The first thing we need to know, however, is the kind of orchid your have. Some Orchards grow in the ground like garden plants. These terrestrial orchids include native and garden species, but they also Tropicals like the Paphiopedilulns - a generic name which means, roughly translated, Venus' footwear, or if you like "lady’s Slipper"

Related to the native lady Slippers (who’s generic name, Cyprl pedium, means exactly the same things as Paphiopedilulns) these terrestrial orchids feature distinctive, boldly-patterned flowers with a bulbous lip and an arum-like sepal. They require moderately high light levels but will usually do well in, a bright window.

Some have beautiful foliage an gorgeous flowers, so even if they do not bloom, they still make attractive houseplants. Paphs are comfortable in about the same range of temperature and humidity ranges you are.

Some "corsage orchards" are also terrestrial. Cymbidiums, whose individual flowers often wind up on the wrist of female prom goers, are not usually offered for sale as plants in this area and are in fact very demanding to grow.

They need a combination of high light levels and relatively temperatures. Without a special greenhouse set-up, it is difficult to grow and bloom Cymbidiums in Maryland with our dark winters and muggy summers.

Other familiar orchids are epiphytic, that is, they grow on other plants. This includes Cattleyas, whose large, ruffled lip and bright colors make them a popular corsage orchid, and Dendrobiurns, which are often found in garden centers.

In their native habitat these orchids live high in the rainforest canopy, enjoying bright filtered light, constant air movement, fairly high humidity, and frequent quick drenchings. You might be able to Provide similar conditions in your home if you can place them in bright window and mist them frequently

The white Styrofoam-like roots of these epiphytes are a good clue to their health -- when these roots become gray and stringy, the plant is probably suffering.

The most rewarding houseplant orchids are generally considered to be the genus Phalaenopsis and its hybrids. The generic name means "Moth-like," and the common name for these spectacular flowers is moth orchid. Phals are epiphytic, requiring high humidity but relatively low light levels.

If you place them in a north or slightly shaded window over a pebble tray, keep them warm and give them frequent mistings, they should flower annually with a display that can last for months.

Whites and Pinks are the most common colors but you can also find boldly patterned yellows, candy stripes and some color combinations that defy description

If your orchid thrives, it Will eventually have to be repotted. While terrestrials can be potted in ordinary potting soil, epiphytes require special bark or tree fern media. This can sometimes be found at the same garden centers

I must give you fair warning, however - if you think love hurts now, wait until you fall in with orchids. Much like marriage, the pain - and pleasure - never stop.

Butterfly Gardening

Butterfly gardens can be grown throughout the United States. There is a wide variety of both butterfly attracting (nectar) plants and host plants covering climate zones throughout the country.

Butterfly gardens can range in size from a few containers placed in a sunny spot to several acres.

Nectar-producing plants will attract butterflies to your garden. In order to support a full butterfly lifecycle, host plants (for laying eggs and use as a caterpillar food source) must also be present.

Throughout the country, the general requirements for butterfly gardening are the same: full sun, nectar source plants, larval host plants, a pesticide-free environment, and knowledge of the local butterfly fauna.

Many buttefly-attracting plants are natives and require little attention, as they are naturally adapted to the region in which they live.

Butterfly gardens are best planted in the spring with younger plants or in the fall with mature plants that will become dormant quickly and re-emerge in the spring. It is best not to plant in the heat of summer or the cold of winter.

One of the most common mistakes in butterfly gardening is planting only one nectar source. Adult butterflies have a very short lifespan. Planting a variety of nectar sources will encourage more butterflies to visit the garden. Planting an adequate supply of host plants gives butterflies a place to lay their eggs, which will successfully hatch and result in butterflies that will continue to visit the garden.                continue>

Butterflies typically lay their eggs in late spring and hatch 3-6 days after they are laid. It takes 3-4 weeks for a caterpillar to pupate and 9-14 days to emerge as an adult.

Good resources for learning more about butterfly gardening include zoos, botanical gardens, butterfly houses, garden centers and nurseries, libraries and the internet. There are many good websites dedicated to butterflies and butterfly gardening.

Plant your garden in full sun.
Plants, especially flowering plants, need sun to make food for themselves, and nectar for butterflies. Butterflies also need sun to warm their bodies for flight.

Plant butterfly-attracting flowers
Butterflies are attracted to flowers with strong scents and bright colors, where they drink sweet, energy-rich nectar. Select plants that are native to your area, and they will attract local butterflies.

Include host plants in your garden
Butterflies lay their eggs on host plants that the emerging caterpillars will eat. The sight of a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis will more than make up for the chewed leaves.

Use colorful plants
Butterflies see more colors than humans do. They seem to prefer red, orange, yellow, purple, and dark pink. A large, colorful garden is easy for butterflies to find, and encourages them to stay longer.

Don't use chemical pesticides
Pesticides kill butterflies, caterpillars, and other useful insects. Try these methods instead: Plant marigolds, petunias, mint, and other herbs that naturally repel pests. Encourage ladybugs and dragonflies to dine in your garden. Wash pests away with insecticidal soap.

Learn about native butterflies
Each butterfly has a favorite nectar plant, and needs a specific host plant where it will lay eggs. Learn about local butterflies, so you can provide the right match of plants to make your garden a popular hangout.

Sit back and enjoy the butterflies
You've set the stage; now watch the show. You won't be disappointed.

Butterfly Attracting Plants

BUTTERFLY GARDENING IN CONTAINERS by Bobbie Truell, Smith County Master Gardener

An alternative food source for butterflies is a homemade feeder filled with a solution of 4 parts water to 1 part granulated sugar. Boil the solution for several minutes until sugar is dissolved, and then let cool. Serve the solution in a shallow container with an absorbent material such as paper towels saturated with the sugar solution. Bright yellow and orange kitchen scouring pads may be placed in the solution to attract butterflies and give them a resting place while they drink. Place the feeder among your nectar flowers on a post that's 4-6 inches higher than the tallest blooms. Extra solution can be stored in your refrigerator for up to a week.

Butterfly gardening can become more than just watching your garden visitors. You may find yourself keeping a journal of the different species that visit and the various plants they prefer. Your journal can lead to discoveries and the planting of new varieties to attract more of your favorites!

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