How long will it take us to get to 10,000 posts?

[Michelle Stevens]

Your dedication is admirable and I know how frustrated you must feel not being able to magic her well again. I hope she starts recovering soon.

I have some sad news, I planted Snowball into my Mother's garden on Thursday as he condition hadn't improved. I think I had to give her this last chance in the soil of the Earth with other plants. At least she is still alive and maybe a little fresh soil can help. If nothing else she is where she belongs, in the ground like other Hydrangeas. If for some reason she improves we'll likely remove her before the frost but that is a big if now as she has lost so many leaves. Snowball is not too far from Early Rosa in the garden. It's just sad as I believe I had had bad luck with Hydrangeas.

Aw, lucky Maizie she has stolen your heart already

Indeed!

You must be getting busier and busier with your ever growing plant family. I must admit that Orkie could do with transferring into a bigger pot, but she is so happy right now that I dont want to disturb her or send her into a sulk. I will wait for her to stop showing off with those blooms

If Orkie is producing lovely blooms like you showed she is happy and may not need anything at this time.

I have been busy this week with the re-potting. More planned next week as well as I want the plants to have the time to adjust before cooler weather takes hold.

I am sure your co-worker would be grateful to receive such a thoughtful gift, I know I would be.

I re-potted the six Spiderettes this morning. They are so easy.

Ooo and this means a rival mini- spiderette band is forming ... Lol!

I am not sure if she is lonely or not? shes quite the diva and likes to be number one in this house, plus she listens to all our gossip and takes note of who is walking past her window :laughing:

Wow, Orkie could write a tell-all book. I have no diva Orchids but I do have a diva Poinsettia.

I haven't given up finding her a friend yet. I was in the supermarket yesterday and I had a look at the plant section, they had some stunning large Orchids (very expensive) all beautifully wrapped and well presented so I imagine they will easily find news homes. I must say though, that some of them looked unnatural as though they'd been artificially coloured to make them even more eye-catching.

I'm not much for the unnatural coloured Orchids either. They're blues that look so unnatural to me as I know they are just white Orchids injected with colouring. I feel sad for these plants as they would be just as lovely in their natural state. Besides the one I bought for my Mother on her birthday and my original two I have not payed full price so far. The other four have be discounts and rescues.

Its all your fault Michelle ... but I want to be a rescuer like you so I am still on the look out for a poorly unloved Orchid.

Do they have a place where they place distressed plants for purchase before they are binned? To know you truly saved their lives means so much. I hope you find one someday.

Do the Spiderettes sing their latest songs to her? ... sorry I couldn't resist..lol

Khloe seems pleased so they must be good company. That window sill must be rocking when I'm away.

:Clol: ... no not yet, my dentist is still working on them ..Lol

Oh no! Did this have anything to do with your pesky alien friends?

A glitch in your Enforcer powers?

Is she still okay?

So far so good for Khloe the Kalanchoe .

Thank you my friend, she will be thrilled to know that you admire her.

Thank you for sharing a lovely photo of her. :ty:

Thats true, my Enrique hasn't met Michelle, he has all the friends he needs with me :danc: so keep off..Lol!

Beware dear 'Lashes beware. My hotness is impossible to resist.

I might try and persuade him to pop-in to the SC Cafe .... on my shift naturally

Don't worry 'Lashes I will not unleash my incredible hotness onto him as you are my dear friend.

Indeed we would I could've done with some green thumbs whilst I was weeding this afternoon.

No cats in your garden my friend? Do you have many weeds?

:eck:
... things like that never happen to me

Be thankful! The bad side of incredible hotness.

 

[Michelle Stevens]

Eagle Chat​

Aww how great it is to see Guy :10: he is a very handsome Eagle. Perhaps he was checking up on his nest? I like the idea of them popping back every now and again, I would imagine that Lipstick was close by too.

It seems both returned recently to the nest.

They must me looking for a lawn service to take care of that grass.

