserve. For more information call 239-695-2905.

Feb 012011
 

Get Growing with Lou Lodyga… Cattleya trianae

This beautiful species is from Colombia’s rain forest and is their national flower. It was selected for this prestigious position because it has the same colors as the Colombian flag. A strong grower with long lasting flowers, it is in the background of many Cattleya hybrids. It was quite popular as a winter cut flower for the corsage industry in the early 20th century.

The flowers are produced during the winter and early spring. New growth begins shortly after flowering finishes in the early spring and continues to August. The sheaths are formed when the growth matures but the flower buds do not start to grow until November. Give typical cattleya growing conditions – very bright light is a must. There are some additional varieties available such as C. trianae v mooreana which has a dark splash on each petal. At one time there were more named variety of this species than any other Cattleya. Cattleya trianae is endangered in its natural habitat as a result of environmental degradation and urbanization.

Feb 012011
 

Species of the month: Eria rosea

This is a small sized member of a large family related to the dendrobriums which is native to China and Hong Kong.

Plants bloom in the spring and as the name suggests, they bear 3 to 4 rose colored flowers on spikes which appear in the spring. These small plants grow very well mounted and are warm tolerant.