California Garden, Vol. 85, No.2, March-April 1994

32 Pages·1994·3.2 MB·English

by  San Diego Floral Association

(California.
GARDEN
MARCH-APRIL 1994 Volume 85 NO. 2 $1.50
HORTICULTURAL CALENDAR
Mar. 1- *SANDIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION FlowerArrangingClasses
Mar,29 CasadelPrado,BalboaPark. Seriesof4Tues. Classes. Mar. 1, 8,22&29. VelmaWest,Instructor.
9:30-3p.m. Members $35; Non-Members &Affiliates$40. ReservationsandInformation232-5762.
Mar. 5-6 SANDIEGO DAYTIMEAFRICANVIOLET SOCIETY 13thAnnual Show
Casadel Prado, MajorcaRoom, BalboaPark. Sat. 1-5p.m.; Sun. 10-4p.m. Free.
Mar. 12-13 SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDENFOUNDATION African VioletShow&Sale
26300CrenshawBlvd., PalosVerdesPeninsula. Sat. 11-4p.m.; Sun. 9-3. 310/544-6815. $3.
Mar. 12-13 DESCANSO GARDENS FlowerShow-Daffodils
1418DescansoDr.,LaCanadaFlintridge. S. Calif.DaffodilSociety.9-4:30p.m. 818/952-4401.$5.
Mar. 15 *SANDIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION TopiaryClass
Casadel Prado, Rm 104, BalboaPark. "Parrotin aSwing." 9:30-2:30p.m. Oneday limited class.
MaterialsFurnished. $30Members, $35 Non-member. Reservations&Informationcall 298-5182.
Mar. 18 *SANDIEGOFLORALASSOCIATION BusTrip-ShermanGardens&ChelseaAmericaFlowerShow
FountainValley, $43 Members, $46 Non-members. Seecouponpage55.
Mar. 18-20 SANDIEGO COUNTYORCHID SOCIETY 48th SpringShow
ScottishRiteCenter, MissionValley. Fri. preview, 6-10p.m.; Sat. 9-6p.m.; Sun. 9-4p.m. $4.
Mar. 18-21 CHELSEAAMERICAFLOWERSHOW®OFSOUTHERNCALIFORNIA TwentyAcresofExhibits
MileSquareRegionalPark,FountainValley,OrangeCo., 8-5p.m. 310/546-9435. $10/Gate.Pk.Fee.
Mar. 19 AMERICAN BAMBOO SOCIETY SouthernCaliforniaSociety PlantSale
Quail Gardens, 230Quail GardenDr., Encinitas. 10-1 p.m. Call 454-0334. Free. $1 Parking.
Mar. 19-20 IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL, CHAPTER 119 26thAnniversaryExhibit
Casadel Prado, MajorcaRoom, BalboaPark. Sat. &Sun. 11-4:30p.m. Free.
Mar. 23-26 ART ALIVE- 14thAnnual -ArtandFloral Designs
SanDiego ArtMuseum, BalboaPark. Floral Designs. Lectures. 10-4p.m. Call 232-7931.
Mar. 26 SANTABARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN WildflowerDay& SpringPlantand BookSale
1212 MissionCanyonRoad, SantaBarbara. Sat. 9-3 p.m. Call 805/682-4726. $3.
Mar. 26-27 BALBOAPARK AFRICANVIOLET CLUB 19thAnnual Show
Casadel Prado, MajorcaRoom, BalboaPark. Sat.12-5p.m.; Sun. 10-4p.m. Free.
Mar. 26-27 THEHUNTINGTON BonsaiShow
1151 OxfordRoad, San Marino. Sat.&Sun. 10:30-4:30p.m. 818/405-2141. $5 Donation.
Apr. 2-3 EXOTIC PLANT SOCIETY 16th Annual Show
Casadel Prado, MajorcaRoom, BalboaPark. Sat. & Sun. 11-4:30p.m. Free.
Apr. 6- SWEETWATER ADULT SCHOOL Landscaping, SixWeekCourse
May 11 BonitaVistaMiddleSchool,650OtayLakesRd., Rm801, Bonita.6-9p.m. Call468-3286. $10Fee.
Apr. 8-9 DESCANSO GARDENS SpringPlantSale
1418DescansoDr.,LaCanadaFlintridge. DescansoGardenGuild. 9-4p.m. 818/952-4401. NoFee.
Apr. 9-10 CORONADO FLORAL ASSOCIATION 69thSpringFlowerShow
SpreckelsPark, Coronado. Sat.1-5 p.m.; Sun. 10-4p.m. Call 435-3849. $2 Admission.
Apr. 9-10 SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDENFOUNDATION Cactus Showand Sale
26300CrenshawBlvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula. 9-4p.m. Call 310/544-1948. $5 Admission.
Apr. 12 *SANDIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION BasketClass
Casadel Prado, Rm. 104, BalboaPark. GrapevineBasket. M. Rosenburg, Instructor. Materials
furnished. 9:30-2:30p.m. $25 Members, $30 Non-members. Reservations/Information298-5182.
Apr. 14 LAKEHODGES NATIVEPLANT CLUB SpringGardenTour
TourPrivateGardens. No. Poway-Rancho Bernardo &Escondido. 10-3 p.m. $6. Call 487-2629.
