This orchid has a happy home adorning the shower walls of a local master gardener.
By Sharron Bennett
The BELOVED Master Gardener, Yvonne Becker, stated, “If ten people were asked how to grow orchids, there would be ten different answers.” Therefore, orchids are great for experimental gardeners.
In 2021, a beautiful orchid appeared on a pergola in the magnificent Garvan Woodland Gardens. It reappeared in 2022. It was the inspiration for me to start a home trial in a well-designed handicap shower installed by Josh Dodd. The shower is large and has a glass brick window that defuses light.
Two small orchids were acquired in March 2023 and hung in the shower. They held their blooms and gave a reason to smile each time the shower was turned on. The challenge came when a 12-day trip to Amsterdam in April hit the schedule. Would they survive and how? The plants were given a good soak on a wet towel on the floor of the shower. They made it!
Two more orchids were added and did well. One had rebloomed. Another had promising buds when a three-week trip in November meant no more shower moisture. This time a wet towel was hung behind the display and a humidifier was set up. Now in December, there are blooms and promise of more to come. Experimental gardening is such fun.
Sharron Bennett, a Garland County Master Gardener, volunteers with GC Master Gardeners of the UofA Div. of Agriculture, Cooperative Ext. Service. Master Gardeners pool skills and resources to improve home horticulture, stimulate interest in plants and gardening, and encourage beautification. For more info, call 501-623-6841 or emailabates@uaex.edu.
