Sheer elegance

Few things give me a greater kick than to achieve the second flowering of an orchid.

We love them, and although there is plenty of choice in our local garden centre or even at the supermarket, very rarely can we walk by a display without admiring them and at least mentally selecting which one to buy.

Perhaps it is the delicate and fragrant touch they add to their surroundings. Maybe it is sheer elegance they enthuse. But whatever, we love orchids.

When they are in full bloom their flowers seem to go on forever. And that’s another attraction. But when the blooms do begin to fall, you know there is nothing you can do to prolong the beauty.

So when after much patience, an orchid springs to life again and blossoms all over again, I’m like a kid. We find that when blooms do fall, the orchid survives best by keeping it on the window ledge in our shower room. Perhaps it is the hot and humid atmosphere on which they thrive.

However, this one has rewarded us today by one bloom opening and with every indication that there are a further six to follow. Hence my passion for this very special flower is intense.