'The way we are...' post #1

Diffusing the wind tunnel...

When I decided to gamble with growing Cypripediums (Lady Slipper orchids), I decided to do everything in my power to help them succeed. After all, they are a sizable investment. I removed a stairway to the left of the tree pictured above and using the same stone as the surrounding retaining walls, I created a large well. I added yards of soil which I amended at great length to provide excellent drainage and provide the neutral to alkaline ph that the hybrid cyps prefer. I added a hardware cloth (small openings in wire mesh) barrier at about a foot deep to discourage any voles. I was confident that the light was perfect with only some east sun in the mornings and dappled shade for the remainder of the day.  I then planted six cultivars of hybrid cypripediums. This was the fall before last so the plants have been in place for one and a half years. They all came up last spring and most bloomed. As the summer progressed it became apparent that I made one major mistake. Actually prior to this I was unaware that this area is a major wind tunnel in summer and fall. The foliage on one plant after the other succumbed to the wind and I was concerned whether I would ever see these lovely rarities again. Lo and behold... they are arising from the ashes of their own wind driven demise... I've seen six pips on one of them which is very exciting!

I was then left with the predicament of figuring how to keep the previous summer's scenario from repeating itself. I decided a wattle fence might be effective and reasonably attractive, but there were no willows or similar branches at hand. I then decided to cut 8th inch strips of cedar and create a basket weave effect to cut the wind. It's not pretty but the orchids are more important to me than the 'look' of the wind break... perhaps I'll add three birdhouses at the tops of the cedar posts when I get a chance. I have more Christmas cactuses that I can add as well to soften the look some more. By the way, the cactus to the right above is over 100 years old. The one on the left is a white Thanksgiving cactus... both are great bloomers.

So there you have it... sometimes I feel regret that the gardens aren't 'The way we were' at the moment. 'The way we are' is a period of major renovation in many areas of the gardens but I do have a sense of where I'm headed. I'll close with a few pictures of the cypripediums from last season. In a good environment, they can be expected to at least double in size (number of pips) each year. It is important to give them some time released fertilizer ahead of their showing themselves in spring... they are hungry prior to blooming... Larry

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