Once upon a time, there was a very patient husband who accompanied his wife to all the orchid shows and carried her purchases without complaint. He built her a beautiful trellis for her orchids as well as a wonderful bench for her balcony so that she could see her orchids from her bedroom. He purchased a nice trellis for their front yard where he planned to hang his hoya collection but allowed his wife to take it over for her orchids. One day at an orchid show, he saw an orchid that he thought was the nicest one he had ever seen. It had long canes with lovely lavender flowers. The grower told him it was Dendrobium aphyllum. Knowing that his wife didn't grow Dendrobiums, he thanked the vendor and walked on but often thought about that lovely plant. He finally mentioned it to his wife, who said she would try to find one for him in the spring. . . and spring has sprung. That's my entry, Carolyn. If you pick it, I'll be happy to send postage. This was fun. Thanks for thinking it up. Marci

Hi Everyone who emailed me about this. I would reply to you all privately but there is a message in your emails that says: (PLEASE NOTE: The member responding to your post has chosen not to reveal his or her email address. Therefore, you cannot reply to this message via email.) So I'm unable to reply to your emails. All of these orchids have found a home with Lumpy but I am sure I will have another round of orchids next summer, so if you are interested in taking an orchid next year, please email me at: st.phylin@gmail.com and I will ask you first before posting on Gardenweb. My only requirement is that we meet in NYC because I don't have time to package and ship the orchids. Steph

Last years growth has the two budded spikes in the photo. It also had two spikes last year. The problem is the newest growth(the green cane in front of the budded cane) is starting two spikes (see the arrows). Also, the two leafless canes in front are both starting spikes. The dilemma is to save the budded spikes and get the flowers, but provide enough warmth and sun to allow those new beginning spikes to grow. This particular den is a 'blooming fool.' It sends out multiple spikes each year. I put it outside in May in full sun. Gets full sun all summer. This behavior doesn't happen with all den/phals. I have a few which begin flowering in late summer and another which flowers in January and in May. These plants are easy to grow if you have the light. If they have to come in for winter before maturing their growths, I stick them under CFL's and try to get them finished. This is last year and shows the newest growth with two spikes. That is the same growth which is budded this year. The 'nightmare' dens, for me, are the nobiles. I'm careless about watering and mess up their cycle. I'm giving them one more year. No flowers, they go on the auction block. Good luck, Jane

Hi, Thanks for all your interest - they're all gone! Happy gardening, everyone.