Penny Carnathan

Penny’s a Nurture And Hold (NAH): Nah, I won’t pull that out yet, it’s still got a green shoot. She likes dragonflies, lady bugs and new stuff only after weeding, pruning and fertilizing.

Kim Franke-Folstad

Kim’s a Want It Now (WIN): Everything pretty, everything now. She will resort to full-spectrum insecticides in desperate situations, and believes it’s her duty and right to buy new plants every weekend.

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Orchids are grateful for special treatment

Posted Jan 15, 2010 by Kim Franke-Folstad

Updated Jan 15, 2010 at 01:44 PM

If there’s an upside to all the destruction from that spirit-breaking cold front, it’s that the few plants I brought inside are very, very grateful.

Last year, when we got cold, I brought in just about every potted plant I had. This time, I stuck to just the orchids and the poinsettia.

The rest of my plants – the ones that are still alive that is – may be whispering nasty things behind my back and planning further punishment. But these lovely few LOVE me.

They are thriving on the glow of the dining room light, and adore bathing together in the kitchen sink.
And they’re showing it in the nicest way.

My favorite orchid, a constant bloomer, has three new buds. More significantly, though, it is so much greener and healthier looking since its spa visit indoors.

And then there’s this poor battered and chewed on orchid. Suddenly it sent out a new shoot – something this one hasn’t done for a long time.

But the best is this orchid, which I bought at a USF plant sale. It has grown about 6 inches since I brought it inside.

They’ll all be going back out this weekend – if it’s warm enough. I just hope they stay happy.

But how do you keep them out on the pergola once they’ve seen the dining room table!