Okay, I know I haven’t written anything for a long, long time. In true me fashion, I have been super busy, got a new job, went back to school you know, little things. But now’s the time to get back at it and flex my blogging fingers.
I started writing this post about a year ago, and then life got in the way, but I have recently been asked to babysit a rather large orchid collection, forcing me to learn about these amazing plants quickly. I was a little scared, since their owner calls them his kids. I believed them to be delicate, but they’re all still alive and blooming under my care(so far). I’m pretty proud of myself and my orchid babies. Right around the same time, I decided to come back to writing my long forgotten blog. When I opened it I saw this post staring me in the face, just waiting to be finished:
When looking through some old pictures with my family, I came across several taken at the botanical gardens in Balboa Park, San Diego. As I oohed and ahhd at the great orchid pictures, I mentioned that I was reading a book about orchids. My son responded with “why are you so obsessed with orchids?” Now, I don’t think that I am, though I do like them. There are certainly those who are OBSESSED with the mysterious plant family. Historically it has caused irrational behavior amongst growers, collectors and conservationists. So for today’s post I’m going to talk about a few books for the Orchidaceae lover. If you are not yet among them, maybe these reads will inspire a new obsession. My interest has been reignited with my newly adopted foster plants. Orchids just seem to keep finding me! It must be meant to be.
The Orchid Thief By Susan Orlean
This is the book I was reading when my son called me obsessed. It’s like a good true crime drama but with flowers! Fact truly is stranger than fiction in this tale of John Laroche, the truly orchid obsessed man and the Seminole tribe that helps him as he evades law enforcement. You’ll learn a ton about the orchid industry while also being entertained. A bizarre book, but completely enjoyable.
The Flowering of the Strange Orchid by H.G. Wells
This one is a short story that just might give you nightmares. The master of science fiction tackles the Victorian obsession on having the rarest most beautiful and difficult to cultivate orchid. I loved the Time Machine and The Island of Dr. Moreau, but this has to be my favorite H.G. Wells story yet, of course. Look below to see which of the “kids” I think looks like it might belong in this story. Maybe my next post will be about plants in horror, there are so many good ones, and this has to be among the creepiest.
Orchid : a cultural history by Jim Enderby
If you’re into orchids or plant folklore this book is not to be missed. Mr. Endersby really knows his stuff. It will tell you about additional books and a few movies you might want to read and watch too. Did you know Charles Darwin wrote a book on orchids? There are so many interesting stories here, and it’s not written like a dry account of history or science, I think you’ll enjoy this one as much as I did.
Here’s a few of the “kids” in bloom.
Sheri's Herbs 