It kind of looks like a Spider plant or a spiky green wig How the heck does grass get up there I wonder. I wanted to compare the grass to the grass in Liberty and Freedoms nest, but sadly the cam has been turned off.

The plant world has tricks we have yet to learn. It is odd that Freedom and Liberty's nest of the same way. I don't recall grass growth like this in previous years. Granted, theirs was mostly destroyed last year. Oh yes, just imagine a Spider plant on that nest with Spiderettes.

Happy tree of life

is an ideal description even if the eagles are not around theres always something to see, the surrounding farm and area looks so peaceful.

Indeed!

 

[Long Lashes]

I planted Snowball into my Mother's garden on Thursday as he condition hadn't improved. I think I had to give her this last chance in the soil of the Earth with other plants. At least she is still alive and maybe a little fresh soil can help. If nothing else she is where she belongs, in the ground like other Hydrangeas.

I do hope she has settled in okay and I also think you've done the right thing for her Its all up to her now, you couldn't have done more.

If for some reason she improves we'll likely remove her before the frost but that is a big if now as she has lost so many leaves. Snowball is not too far from Early Rosa in the garden.

If she is near Early Rosa then I know she is in a beautiful spot, your mothers garden is gorgeous and she will be surrounded by an assortment of happy plants. I am praying that you do get to the stage of having to protect her from the frost.
Come on Snowball we need you to try your hardest ray:

It's just sad as I believe I had had bad luck with Hydrangeas.

Sadly its not gone your way has it you've had incredible bad luck with Early Rosa and now with a poorly Snowball, but you've done everything you could and sometimes its just not meant to be.

If Orkie is producing lovely blooms like you showed she is happy and may not need anything at this time.

Yes, thats true, thanks for the advice. She has so many blooms shes bending a bit to one side, so I'm going to try and help prop her up with a small cane or something.

I have been busy this week with the re-potting. More planned next week as well as I want the plants to have the time to adjust before cooler weather takes hold.

Thats a well thought out plan

I re-potted the six Spiderettes this morning. They are so easy.

Are they planted in regular plant soil?

Yaay! the Spiderettes

I have no diva Orchids but I do have a diva Poinsettia

Which one of your Poinsettias is the diva?

I'm not much for the unnatural coloured Orchids either. They're blues that look so unnatural to me as I know they are just white Orchids injected with colouring. I feel sad for these plants as they would be just as lovely in their natural state.

The ones I saw where blue too, very, very blue. I guess some people must like them, but not for me, they looked too artificial.

Besides the one I bought for my Mother on her birthday and my original two I have not payed full price so far. The other four have be discounts and rescues.

Is the Orchid you bought for your Mother still doing well?

Do they have a place where they place distressed plants for purchase before they are binned? To know you truly saved their lives means so much. I hope you find one someday.

Yes, Tescos do have a discount shelf and I've checked there, but apart from some cut flowers the shelf has been empty recently. I will keep looking.

Khloe seems pleased so they must be good company. That window sill must be rocking when I'm away.

:Clol: ... I bet they're having secret discos whilst you're out...lol

Oh no! Did this have anything to do with your pesky alien friends?

A glitch in your Enforcer powers?

My Aliens still haven't returned to earth and I am starting to get impatient with them I need my present!

Beware dear 'Lashes beware. My hotness is impossible to resist.

So you say N2H

Don't worry 'Lashes I will not unleash my incredible hotness onto him as you are my dear friend.

.... you and your jokes

you know full well how Enrique only has eyes for me ... the N1H

No cats in your garden my friend? Do you have many weeds?

Sadly no cats and I've been weeding again today. Ewww how I hate worms, the weather has recently been wet and up they pop to scare me, almost touching my hand :scream: I know they're good for the garden, but even so!

Be thankful! The bad side of incredible hotness.

You and your hot talk :coffeelaugh:

 

[Long Lashes]

Eagle Chat​

It seems both returned recently to the nest.

Aww how wonderful! :love7: great to see them and know they're well.

