Don't let that stop you.

You don't have a green thumb?

Then you are the perfect candidate to dazzle your friends with growing this very beautiful Orchid, namely the Phalaenopsis Orchid.






The problem with  not being able to grow orchids does not originate with you. Long before you take your orchid home, the dye is cast. 

From the grower to the seller a lot of unkind things can happen to an orchid. 

Now, a few growers are changing the way orchids are packaged and shipped. They are packed in bark AND moss. It is the moss that helps retain moisture. That is the secret. 

Give them a bath now and then and let them drain in the kitchen sink as you see above.

Keep them away from heat and cold. 

Try to purchase your orchid when they first arrive in a place such as Costco. If you see buds that are discolored, do not buy the orchid. It is already doomed.

Phaleonopsis come in many colors.

White Orchids are still my favorites. 

Next time I will share a few secrets on  how to make orchids re bloom. 

Have a great week dear friends, 

Gina

The other direction

Have I shown you the other side of our valley?

Horseshoe Mountain to the East of our house.

I tend to take pictures of the view to the West. 
There is always so much going on.

This is the "little Horseshoe"

There is another, much larger Horseshoe, behind this one. 
Elevation 6,201 feet. 

 We know what kind of water year we are going to have by estimating when the last snow will melt from Horseshoe.

Come Summer, breath taking scenery, will take you there 
by way of the famous "Skyline Drive".  

Mark it on your calendar.  
Gina 

The hopeful gardener.

Will it ever look like this again?

Asters blooming from seeds collected in Italy many years ago. 

New soil did wonders. 

And then I had the soil removed because a nasty little worm had invaded my flower beds.  

The good soil was replaced and I have struggled for two years to improve  the top soil that was delivered. 

Come Spring, I will begin again. 

Happy planning dear friends. 

Seed catalogs are arriving.  

Gina 

New Snow

The fluffiest, prettiest snow fell during the night.



The pond is only partway frozen.

The tractor is still in the barn, waiting for the next snow storm. 

Soon, all but where the water originates from, will be frozen.  At the Spring the water temperature is a steady 65 degrees.
It never freezes. 

See that little dog in the right bottom of the picture.  
That is Sadie, my Golden Lab.  

In about the same place, six weeks ago, that sweet little dog, ran over me, laid me out flat on the ground.  

Both ankles and one knee were twisted. 
A cast and crutches are still standing by. 

Wishing you a better beginning for 2020. 
Happy New Year, 
Gina