From ‘orchid slayer’ to nurturer

FOR MANY years, I would be gifted with orchids, for birthdays and other special occasions. However, they would somehow quit on me within a week or two of receiving them. I do not have a green thumb, but I would care for my orchids by watering them every day. Isn’t that the way to care for your plants? Alas, that is not the case with all orchids. Sadly, I was a selfproclaimed orchid slayer.

A year and a half ago, I was properly introduced to the Kingdom of Orchids by my physical therapist, Audrey McIntosh, who was at the time, and still is, the orchid club’s president. She brought me a phalaenopsis orchid, showed me how to care for it, and responded to my SOS calls whenever I thought I might have killed the plant. She encouraged me to join the orchid club, which, thankfully, I did.

When I joined the club, I was stunned by the plethora of orchids that existed. Many of our members are extremely knowledgeable, especially when it pertains to the world of orchids. It is at our monthly meetings that I learned a lot about a wide array of orchids from the education committee. Show-and-tell and our newsletter articles give good information on orchid care.

In addition to the meetings, there is a WhatsApp group where members show off their beautiful blooms. It is also a platform to show plants that are in trouble and get expert advice on how to rescue them. Club members are supportive and encouraging.

It is so gratifying to nurture an orchid and see it bloom. I have lost a few orchids along the way, but the beauty and elation experienced when the blooms appear is incredible.

You, too, can feel this joy and satisfaction. Why not consider growing orchids as a new hobby?

“A hobby a day keeps the doldrums away.” – Phyllis McGinley

”The orchid is Mother Nature’s masterpiece.”

– Robyn