Its also a relief to know that Lipstick hasn't gone and dumped Guy

They must me looking for a lawn service to take care of that grass.

Lol! ... I wonder if they will hire the cleaners who live below them

The plant world has tricks we have yet to learn. It is odd that Freedom and Liberty's nest of the same way. I don't recall grass growth like this in previous years. Granted, theirs was mostly destroyed last year.

Maybe the strong winds blew the grass seeds into the air?, no maybe not or perhaps the grass was already on the material the eagles used to build the nests?

 

[Michelle Stevens]

I do hope she has settled in okay and I also think you've done the right thing for her Its all up to her now, you couldn't have done more.

I hope you are right. Snowball just looks more and more like Early Rosa in her decline. I don't have much hope but I can't think of what else I could have done. At leaast she is with nature now. I just fear to see her this coming weekend with her steady decline.

If she is near Early Rosa then I know she is in a beautiful spot, your mothers garden is gorgeous and she will be surrounded by an assortment of happy plants. I am praying that you do get to the stage of having to protect her from the frost.
Come on Snowball we need you to try your hardest ray:

Thank you! I too pray for a rebound but I have to be realistic. It two months she goes from a rescue to near death now. It;'s just so sad.

Sadly its not gone your way has it you've had incredible bad luck with Early Rosa and now with a poorly Snowball, but you've done everything you could and sometimes its just not meant to be.

So sad but true. My luck with Hydrangeas hasn't been good. I will not give up in any of them or Hydrangeas.

Yes, thats true, thanks for the advice. She has so many blooms shes bending a bit to one side, so I'm going to try and help prop her up with a small cane or something.

Do you have any staffs to keep her spike in place? Since most of my Orchids had them when I bought them I have kept them if they ever bloom again. LOL, you are so lucky with a happy Orkie.

Thats a well thought out plan

I have learned I made some big mistakes in not repotting them earlier was the moss has rotted so many of their roots. Most of my Orchids will now, sadly, have setbacks. All I can do is learn from this experience. Maizie will not fall victim to my ignorance of moss and root rot.

Are they planted in regular plant soil?

Yes, the Spiderettes and my Spider plants take just regular potting mix. Nothing special.

Yaay! the Spiderettes

They're growing fast too.

Which one of your Poinsettias is the diva?

Duchess for sure. I took a photo of her during her sulk as I found it oddly funny. Princess is much more calm. Princess just shed her final white leaf yesterday and Duchess did the same for her final red leaf last week. They are all greenies for now.

The ones I saw where blue too, very, very blue. I guess some people must like them, but not for me, they looked too artificial.

They have this blue too at my grocery store. It's just sad in a way. Why tinker with these plants. I notice they do the same for white Poinsettias around Christmas with dying their leaves.

Is the Orchid you bought for your Mother still doing well?

I am SO jealous of her Orchid. It kept it's blooms until late-July, I bought her in early May. She has a great root system and is growing a new leave at this time. Having said that I paid full price for that Orchid whilst the ones I have were mostly discount, rescues. She has a happy Orchid.

Yes, Tescos do have a discount shelf and I've checked there, but apart from some cut flowers the shelf has been empty recently. I will keep looking.

One day a new friend will come into your life from the discount shelf.

:Clol: ... I bet they're having secret discos whilst you're out...lol

Whatever makes them happy as that window sill is a good place to be as of now. Khloe is reblooming a little so she is pleased. :danc:

My Aliens still haven't returned to earth and I am starting to get impatient with them I need my present!

LOL, they must have forgotten you or gotten lost.

How long has it been since they taken you aboard their space ship?

Maybe their space ship has had mechanical difficulties?

So you say N2H

So I KNOW 'Lashes.

.... you and your jokes

you know full well how Enrique only has eyes for me ... the N1H

So you say my friend, so you say.

Sadly no cats and I've been weeding again today. Ewww how I hate worms, the weather has recently been wet and up they pop to scare me, almost touching my hand :scream: I know they're good for the garden, but even so!

Worms are so strange but useful. Do any of your birds eat them? Our American Robins have a skill for finding them.

 

[Long Lashes]

. I don't have much hope but I can't think of what else I could have done. At leaast she is with nature now. I just fear to see her this coming weekend with her steady decline.

After not seeing her for a whole week you will probably see a difference and I truly hope you're pleasantly surprised.

It two months she goes from a rescue to near death now. It;'s just so sad.

Makes me wonder if Snowball was perhaps unwell when you kindly rescued her and its taken all this time for her to show it? Either way, she is like in that she has probably lived a far longer life already thanks to you

Do you have any staffs to keep her spike in place? Since most of my Orchids had them when I bought them I have kept them if they ever bloom again.

Are "staffs" a stick? if so then yes, Orkie had a plastic type of cane but she soon outgrew that. I was looking at her today and although she is leaning over slightly, her stem is curving naturally and doesn't looked stressed.....if this makes sense so for now, I am leaving well alone.

I have learned I made some big mistakes in not repotting them earlier was the moss has rotted so many of their roots. Most of my Orchids will now, sadly, have setbacks. All I can do is learn from this experience.

At least you've spotted this and learned from it (more than I've ever done). I am sure your Orchids will be fine you're giving them the best care, many owners wouldn't even think to re-pot them.

. Maizie will not fall victim to my ignorance of moss and root rot.

I can see that Maixzie is going to be very cossetted you might turn her into another diva..Lol!

Yes, the Spiderettes and my Spider plants take just regular potting mix. Nothing special.

No diva behaviour by your musical Spider plants then

Duchess for sure. I took a photo of her during her sulk as I found it oddly funny. Princess is much more calm. Princess just shed her final white leaf yesterday and Duchess did the same for her final red leaf last week. They are all greenies for now.

I do hope Duchess-isn't insulted by turning green :Clol: I cant wait to see if they turn back into their original colours later in the year and even if for some reason they dont then they're still lovely plants.

They have this blue too at my grocery store. It's just sad in a way. Why tinker with these plants. I notice they do the same for white Poinsettias around Christmas with dying their leaves.

I've seen some roses which have been treated in the same way and also some covered in glitter, they really dont need it. Its like you say, why mess with them, they're already beautiful enough in their natural state.

I am SO jealous of her Orchid. It kept it's blooms until late-July, I bought her in early May. She has a great root system and is growing a new leave at this time.

You're mother does have truly green thumbs..... not that you dont too I am sure you must take after her in this way.

Having said that I paid full price for that Orchid whilst the ones I have were mostly discount, rescues.

This must make a big difference, because your Orchids are already under stress when you rescue them.

One day a new friend will come into your life from the discount shelf.

I hope so. I might finish up buying one of those very blue ones if they fail to sell...Lol! although I would allow it to turn back to its natural state.

Khloe is reblooming a little so she is pleased.

You go Khloe!

LOL, they must have forgotten you or gotten lost.

Michelle, my aliens would never, ever forget, They worship me

How long has it been since they taken you aboard their space ship?

erm quite a while, about a year.

Maybe their space ship has had mechanical difficulties?

Yes, that will be the problem I am sure they're already in contact with the Space - ship version of the AA. Next stop earth when they will deliver my present :hats:

So I KNOW 'Lashes.

Ooo a shouting Michelle :laughing:

So you say my friend, so you say.

I do say, I do

Worms are so strange but useful. Do any of your birds eat them? Our American Robins have a skill for finding them.

Yes, our garden Blackbird (who has just reappeared from his vacation) absolutely loves to eat worms. He (the blackbird) keeps an eye on what we are doing in the garden and if we have been weeding or turning the soil over, we will see him arrive searching for fresh worms, other times he does a kind of a funny dance when he stamps his feet on the grass, which I think attracts the worms to the surface...yuck! I know I should feel sorry for worms, I just dont, but I cant watch them being eaten alive either

 

[Michelle Stevens]

After not seeing her for a whole week you will probably see a difference and I truly hope you're pleasantly surprised.