Apr. 16-17 FALLBROOK GARDEN CLUB 63rdFlowerShow
FallbrookCommunity Center, 341 Heald Ln. Sat. 2-6p.m.; Sun. 10-4p.m. 723-7164. Free.
(Continued onpage36)
34 CALIFORNIA GARDEN
1
California SINCE 1909 SanDiegoFloralAssociation
GARDEN CasadelPrado,BalboaPark
SanDiegoCA 92101-1619
MondaythroughFriday
LIBRARYOFCONGRESSNO.ISSN00081116 10a.m.t6o191/223a2n-d57162to3p.m.
Publishedby VOLUME 85 NUMBER 2
SanDiegoFloralAssociation MARCH-APRIL 1994
for84Years
FEATURES
PUBLICATIONSTAFF
EDITOR 37 Odontoglossum Orchids ForrestRobinson
ASJSacIqSueTlAinNeTCoElDeImTanOR 39 Epidendrum Orchids Ardell O. Marlin
41 Herbs Robert Horwitz
BarbaraS.Jones
CALENDAREDITOR 42 The Orchid Iris Catherine L. Zinsky
NOWISJTeaHnEE.TIJoMhEnsEDITOR 4435 LGoatrudselnainndg-inAtPhreiSvaatneDPiaergadoisCeouGnoteysIPnutebrliiocr .. C.yGnltohriiaaCGalralsssoenr
AFFILIATELISTINGEDITOR 46 Studying in the Rain Forest Michael Raffaeli
LynnBeyerle 47 Riverside Demonstration Garden Betty Newton
BOOK&VIDEOREVIEWEDITOR 5 The Genus Watsonia Jim Duggan
RosaleenCox 54 Wildflowers and WildlifeAbound atBlue Sky Reserve
TOURSEDITOR Ethan Rotman
PROHFelIeLnEGSagEliDaIrdTiOR 59 NupharPolysepalum and "Baby Lettuce" Staff
SusanFox
DEPARTMENTS
ADVERTISING
JacquelineColeman 34 Horticultural Calendar Jean E. Johns
RENEWALS 48 Now is theTime Staff
JoanRoman 52 Book Reviews Staff
MAILING
55 Bus Tours Helen Gagliardi
EDITORIALLynAnDVBeIySerOlReYBOARD 56 Affiliates Lynn Beyerle
VincentLazaneo 58 North County Gardens Bus Tour Helen Gagliardi
BettyNewton
TinekeWilders ThecoverartisbyKayRobinson, whohasagraduate
degree intheteachingofartfrom USCandhastaught
artinpublicschools inseveralcities.
Manuscripts are invited. Deadline is 90-days prior to
publicationdate. CaliforniaGardenreservestherighttoedit Orchidphotographs by Suzan Fertig.
any and all submitted material. All manuscripts and
irlelsupsotnrsaitbiiolnistywilflorbtehehiarndslafeedtyc.arefSuulblmyi,sbsuitonwsemucsantnobteadsosuubmlee SinglecopiesofthecurrentissueofCaliforniaGardenmagazinecanbepurchased
spacedand/orinWordPerfectonacomputerdisk. Encloseself foradonationof$1.50atthelocationslisted.
tauaooudsftdeyhCrdooaeulrsi.inssfetaodhHrnenopdiromasdtatuogGsapanzarToiidhtdneienner.e.ndcveieAssllNsloatoprhoieeiplniiyafnduiyroteohrofonsulrseeiemcettxexypnptetfrhcoeeotrsfvstaielnheldeawbmmasoretteodoafntbiphtecrohaoserldeeuetnodcuafitrtmsntoeherisedss C7OMQ5IAUU3SLCA-SIHI7IF1ILO7O7BNNR,OUNH4TRI4ISA2ALENLNARSIoRYrCNtB,AhUOL2RRR6SaG3EnEA-cTR6Rh1UYoD1M,4ES,a2NFn59tO05aF0U-O32FN8eUDI,0Nm8ApED,TenArcI1iiT5Oan2IilN5tO,AaNFvsoeI,Cr.Nt,CAI.SNS,tCao9.n4c2,4k0D7t42i-o34e8n6g2-Do03r70iC,3vA6e3,,012S93a2N0n1o1rQD3tuihaeigBloaGlCadArwidne9nA2vD1er0.i3,veA,rEcnacdiinaitCasAC9A109026023
intended,noriscriticismimpliedofsimilarproductswhichare SANDIEGOFLORALASSOCIATION,232-5762,CasadelPrado,Rm.105,BalboaPark,SanDiegoCA92101
notmentioned. WALTERANDERSENNURSERY,224-8271,3642EnterpriseSt.,SanDiegoCA 92110
Sendalleditorialmaterialandchangeofaddressto: FLOWERSHOWS: ShowchairmancontactCaliforniaGarden,232-5762ifyouwantthemagazinesoldatyourshow.
CaliforniaGarden yCeAarLsI,FOfoRrNeiIgAnGdeAlRivDerEyNa(dIdSS$N6.000008p-e1r11y6e)aris,pubbyliSshaendBDii-eMgoontFhlloyraflorAdsosnoactiiaotniosno,f$C7a.s0a0pdeelryPeraardoor,$B1a3l.b0o0afoPratrwko,
SanDiegoFloralAssociation SanDiegoCA 92101-1619.eSanDiegoFloralAssociation,1992. Allrightsreserved.SecondClassPostagepaid
CasadelPrado,Room105,BalboaPark atSanDiegoCA. POSTMASTER: SendaddresschangestoCALIFORNIAGARDEN,CasadelPrado,BalboaPark,
SanDiegoCA 92101-1619 SanDiegoCA 92101-1619.
MARCH-APRIL 1994 35
Apr. 16-17 PALOMAR ORCHID SOCIETY Annual SpringOrchidShow
MiraCostaCollege, StudentCenter, Oceanside. Sat. 12-6p.m.; Sun. 10-5p.m. Call 941-0382.
Apr. 16-17 SANDIEGO/IMPERIAL COUNTIES IRISSOCIETY 29thShow
CasadelPrado, MajorcaRoom, BalboaPark. Sat. 1-5p.m.; Sun. 11-4:00p.m. Call463-7600 Free.
Apr. 16-17 RANCHO SANTAFEGARDEN CLUB Annual FlowerShowandPlantSale
LaGranada&AvenidaAcacias. Sat. &Sun. 10-5p.m. Call 759-2770. Free.
Apr. 16-17 ENCINITAS CHAMBER OFCOMMERCE SpringFlowerTour
Tourwill visitgrowers inEncinitas. ForReservations&Information619/753-6041.
Apr. 19 *SANDIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION QuarterlyMeetingand Program
Casadel Prado, BalboaPark. "EpidendrumOrchids, TheirCultureandHabitat." Speaker,
Ardell Marlin. $5 Members; $6Non-Members. Information&Reservations232-5762.
Apr. 19 *SANDIEGOFLORALASSOCIATION BasketClass,Appalachianstyle.SeeApr. 12thInformation.
Apr. 22 EARTHDAY 24thAnnual Observance. BalboaPark. Call 272-7370.
Apr. 23 *SANDIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION Tour
Temecular RoseGarden andJudy'sPerennials. $39 Members; $42 Non-members. Seepage55.
Apr. 23-24 DOSVALLES GARDEN CLUB 13thStandardFlowerShow
28751ColeGradeRd., ValleyCenterMiddleSchool.Sat. 1:30-5:30p.m.; Sun. 12-4p.m. 749-3485.
Apr. 23-24 SANDIEGO BONSAI CLUB 29thShow
Casadel Prado, MajorcaRoom, BalboaPark. Sat. &Sun. 11-5 p.m. Free.
Apr. 23-24 TEMECULA VALLEY ROSE SOCIETY 4thAnnual RoseGardenFete
42495CalleCapistrano, Temecula. Sat. &Sun. 12:30-4:30p.m. Call 909/699-4530. $8Admission.
Apr. 23-24 FULLERTON ARBORETUM Annual PlantSale
C.S.U. atFullertonCampus. YorbaLindaBlvd. 10-4p.m. Call714/773-3579. Free. $1.50Parking.
Apr. 24 SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDEN FOUNDATION EpiphyllumShow&Sale
26300Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula. 9-4p.m. Call 310/544-1948. $5 Admission.
Apr. 26 *SANDIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION Basket Class, 3 RingPalm. SeeApr. 12th Information.
Apr. 30- HEARTLAND AFRICANVIOLET SOCIETY 13thShow
May 1 Casadel Prado, MajorcaRoom, BalboaPark. Sat. 1-5 p.m.; Sun. 11-5 p.m. Free.
Apr. 30- SOUTH COAST BOTANIC FOUNDATION RoseShow& Sale
May 1 26300CrenshawBlvd., PalosVerdesPeninsula. Sat. 11-5; Sun. 11-4. 310/544-1948. $5Admission.
Jun. 13-20 CONTINUING EDUCATION -RANCHO BERNARDO GardenSafari
ATourofGardens inSeattle, Victoria&Vancouver. Reservationsby April 29th. Call 478-0464.
Every LOS ANGELES STATE & COUNTY ARBORETUM FreeGuidedTours
Wednesday 301 N. BaldwinAve., Arcadia. GuidedWalkingToursofGardens. 11 a.m. Call 818/821-3250.
Every OFFSHOOT TOURS One-HourPlantWalks inBalboaPark
Saturday Meet in frontofBotanical Lath House. Canceled for rain or less than 4 attendees. 1st Sat. History
Walk; 2nd Sat. Palm Walk; 3rd Sat. TreeWalk; 4th Sat. DesertWalk; 5th Sat. Sampleofall four
tours. 10 a.m. Free. No reservations.
Weekends SANDIEGO NATURALHISTORY MUSEUM Canyoneers OutdoorProgram
1994 Freeguidednaturewalks. Information andbrochure: 232-3821 Ext. 203.
Weekly SANTA BARBARABOTANIC GARDENS SpringEvents
Forlectures, toursand springgardenschedulecall 805/682-4726.
Weekly QUAILBOTANICAL GARDENS FOUNDATION, INC. SpringClasses and Events
230 Quail Gardens Dr. Encinitas. Call forSchedules. 619/436-3036.
Weekly SAN DIEGO JAPANESE FRIENDSHIPGARDEN DocentTours
BalboaParkby OrganPavilion. Tues., Sat. &Sun.: 10-4p.m. Donation. FreeTues. 232-2780.
DeadlineforsubmissiontoHORTICULTURAL CALENDAR forMay/Jun. issueis Mar. 15.
SAN DIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION is not responsible for changes in information which has been submitted by the
organizations.
{Erratum: theJanuary/February 1994issue, page5, topofsecondcolumnin"ColorControlintheGarden" shouldread, "speak
interms of"hot"and"cold" colors. Yellow, orange, apricot/salmonand many shades ofred are hotcolors. Purples, blues, pure
greensandmostshadesofpinkarecoolcolors. Whiteisneutral."] TheeditoroffersapologiestoMr. Liljebladandreaders.
36 CALIFORNIA GARDEN
ODONTOGLOSSUM ORCHIDS
by FORREST ROBINSON
(Editor'snote:WearefortunateinmanyareasofSouthernCalifornia rain forests of Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, El
that Odontoglossum may be grown successfully outdoors. The Salvador, Guatemala and the great plateau of Southern
h"eMseitxaitceatno"cosnpseuclitesthaendSainntDeiregegnoerCiocuhnytbyriOdrschairdemSoocsitetsyu,itoarblye.ouDroloncoatl Mexico. This classification is convenient and practical
orchidsocietyorgrowers,forfurtheradvicepertinenttoyourgarden sincetheculturalrequirementsofthetwogroupsarequite
location.) different.
The Colombians grow and flower in a moist, cool,
ODONTOGLOSSUMHASBEENREFERREDtoas "the temperate climate throughout the year, whereas the
most beautiful ofall the orchid genera." Their classical Mexicansundergotwodefiniteseasons.Theyhaveacool,
beauty prompted many early growers to try to grow dryandbrightwinterseasonduringwhichtheyrest. Very
"odonts" eventhoughthey were called the mostdifficult little plant growth occurs at this time. They grow and
ofall orchidsto grow atthattime. Orchidists, especially flower during the warm, moist and overcast summer
in nineteenth century England, found it difficult to season. Therefore,greenhouserequirementsforthesetwo
reconcile themselves groups are quite
to the fact that different.
Odontoglossum The Colombian
would not grow group likes night
unless they were temperature near
provided the type of 52° F and a daytime
environmentinwhich temperature about
they grow in nature. 74° F. They don't
Early piant object to night
hunters collected temperatures in the
Odontoglossum in mid to high forties,
South America at but they will
altitudes of 5,000- definitely decline if
10,000 feet. These day temperatures
plants were mostly reach into the
found in Venezuela, nineties for any
Colombia, Ecuador lengthoftime.
andPeru. Theygrow They like good
alongclearings inthe water, less than one
cool, wet, rain hundred parts per
forests of the Andes millionofundesirable
Mountains. Collected salts.Ifnecessaryuse
plants were shipped rain water, reverse
to hobbyists in Odontioda osmosis or deionized
Europe, mostly to England. They tried to grow them water. Since they grow, in nature in areas ofconstant
underwarmtropicalconditionsinhot,humidglasshouses. rain, fog or clouds, they need to be kept moist—butnot
Consequently most of the early collections of soggy—at all times. We try to accomplish this in our
Odontoglossum were destroyed. Fortunately, toward the greenhousesthroughwateringschedulesandplantgrowing
endofthenineteenthcenturytheydiscoveredtheircultural media.
problems andbegangrowingandhybridizingodontsvery This group grows best under very humid conditions,
successfully. rangingfrom60-70% relativehumidity, alongwithgood
There are two definite groups of Odontoglossum air circulation.
species. One group is the "Colombian," or South Their light requirement is about 1500 foot candles
American, Odontoglossummentioned above. Theother is throughouttheyear.
the "Mexican" group of species, which are found at Asyoucansee, itisdifficulttogrowtheseColombian
altitudesof5,000-9,000feet, growinginthehightropical odonts with our Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, et cetera in our
MARCH-APRIL 1994 37
"intermediate"typeofgreenhouse.Anintermediatehouse When we think of Odontoglossum we visualize a
is kept at a temperature between 60-85° F with relative beautiful plant with flowers that exhibit vivid color and
humidity adjusted to approximately 56%. The average various patterns, and are round or star-shaped on long
light is 2500 foot candles with an adjustment made for archingsprays.ThisistheimageoftheColombiangroup.
variousgenera. A "cool" greenhouseis recommendedto However, due to the Colombian need for cool moist
providetheColombianstheirpropergrowthrequirements. conditionsthroughouttheyear,theyhavebeenconsidered
However, many hobbyists are able to grow and flower difficult to grow. Therefore, they have been hybridized
these Colombians by placing them outside under shade with thewarmer growing Mexican group ofplants. The
clothinthewinterandinacoolareaoftheirintermediate resultinghybrids aremorewarmthtolerantanddisplaya
greenhouse in the summer, keeping them as cool as variationincolorandpattern.
possiblewithsprays, mists andgood aircirculation. Because of the exacting requirement as regards to
The growth requirements ofthe Mexican odonts are greenhouseenvironment,theColombianodontshavebeen
quitedifferent.Theylikeanighttemperatureofabout57° hybridizedwithothermoretolerantgenera. Awiderange
Fanddaytimetemperatureabout75°Finwintermonths. ofintergenerichybridshasbeencreatedusingsuchgenera
Duringthespringandsummer,theirgrowthandflowering as Cochlioda, Oncidiwn, Miltonia, Brassia, Aspasia and
period,theydobestwiththenighttemperatureabout62° others.
Fanddaytemperatures of85-90° F. The genus that has been most frequently used in
Theyshouldbegivenjustenoughwaterinthewinter hybridizingisCochlioda. Cochliodanoezliana isanative
duringtheirrestperiodto keepthem alive. However, in ofSouthAmerica. Ithasthesameenvironmentalgrowing
thelatespringandsummertheirgrowingmediumshould conditions as the Odontoglossum, produces beautiful,
bemoist, butnotsoggywet. round,dark-redflowersandseemstobemoretemperature
As you can see, these plants grow well in our tolerant than the odonts. The Odontoglossum-Cochlioda
intermediate typeofgreenhouse. Many Mexican species hybridization results in beautiful varied-colored flowers.
are outside, under shade cloth. In fact, some of these Theyarecalled Odontioda.
plantsprefertobegrownoutside,especiallyinSanDiego. Theothercommonly usedgenerafor Odontoglossum
In water retention properties, the type of growing hybridization produce beautiful Odontomas,
media used with Colombian odonts differs from that Odontbrassias, etc. These hybrids have beenhybridized
required for Mexican species. As mentioned above, the togethertoproduce aspread inthefloweringseasonand
Colombians prefer to have their roots moist always, introduce different colored forms to the Odontoglossum
whereastheMexicanspecieslikelittlemoistureinwinter. hybrid. Also, these hybrids seem to be able to tolerate
Fewgrowers agreeonthegrowingmix odonts need. both cool and warm conditions, growing well in the
However,fortheColombiansthefollowingformulaseems intermediatetypeofgreenhouse, oroutsideunderpartial
tobebasic: shade.However,iftheyaregrownoutside,theyshouldbe
5parts Vb-Va inchfirbarkforwaterretention protected inthewinterduringperiodsoffrost, andinthe
2parts#3 perliteforaeration summer iftheyaresubjectedtotemperatures of90°For
1 part#1 charcoal foraeration more.
1 partsphagnummoss forretentionofwater. Growingthe"pureblood"ColombianOdontoglossum
Moss may be eliminated from mix, but you must water may be a challenge, but we all should have some ofthe
your plants more often. Plastic pots are generally used beautifulintergenericsinourcollections.Ibelievetheyare
withtheabovemix. themostlovelyandhandsomeofall orchids,n
Thereare somegrowers using50% perliteand 50%
moss. A few are using rock wool and perlite. With so FORRESTROBINSON,aretireddentist, receivedhisBAdegreeinbotany
muchwaterretentionpresentwithmossorrockwool,the DfurroimnUgChLiAs.trAavselashotobbMyiesxtichoe,grCoewntsramlanayndofStohuethmoArmeeproipcualahreorocbhsiedrvgeendertah.e
porous clay or pulp pots should be used with them for naturalconditionsrequiredbymanyorchidgenerafortheirpropergrowthand
betterevaporation. development.
The Mexican group of Odontoglossum grows well
with the above formula but eliminate from the mix the
mossthatisusedforwaterretention. IL Baffffy Lewis
Mostgrowersfeed abalancedfertilizersuch as7-7-7
or20-20-20. Itisrecommended thataboutone-quarterof Computer Systems Analyst
themanufacturer'ssuggesteddosagebeusedtofeedthem Custom Programming, Installations,
everytimeyouwateryourplants. Duringtherestperiod Training and Consulting
theMexicanodontsneedverylittlefertilizer. [phone]
38 CALIFORNIA GARDEN
EPIDENDRUM ORCHIDS
by ARDELL O. MARLIN
ORCHIDS ARE VERY SPECIAL and unique. So very blooming. I have several Epidendrum orchid plants that
specialbecausetheyadapttoeveryenvironmentalhabitat have been in a continual bloom for twenty years. An
intheworld, exceptAntarctica. We mustremember that Epidendrum plant will reach maturity after two to three
theorchidfamilyhasthegreatestbiologicaldiversification yearsfrom itsfirstbloomas aseedling.
of any group of plants Many Epidendrums
under study. The colors, bloom every day of the
shapes and fragrances year in Southern
evolve in a great array. California. We live in
Also, there is much Sunset Coastal Zone 24.
variance in size. There Blooms last for a very
areblossomsthesizeofa long time. On the plant
pinhead, and many a "head offlowers" will
blooms will measure up remain in continual
to 12 to 15 cm. Wenow bloom for several
haveidentifiedmorethan months. As a cut flower
thirty thousand different ithasavaselifeofmore
species of orchids that than ten days. There are
growsuccessfullyinhigh somethathaveaseasonal
mountainterrains,steamy flowering, meaning that
tropical jungles, snow they will produce their
covered areasthroughout inflorescence (the
theU.S. andinthedesert flowering part of the
wastelands ofthe world. plant) only at certain
Within this group of timesoftheyear.
