Our three girls started out as uninhibited things, flowering away to their hearts' content. But as they've grown older they've become more self conscious, and we're not sure why. So we've decided to re-introduce them to their heritage to see if that will draw them out. We're talking, of course, about our orchids.
Friends in the Caribbean introduced us to the idea of strapping orchids to the sides of trees and letting them just do their thing.
When in Rio de Janeiro a couple of years ago we saw it again. Outside apartment buildings people lash their plants to the trunks of the trees where they help beautify the street. Amazing!
It's rather remarkable, but orchids get their nutrients from the air, and they seem to thrive when left to their own devices in this way. Of course, a semi-tropical climate doesn't hurt, but our girls are only getting a summer crash course in going native, and let's face it, Toronto's summer heat and humidity are pretty close to that of the rainforest. Our only fear is that our evenings don't get as cool as orchids prefer, but surely the nights in Vieques aren't any colder than Toronto's in July. If it works there...
OK, tough-love time, you three! Enough apartment coddling, it's back to your humble (air) roots. We've strapped you to the trellis in a spot where you won't get a sunburn. Here's hoping you embrace the change and put on a pretty show for us. And if you don't? Well, let's just say that if it's cool nights you want, we can arrange that for you in a few months' time!
Cross your fingers and hope for us that our girls flourish at summer camp. We'll keep you posted!
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment