Miniature Disaster...

[JennS]

I figuered this belongs under outdoor gardening, as this was a direct result of growing outdoors..... I got home last night (around 10PM) after a day of getting up around 5:45AM, going to work, then school and finally coming home at 10. I approached my front door and prepared to inspect the 'chids while I opened the door.... Well, the bench that all of my orchids are on was tipped over!!! It was leaning up against the wall. I have no clue how it happened... I can only assume that the amount of rainfall made the ground so damp that the bench sunk in more at the back side and then fell backwards. Thank goodness the house was there to catch it's fall! By some miracle, nobody was broken, and my Brassia with 4 spikes on it looked just fine. The bad news is that I had to spend a good hour or more taking all the plants off, digging holes for the bench, and then replacing the plants.

I was not a happy camper at first, but after handling all babies my mood perked up... Anyway, they all got a close inspection as a result and I can confirm that another plant has a spike! Yippe! This will be the second time it has bloomed since I have gotten it. I think it might be Zygo... Anyway, for a small disaster, it seems to have turned out alright for now, at least!

[quiltingwacko]

I can imagine your relief! Glad all is well. Sounds like you have a busy life.

[Bird Song Farm]

glad everything worked out o.k.
Al

[Swamper]

You reminded me of a quote........"Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed on an equal or greater benefit". Napolean Hill

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

I'm glad everything was OK. I always get so uptight/frustrated/angry when something like that happens. But, yes, like you... taking some time to give the chids a little TLC would make it all blow over.

And the added bonus of discovering another spike! How exciting! Enjoy those blooms to come.

[Chubidubi]

I'm glad everything is ok. You're happy your babies are happy. ALL IS WELL AGAIN.

[JennS]

Thanks guys! My heart dropped when I saw the knocked over bench. I had just spent a good 5-6 hours on Sunday repotting and re-organizing so that like kinds were together.

I am glad they are OK! Can't wait to get back from the weekend trip to check out the new spike!!!

Quiliting....yes very busy! Darn work, school, social life, etc. If only I could give those up and focus on the 'chids...

[JennS]

Something bad happened...again! I was out of town for the weekend and got the call from my mom (she was watching everyone) that the bench had fallen over again! I have determined I have no choice but to get some new stand for them, but in the mean time they are sitting on the ground! Tonight I plan on putting them on boards that will be propped a few inches off the ground, but that is only temporary. I can't stand thinking about them being on the ground right now with all those creepy crawlies around....

(Sigh) A bunch need more bark and repositioning too. If anyone has any suggestions on a new orchid stand, please pass them my way. Thanks!

Oh...and my mom did not water my vandas at all for 3 days! I watered them on the third night (I don't usually at night, but it was in the high 70's so I figuerd it was better then nothing).

[Ross]

Lesson #1: Don't put orchids outside Seriously, I have had Sooooo many troubles with mine when they were left out. Now I place the sun-lovers out for the day and bring in at night.

Lesson #2: Train your orchid sitter to do everything as you would and to have the same sensitivity to orchid needs. Orchids are sort of like African Violets - either you can grow them or you can't. My son takes care of mine when we are gone and I don't trust anyone else.

As for stands, I suspect some critter is knocking over the stand. If so, then there isn't anything, other than a solid workbench, that will stop that. I wish you all the best and let us know what happens.

[JennS]

I really just don't have a choice about keeping them outside. I have had really good results outdoors too, until this crisis. The bench appears to have started rotting at the bottom, so I think that is part of the problem, along with tons of rain, and a landlord who just keeps putting mulch over mulch. There is such a thick layer or mulch that I don't think the bench could balance properly. Anyway, the bench is on the way out and something else on the way in! Also, my cats tend to eat any plants that are inside and always find a way to get to them, so I don't to risk that either. I think mother nature is more kind to them, then the kitties are!

As for my "plant sitter"...she does keep orchids of her own and they flower and her methods are hap-hazard at best, so she seems to think that I "over-do" it (or so I suspect). I have tried to train her, tried to stress the importance of caring for them, etc, but she always finds a way to be too busy to even water them. Usually I am only gone for 2 days at a time so they are Ok, and it rains alot, but she just doesn't understand. I don't know who else to ask.... Anyway, that is the least of my worries right now.


I am thinking I will try to convince my brother to help my build a stand out of pressure treated wood with a slatted top to keep air circulation. Maybe this was a blessing in disguise to give me a bigger stand so I can get more orchids!