morethanthirtythousand Epidendrums are
biologically different either epiphytic or
specimens, more than terrestrialintheirmanner
three hundred have been of growth. Many will
collectedandidentifiedas clingto a treebranch or
Epidendrum orchids. We rock. We grow plants in
have more than seventy- carved outlava rock and
five in our collection. they love it. When you
There is great concern grow them in pots they
for all orchids because mustbeinamixthathas
they are faced with very good drainage. If
extinction due to the Epidendrumpseudoepidendrum you plant them in a
rapiddevelopmentthatis raised bed, the growing
goingoninourecosystemtoday. Thereforewepropagate media must be very porous. ORCHIDS DO NOTLIKE
andpreservethesebeautiful flowersthebestthatwecan. TOHAVETHEIRFEETWET.
Most orchid plants are easily propagated. They are Atonetimeorchidswereveryexpensive. Thisisnot
pollinated by different insects whilethey are growing in soanymore. Duetomodernlaboratorytechnologyandthe
theirnativehabitat. Man also pollinatesthe flowers, and moderngrowingmethods,priceshavecomedownwithin
thenhegerminatestheseedinsterileconditions.Whenwe thereachofeveryone. Therefore, smallplantswillcosta
propagatefromseed,theseplantswillreachbloomingsize fewdollars,andinthreetofouryears,withcare, alovely
in aboutthreeyears. Then, ifgivenpropercare, itseems specimenplantwill beblooming.
as if they will live forever. Orchid societies have on Anyonecangroworchids. Allorchidsrequirewater,
record plants dating from 1888, still growing and light and fertilizer and moving air. Add to this a little
MARCH-APRIL 1994 39
TLC and you will produce many fine inflorescences. In the winter months, we hold back the water, as the
Epidendrumscanbegrownwell outsideinZone24. You plantsarenotgrowingasrapidly.Ifitrainsthisisfine,as
alsomay growthemoutsideinZones20, 21, 22 and23. theylovetherainwater.
You may have to givethem some protection againstthe Many Epidendrum species are fragrant. There are
winter cold and the direct rays ofthe hot sun. We have epidendrums that are not cold weather tolerant. If they
experienced a frost in Encinitas, though not of long have been collected from a tropical environment, they
standing. Someflower heads werefrosted, butno plants must be grown in warmer conditions. They use
died. Some leaves became spotted with black dots; we Epidendrumsinbreedingnewlines.Whenyouusepollen
thinkduetothecold. Theleaves containmuch moisture. from a cool-growing Epidendrum and cross it with a
Epidendrums require high light intensity. Sunlightis warm-growing Cattleya you have produced an "epicat",
very important for proper growth and flowering. The and the orchid will grow in a cooler environment. This
plants will tolerate early morning sun and late afternoon typeofbreedingalsowill extendthebloomingperiod.
sun. Still, ifyou live in an area with ahot noonday sun In closing I would recommendjoiningour local San
(10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), theplantswill requirepartial Diego County Orchid Society. Wemeet in BalboaPark.
shade. There is another excellent group, The Palomar Orchid
Wateryourorchidsonceaweek, orasnecessary. Do Society,thatmeets inVista,n
not keep them WET. Feed the plants after you have
watered them. Feed the plants with any well-balanced bAuRtDhEasLlLivOe.diMnASRaLnIDNiewgaossbinocren1a9n4d3.raSihseedhoansaBShoamnedstReaNddiengrSeoeust,hbDuatkostaay,s
plantfood that contains trace elements. There are many thatsheisnotabotanistorataxonomist;shejustlikestogroworchids.
commercialbrandsavailableinthelocalnurseries.Wedo
notfeed withthesamethingeverytime. Ifeeltheymight
liketo have their diet varied. We feed once every three HERBS (continued)
weeks, and we use a weaker strength than what is MINT
recommended by the company. Be sure to read the Mintmakesonethinkofsummerandmintjuleps,orcold
directions. drinks. It is also used to flavor chewinggum and candy.
Epidendrums are not prone to many problems with Ifyouplantitinyourgarden, keep itinaconfinedarea,
disease and garden pests. They do get aphids, and as itwilltakeover. Thescentofcrushedmintleaves isa
sometimes mites, and a certain type ofscale. Snails and delight.Iuseitoftenincookingcarrotsas itsfreshflavor
slugswill haveameal onthemnow and then. Ifyou get adds alottotheblandnessofcarrots.
them too wet they will get root rot. Again I might OREGANO
mention, "Do not overwater." Your plants should have This is my absolutely favorite herb. It is of the mint
thosenice, bigwhiteroots. family. Because it is so essential to Greek and Italian
Wegrowall ourEpidendrumsinpots. Ifind iteasier dishes,onethinksofitasaMediterraneanherb, anditis.
to keep the plants well-groomed. We also move them Canyouimagineapizzaoradishofspaghettiwithoutthe
regularlytodifferentareasoftheyard.Ihavesomeplants appetizingtasteand smell oforegano?
