Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis Orchid

 When people think about an orchid and how it is supposed to look like they usually think of a Phalaenopsis or Moth orchid. The Phalaenopsis is one of the most common orchids with around 60 different species and are native across Asia and Australia. It is no surprise then that there were many different Phalaenopsis orchids at Phipps Conservatory during the Orchid and Bonsai Exhibit. In fact it is also one of the prominent breeds of orchids displayed in the Frank Sarris Orchid Room year round at the Conservatory.
The Doritaenopsis Orchid which is a cross of a Doritis and Phalenopsis orchid has been reclassified as Phalenopsis. However, they are still called Doritaenopsis in most horticultural circles and I will have a separate blog about them later.

Here are some pictures of some of the different Phalaenopsis orchids currently on display. Some of the name plaques give detailed information about the flowers which I included below the picture in order to be as specific as possible. 
Enjoy!

 Phalaenopsis: Salu Spot x Phal. TimothyChristopher

Phalaenopsis: Exotic Fire

Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis:  Lowland Angel

Phalaenopsis: Malibu Madonna 'Tokyo' AM/AOS*

Phalaenopsis: Baldan's Kaledioscope 'Golden Treasure' AM/AOS*

Phalaenopsis:Norman's Mist 'Mont Claire'

For more information about Phalaenopsis in general check out the Wikipedia page; it is pretty spot on.
Click herefor more information about Phipps Conservatory.

*AM/AOS denotes Award Merit from the American Orchid Society

Orchid and Bonsai Exhibt 2012

So I spent time on Wednesday afternoon wandering around Phipps Conservatory taking lots of pictures of all the flowers that are displayed for the 2012 Orchid and Bonsai Exhibit. I have to admit that it wasn't all that different from last year and some of the rooms look like they are set up as the base of what is to come for the spring flower show. Either way it was still a relaxing time just being in the conservatory away from the bustle of the city. I also spent a lot of time really examining all of the different types of orchids which I'll be sharing throughout the next month.
As for now here are some pictures from the Sunken Garden, Palm court, Broderie Room and the East Room.

Display when you first walk into the Palm Court

Large hanging basket in the Palm Court

This urn had a continuous flow of water coming over the top and down the sides.

Entrance view of the Sunken Garden

Love the mix of colors

Side view of the Sunken Garden

Center Pillar

Love the white moth orchids with the ivy and brick

Again lots of bright colors

Wishing well in the Broderie Room

Urn with pink Anthurium, "Misty Rose"

Broderie Room

3 Goddesses

Pink and Greens

East Room; very tropical

Close up of the vibrant plants in the East Room.

Again I'll be posting more pictures about specific orchids and the bonsai soon!

More information about Phipps Conservatory

Jenn's Wedding Flowers

On January 7th I had the joy of celebrating the marriage of my friends Jenn and Dave. The wedding was here in Pittsburgh, so the presence of snow or worse a blizzard were possible; fortunately God blessed them with a beautiful sunny day with 50 degree weather.
Since this was a winter wedding the decorations leaned more towards lighting than flowers. However, the bouquets were gorgeous and I wanted to share them with you all.

Bridal Bouquet. White roses, lilies and some lavender. 

Maid of honor boquuet (front) and bridesmaid bouquet (back). To make the maid of honor stand apart she got to carry different colored flowers. I like the combination of roses and hydrangea.

Bouquet for the toss.

Orchid and Bonsai Exhibit 2011

So the 2012 Orchid and Bonsai exhibit opened on Saturday at Phipps Conservatory and I can't wait to go and see if what they have compares to last years exhibit. I must admit that I probably saw last years show at least 10 times since it was during the time I was studying for a large comprehensive exam. I would go inside and study among the flowers where it was peaceful and warm from the cold winter weather; I also get in for free so that helped.
In anticipation of the current show I decided to look up my pictures from last year and share a few (or more than a few) of my favorites.

This picture actually became my laptop desktop background for awhile.

Striking colors on this Phalaenopis Orchid.

Close up of the petals

Love the dainty orchid buds

These looked tie-dyed. Phalaenopis Orchids

Paphiopedilum rothschildianum. Lady Slipper Orchid. This is my favorite.

The sunken garden filled with vases and urns of orchids.

Love this statue

Umbrella Tree

Natal Plum. it actually had a small fruit on it.

Chinese Banyan

Can't wait to go to the 2012 exhibit to see how it compares.

Phipps Conservatory

Snow Covered Trails

So winter has finally settled in Pittsburgh the last few days with snow coming down every few hours. I decided to go walk the trails in Frick Park in order to document the beautiful change in season. Although there wasn't any green at all, the park still looked beautiful with snow covered branches and iced over streams. This was my first time walking these trails in the winter and it is amazing to see how things change but are oddly the same when all you see are the exposed bones of the park. I encourage everyone to bundle up and head outside to take part in seeing the wonderful beauty in a winter park.

Bridge over a small stream

Trees arching over the trail

The water froze coming over the rocks

I love how this tree is just hanging out in the middle of space

Exposed roots

Frozen tree branch in the pond

Some plant life was still flourishing

Right after I took this picture a deer jumped across the trial 10 feet in front of me.

Twisted steps leading the way out of the park