{Our Phalaenopsis Orchid}

After you have seen how orchids did grow in Indonesia, under optimum conditions outdoors on our tropical patio, now I like to show you our Phalaenopsis Orchid that resides in the Veranda. Will also show you our Veranda soon...

A beautiful white one and such huge flowers. They bloom for months at a time!

With my hand for comparison...

Beautiful blooms.

At one time we had 17 orchids but we lost them while doing consulting work. 

The person taking care of them, had drowned all...

Since than we have not invested into that many again.

Husband Pieter's hand with the blooms...

Do you own some Phalaenopsis orchids too?

Related link:

{Our Tropical Patio with Orchids in Indonesia} | previous post by me

{Our Drake Elm - Ulmus parvifolia}

On March 13, 2012 we also did plant a Drake Elm - Ulmus parvifolia tree. It has been very rewarding and no doubt it will grow into a tall and graceful shade tree. It originated from China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Also called Chinese Elm and Lacebark Elm for its beautiful exfoliating bark that adds beauty to the winter season. We will see...

This photo is also used on HouseLogic: 7 Garden Mistakes to Avoid 

Just click on above link and scroll down to read my comment on Mistake #3: Planting without a plan.

Just showing you how our 'Drake' elm, Ulmus parvifolia has grown since its planting day on March 13, 2012 and today, July 31 of 2012. This method of preparing the hole properly does work and you get an instant reward as is seen from both photos! 

On point #4: Neglecting the root of it all I'd like to add THE most crucial mistake often made. When planting a rose, shrub, tree or whatever, you buy some good potting soil, spent mushroom compost or cow manure (available at Home Depot). Set that aside and dig a DEEP and WIDE hole. Just anticipate the growth of that new garden member. In that hole you thoroughly mix the potting soil, spent mushroom compost or cow manure and the original soil. Now put water in that hole, SOAK it before planting. This way you make watering easier and your new living garden member can easily penetrate this perfect and nutritious soil for extending and growing its roots. This is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING and quite often overlooked! Most plants and trees are put into a hole and have to sit almost on their 'knees' as there is no space to go into. The original soil is too dense, too hard and often not rich enough. Fertilizing is no solution if this very basic thing is being overlooked! 

We got this 7 gallon tree at County Farm Plant Co., Inc. in Baxley, Georgia.

Detail of its leaves, this photo is from March 13, right after it got planted in our garden.

Do you have an Ulmus parvifolia  or Drake Elm tree?

Love to read your comment!

{1947-1952 Vintage French CR Crystal Lampe Berger}

Another Vintage French Lampe Berger for showing you. This time it is the Crystal CR 1947-1952 Lampe Berger from the book: Lampes Berger A Century of History by Gérald Vilcocq on page 120 and also shown on page 202 in the listing.

Quite fittingly for a French Lampe Berger, to sit on  the French Fleur de Lys...

This is a perfect crystal Lampe Berger with original stopper, cap, stone and wick.

A very rare find and available at Spectrenoir.

Different view for showing the beautiful crystal.

For half a century of use... still looking great!

Its old patina I did not remove, that is up to the new owner.

Love its ajoured brass stopper...

Unique for having this one still complete like shown here.

A dream for any collector.

Engraved in the brass is Lampe Berger and on the other side, made in France.

This is shown on page 120 of the book: Lampes Berger A Century of History by Gérald Vilcocq.

This is on page 202 in the listing...

Taken with my iPhone as my scanner is in use for slides. Sorry about that!

Does any of you have such half a century old French Lampe Berger?

Related links:
Lampes Berger: A Century of History book by Gérald Vilcocq