thathavebeen inlargetubsforfiveto eightyears. They BAYLEAVES
continuetoproducegoodhealthyinflorescences.Werepot There aretwo types ofthese leaves, one isthe imported
thesmallerplantsandmovethemuptolargerpotsasthey leaffromEurope(Laurusnobilis).Theotheristhelocally
bpoetcs.omWeerosotatrbtoubnyd.diMviodsitngotfheoumrotplhaenrtsplaarnetsotrarbtyedtianki4n"g gmreodwinumCasliizfeodrntiraeebwaiythtrsehein(yUmobveallluslhaarpieadclaelaivfeosr.niIcah)a,vea
offkeikis.Keikisaretheoffshootsoroffsetsfromaplant. one growing in my garden and it is apleasure to go out
Akeikiwillproducethesameflowerasthemotherplant. andpull afew leavesoffforseasoning.
We make our own potting medium. This is the MUSTARD SEED
mixturethatworkswell forus. Weuseequal partsof#3 Inthespring, alongthe central Californiacoast, thehills
mesquitecharcoalchips,#3perliteorhorticulturalsponge are covered with the yellow flowers ofthe wild mustard
rock, orchidseedlingbark, small lavarock, andtothis plant. Thegardenvarietyisaboutthesame, exceptthatit
we add 2 parts of Sunshine Mix™ #1, and 2 parts of a hasbeentamedforhomeconsumption.Theseedsareused
good planting mix that drains well. We mix the forpicklingand,ofcourse,theyaregroundintoapowder
ingredients well. When we plant divisions or keikis we fortheubiquitous mustard onespreads all over hotdogs
dampen the potting soil. We water and settlethe plant, andthelike, n
and then we do not water for a week. After the plants
becomefirminthepotandbegintoshowsignsofgrowth, ROBERTHOROWITZisaretiredaerospaceengineer.Heisanavidgrower
wecontinuewitharegular wateringand feedingroutine. andfrequentcontributortoCALIFORNIAMAGAZINEandotherpublications.
40 CALIFORNIA GARDEN
HERBS
by ROBERT HORWITZ
GROWINGHERBSISFUNbecauseyoucanexperiment basil were created to go together. Used in pesto, basil
withwhereyougrowthem. Therearefamilyherbgardens makes a pasta dish like a creation from heaven. It is an
thattakeupthewholegardenspaceandtherearewindow annualplant,needingtobeplantedfromseedeachspring.
sill gardens with a few favorite herbs growing in old Whenitslittlewhiteblossomsappear, pinchthemoffand
coffeetins. Thecultureisthesameformostoftheherbs usethem. Thepinchingwillencouragebranchingofmore
that we use commonly in our cooking. Like all good leaves.
gardens, the soil should be rich in humus and nutrients, PARSLEY
havegooddrainageandbefriable. (Thatmeans crumbly, Everybody knows what parsley is. It is a herb that is
notsticky.) Herbs will grow all year aroundhere in San eitherlikedordisliked. Anuncleofmineoncesaidthat
Diego, notallthesamevariety,butsomeherbswillbein cooks think they are making a gourmet dish if they
season at some time of the year. Here is a list of my garnish the entree with parsley and a twisted slice of
favorite herbs with their characteristics. This is not an orange.Itsslightlybittertasteanditsdeepgreencoloradd
inclusivelistby any means. Therearesome spices stuck a fillip ofclass to adish, regardlessofwhatUnclesaid.
inherethatareprobablynotstrictlyherbs, buttheytaste Itiseasytogrowandwillprovidesprigstobepickedfor
good, sothey arementioned. usealmostfromthefirstday itpeeksoutoftheground.
ALLIUM CORIANDER
Thisfamily includesgarlic, chives, shallots and leeks. It Some call this Chinese parsley. It may look a little like
isthebulbofthegarlicplantweusemost forflavoring, parsley when it is young, but its taste is very different,
butthere is nothing wrong with using some leaves, too. havingalmostametallicqualitytoit. Itisindispensablein
Therearegarlic chives thathave acombinationflavorof Mexican and Chinese cooking. When it gets ripe, and
both chives and garlic. Chives alone have a sweet produces seeds, theseseeds arethe coriander seeds used
"oniony" taste. Often littlepieces snipped offthe leaves so often in relishes and pickles. Fresh coriander or
areused. Theshallotisthemostdelicateandexpensiveof cilantro does notfreeze at all. Itmustbeused fresh, but
thisgroup and has thegreatest snob appeal. Many cooks will lastaweekintherefrigerator ifthestemsareplaced
useitwhereonionwoulddoaswellbecauseitsupposedly inajarofwater.
CARAWAY
ispartofwhat is called "hautecuisine."
