Rocks + Orchids = Art - Orchid Board

shakkai · #1 11-30-2007, 02:58 AM

Check this out for some inspiration! I'd certainly love to have something this pretty, so I might just give it a go with the next mounting project!

Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest: Penjing and the Sydney Rock Orchid

I wonder why more people don't use rocks as mounts?

Dorothy · #2 11-30-2007, 07:07 AM

I love the look.. great idea

Thanks for sharing that

cb977 · #3 11-30-2007, 07:38 AM

My friend Duncan (from Duncan's Flora) presented our outgoing club president with a large piece of sandstone mounted with a number of miniatures last year. It was spectacular! Each nook and cranny in the rock had an orchid planted in it...I've been on the lookout for a nice piece of snadstone ever since

Thanks for sharing this

Becca · #4 11-30-2007, 09:03 AM

Wow those are so cool looking! I now know what my next project will be when I find a suitable pieces of rock! How hard is it to shape limestone?

Grandma M · #5 11-30-2007, 09:37 AM

FANTASTIC. I will start looking for unusual rocks. I'm not sure where to start looking but I'll try.

Tindomul · #6 11-30-2007, 10:25 AM

Very cool!! Rock has a way of storing heat, or getting really really cold. Must be careful where you put these.

shakkai · #7 11-30-2007, 12:13 PM

Good point, Tin! This is important to keep in mind.

Becca, I did some looking around and the answer seems to be 'it depends on where the limestone is from'.... It appears that there is a very wide range in the hardness/softness of limestone, and it depends on the area and how deeply it was buried as to how hard or soft it is. Obviously a softer rock would be easier to shape. Also, I'm not sure if the lime in limestone would affect the plants.

I'm planning on searching my garden for rocks this weekend. I've got the perfect little 'chid to use, just need to find the right rock!!

quiltergal · #8 11-30-2007, 06:51 PM

I'm picturing a groovy piece of sandstone from AZ with lots of red and tan in it.

Lagoon · #9 11-30-2007, 07:25 PM

It looks pretty cool I think. I thought about doing this over the summer just passed with large pieces of lava rock I have for my aquariums. Uh well theres' always next year.
I like the look

shakkai · #10 12-01-2007, 05:59 AM

Terri, that would look great! The patterns in the sandstone combined with the patterns of the roots would be mesmerizing!

Lava rock might be a good choice, Gloria. It is porous, so would retain some moisture for those types that don't want to dry out too much.

Going out now to see if I can find something in the garden. Most of the local stones here are flint, which has pretty patterns sometimes.