Actually, we just rolled back in a couple of hours ago... wouldn't you know it... the car did break down, twice! Once, it blew a fusable link... and then, we got stranded with a blown alternator... which, it turns out, was what was blowing the fusable links! Thanks to good friends and family, we were rescued twice, and got the car fixed. The Orchid Festival was wonderful! We only went one day, Friday... but it was the beginning of the show, and not busy at all! I was able to spend hours wandering around the greenhouses at Oak Hill Gardens, just taking in all the beauty and wonder that's housed under the 20,000 square feet of glass-covered area! They have so much! And their prices are extremely reasonable! I was also able to spend a bit of time talking with Cal-Orchid, and I left with a beautiful Paph, in bud! I checked out all the other guest vendors, and saw what they had to offer... really nice stuff! I had expected to spend quite a bit to get a few nice orchids, but I came away with about a dozen plants for the low, low price of just around $60.00!! What a deal! Granted, many are young plants... but several are in spike or sheath, and the one large plant I did get, a phal, is in full bloom! Tomorrow morning, I plan on taking all the photos off the camera, sizing and cropping, and uploading for posting. I hope I got some good shots! I think I did... Right now, I'm unwinding from the long drive back... I managed to catch the chest cold the grandkids both had... so, I'm off to bed early! See ya'll in the morning!

Told my DH about this one and he drove me the 2 hours to get there!!! It was one of the biggest & best I have been to. What a selection and the best prices I've ever seen! I got a 3 gallon yesterday, today and tomorrow for $12!!!! I've never seen this plant under $20. Also got a blue hibiscus(alyogyne huegelii)and a geranium with pink fringed blooms. I know it was a long way to go for 3 plants, but it was so nice just walking around and enjoying all the vendors and it's an easy ride up I 75. Glad you told us about it. Julie

Today was the big day, a fun one, too. We so enjoyed Carolyn Parker! Tomorrow we have lunch with her, and I think her program is on arranging, Carolyn style. Photos on my blog. Sherry Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...

Breathtakingly beautiful tree peonies. I visited the Linwood gardens yesterday and enjoyed it so much. If you have the time, it's definitely worth the trip.