CHERVIL The seeds ofthisherb areused. Ryebread would notbe
This isanannual herb with asweetish anise/parsleytaste its best without caraway seeds in it. It complements dill
to it. It is theleaves that areused. Ifit startsto bloom, and was made for cucumbers. Its only problem is that
cut off the blossom head to stimulate branching and occasionallyoneortwo willgetstuckinyourteeth.
further leafgrowth. DILL
HORSERADISH This is also one of my favorite herbs. It has a fresh
Can a root be aherb? This herb is grown for the flavor quality that is superb. Ofcourse, what would pickles be
derived from its root. It is a very pungent smelling and without dill? It goes with fresh beans, in salads, with
tastingherbandalittlewillgoalongway. Itisprocessed blackeyed peas and cauliflower. Theleaves arethinand
by gratingtheroot and keeping it in vinegar. It will last longand arequitedelicate.
for months this way in the refrigerator. What would a THYME
shrimpcocktailbewithouthorseradishmixedwithketchup Fish and thymego together. It also flavors sausagemeat
as asauce? along with pepper, sage and ginger. Thyme is closely
TARRAGON alliedwithbasil initstastesanduses, butitismuchmore
Thisherb isaFrenchfavorite. Ithasapervasive, slightly powerful than basil and you do not need as much for
licorice flavor that goes wonderfully well with chicken, flavoring.
fish and salads. The leaves are long and narrow and dry GINGER
easily, maintaining their flavor for a long time. A little Isthis anherb?Forall intentsandpurposesitis. Itisthe
goes alongway as aflavoring. rootofthegingerplantthatisused,andtheChinesecould
BASIL not cook without it. It is pungent when fresh. It can be
This is one ofthe most popular herbs. It is used either frozen, butlosesitssharpedge. Driedpowderedgingeris
freshordried. Thedriedtypeis morepungentthanfresh hardtouseas itreallydoes nottastelikefreshginger.
becausetheflavoroilshavenotevaporated.Tomatoesand (continuedonpage40)
MARCH-APRIL 1994 41
.
THE ORCHID
IRIS
by CATHERINE L. ZINSKY
FOR THE LOOK OF an orchid flower from a periodic division will be necessary. The bright side
jraeplioanbilceabl'oNoamnear',wimtohrleowcroemqmuoirnelmyent—s,acnodnsaipdtelryIr—is tBoectahiusselabotrheistfhleopwreorsspecotfoftohbistainsipnegcimeosreaprleantss!o
referred to as theorchid iris. spectacular, having more plants will be more than
Irisjaponicaisacrestediris. Mostgardeners are desirable; itwill become requisite.
familiar with the bearded iris, which are Which brings us to the flowers..
distinguished by a tuftofhairs (the "beard") on the "Sumptuous" might just possibly be the most
falls. (Thefallsarethosepetalsontheouterwhorlof accurate adjective to use in explaining the graceful,
the flower that usually droop downward.) Crested archingspraysofthisbeauty. Theflowers, whichare
iris, on the other hand, are characterized by having prolific and carried on a long spike that bends and
whatis morelikeanarrow serrated rib, thecrest, at nods gently well above the curving leaves, are flat
thebase ofits falls. with frilled edges. The color of the petals can vary
The crested iris constitute a small group from white to the palest lavender. The crests,
comparedtothebearded iris. Asthespecies nameof however, are always orange, and have a violet rim
Irisjaponica suggests, it is a native ofJapan. Most around each crest.
crested iris, however, are native to North America This combination is exquisitely delicate, yet any
and eastern mainland Asia. sense ofdelicacy isquitedeceiving. Theflowersare
True to the genus, japonica are rhizomatous. not fragile. The sprays make excellent and long-
Most gardeners and non-gardeners alike consider lasting cut flowers, adding floral elegance to any
rhizomatous plants as bulbs, a general category that arrangement, muchasatrueorchiddoes. /.japonica
looselyincludesanyplantthatgrowsfrom somesort bloomsin early spring, and in my houseis arranged
of thickened underground stem. Botanists would with long-stemmed tulips or calla lilies or red
disagree, probablywithashudder. Sufficetosaythat ranunculus orany combination thereof. Theresultis
/.japonicadevelopsfromarhizome, notatruebulb, always elegant and stunning.
though research on thegenus would almostcertainly /.japonica 'Nana' iswell worth theeffortitmay
lead you to abookon bulbs. take tolocate, foritis not an iris thatcan bereadily
The strap-like leaves of /. japonica are a gray- found atevery nursery. I recommend calling around
green, butmoregreen than thoseofthebearded iris. . . . and persisting. Happy gardening!
They are also less rigid, lending themselves to a
softer, more fluid appearance in the bed. Averaging CreAceTnHtEarRtiIcNleEwaZsINthSeKcYentiserafgeaatrudreeninwrHiotuersefpolranntatmiaongaalzimnaeg.azines.Hermost
two inches wide and reaching a height of
approximately two feet, the arching leaves of this
seasonalbloomermakeitasuperlativemiddle-border
contribution. Unfortunately, theleaves alsoprovide
adelectable feastand hideaway for snails and slugs.
Baiting for these voracious and damaging pests is a
must.
This orchid iris requires a position in theborder
orpatiothatofferspartialshade. Morning sunwould
beacceptable. Protection from ourintenseafternoon
sun is, however, a must. /.japonica is frost hardy,
butcannotendure a freeze, and obviously should be
lifted, potted, and protected in those areas that
receive snow.
Since the spread of /. japonica is indefinite,
42 CALIFORNIA GARDEN