Anyone Can Grow Orchids

FOR THE RECORD: 3-20-99 Notice too late: The Master Gardener Open House at the Spokane Ag Center is not today as listed in the Phyllis Stephens garden column Friday. The event has already happened.

They’re unique. They’re exquisite. And anyone can grow them. They’re orchids.

Granted, these plants have a reputation for being difficult to raise. All I can say is, I wish all my houseplants were as easy and forgiving. The few orchids that I grow are in a west-facing window nestled among other plants. They get water when I think of it and a 10-30-30 fertilizer once in awhile.

Though most orchids are tropical or subtropical in nature, it doesn’t mean they all originated in the Amazon rainforest. Orchids flourish from the Arctic circle to the tropics. They thrive on filtered light, moderate temperatures, humidity and gentle breezes. Other than the lack of humidity, most of our homes are ideal for growing these plants.

The lack of humidity can be overcome with a few tricks. And, as for watering, it’s usually overwatering that causes the death of most orchids.

If you don’t believe orchids are easy to grow, let an expert convince you.

Next weekend — March 27 from noon to 6 p.m. and March 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — the Spokane Orchid Society will stage its annual orchid show at the Finch Arboretum. There will be more than 45 types of orchids with literally hundreds on display. There will also be vendors selling orchids and orchid-related products and answering all your orchid questions.

The show is free.

If you’ve hesitated growing orchids because you’ve heard they are difficult to grow or if you think all orchids look like the type we purchase in the supermarket, banish those thoughts and attend the orchid show. You’ll be hooked for life.

Finch Arboretum is located just off Sunset Highway west of downtown Spokane.

Growing things

When I was young, I used to search vacant lots for the first sign of spring — buttercups. I would bring a fistful home to Mama, who would float them in a shallow saucer of water.

Wanting to recapture that feeling of delight, I’ve added to our garden an early spring-flowering bulb that resembles those charming little buttercups. The flower is the winter aconite (eranthis hyemalis).

These bright yellow flowers are among the first flowers of spring. In fact, they’re blooming now. The plants grow anywhere from 2 to 6 inches tall and wide. Ruffled collars of deeply toothed green leaves surround each flower.

Aconites are best naturalized in dappled shade and acid soil, though they will grow quite nicely in alkaline soil. Though little tubers are planted in the fall for spring bloom, established plants will seed themselves or the seed can be collected and you can seed them yourself.

They can also be divided into small clumps. If divided, the task should be accomplished right after they’re finished blooming, while the plant is still in leaf.

What’s new

Here’s something new you may wish to try: Hot Pepper Wax Insect Repellent manufactured by Hot Pepper Wax Inc. It is made from hot cayenne peppers and is touted as a repellant to aphids, mites, thrips, whiteflies, lace bug, leafhoppers and scale. It is safe to use on fruits, vegetables and indoor and outdoor ornamentals.

I just picked up a bottle. We’ll see.

This week

Saturday is the Master Gardener Open House at the Spokane Ag Center, 222 N. Havana, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday from 7 to 9 p.m., Barbara Arnold, owner of Nothing But Herbs, will give a workshop on “Herbs from Start to Finish” at the Kootenai County Extension Office in Coeur d’Alene. There is a $5 fee. Please call (208) 667-6426 for more information.

Tuesday, Master Gardener and organic gardener Dave Swett will present a program on “Growing Early Season Vegetables Organically” at 7 p.m. at the Indian Trail Branch Library, 4909 W. Barnes. It’s free.