I hope you're right but I'm not too optimistic. I fear the blight has got her and it's a matter of time. Poor thing.

Makes me wonder if Snowball was perhaps unwell when you kindly rescued her and its taken all this time for her to show it? Either way, she is like in that she has probably lived a far longer life already thanks to you

That is true but it seems to be the same issue that took Early Rosa's life. That is true, they all lived longer in my care but not as long as I had hoped. My Hydrangea issue are not compounded by a crisis in my Orchid family.

Are "staffs" a stick? if so then yes, Orkie had a plastic type of cane but she soon outgrew that. I was looking at her today and although she is leaning over slightly, her stem is curving naturally and doesn't looked stressed.....if this makes sense so for now, I am leaving well alone.

LOL, yes, I meant the canes. I don't know what they are called officially. I have had a few leaning Orchids in my, so called, care but they do this in nature. You have a very happy Orchid my friend. :danc:

At least you've spotted this and learned from it (more than I've ever done). I am sure your Orchids will be fine you're giving them the best care, many owners wouldn't even think to re-pot them.

Okay, the bad news, very bad news. A few of my Orchids have taken a turn for the worse. Rot has set in on half of them and I'm trying to save them. I don't know if I over-watered them with their moss medium. My beloved Gem is the worse as I'm certain she has stem rot as she is yellowing. It breaks my heart as she is one of my favourites. I believe it's a moral affliction. Lumina lost almost all of her roots to rot and is now in a water culture to attempt to save her life. She has healthier leaves but she is very critical. If she makes it it will be a slow road back. She is in a glass naked with the tips of her roots touching water. PV is also very unhappy and I may have to un-pot her too and attempt to save her if she continues to decline. I have learned the hard way about not looking after their roots with moss. I plan to re-pot Maizie on Monday in bark to never have this issue arise again. I could be losing half or more of my Orchid family to this.

My plant dramas.

I can see that Maizie is going to be very cossetted you might turn her into another diva..Lol!

She very well may be a diva in the making. She seems so happy to be alive and in a home after all that time in the store and unwanted. I get good plant vibes from her. Oddly she is my shining hope in my Orchid family at this time.

No diva behaviour by your musical Spider plants then

No, they are well behaved. Khloe may be keeping them in check.

I do hope Duchess-isn't insulted by turning green :Clol: I cant wait to see if they turn back into their original colours later in the year and even if for some reason they dont then they're still lovely plants.

I will surely only get a few coloured leaves from them this year at best as I doubt they'll lose their green leaves by Christmas. I doubt they'll ever look as good as last year but I love them all the same. Again, alive is better than being binned in January.

I've seen some roses which have been treated in the same way and also some covered in glitter, they really dont need it. Its like you say, why mess with them, they're already beautiful enough in their natural state.

Agreed! I noticed gold glitter on some of the Poinsettias around Christmas and wonder way. Plants don't have glitter.

You're mother does have truly green thumbs..... not that you dont too I am sure you must take after her in this way.

She has more skills or better luck than me at this time but I'm not deterred.

This must make a big difference, because your Orchids are already under stress when you rescue them.

Agreed!

I hope so. I might finish up buying one of those very blue ones if they fail to sell...Lol! although I would allow it to turn back to its natural state.

Good idea. I have been tempted by buy one of these too on discount. They would just be white the next time they bloomed. Sometimes the dye remains and some blue tint remains. Good Orchids, just slightly tampered with.

You go Khloe!

I'll share a photo is she really gives a good show.

Michelle, my aliens would never, ever forget, They worship me

And leave you for many months .... my minions would NEVER do that.

erm quite a while, about a year.

Very concerning.

Yes, that will be the problem I am sure they're already in contact with the Space - ship version of the AA. Next stop earth when they will deliver my present :hats:

You are so hopeful.

They may have moved onto someone or something else. I do hope they bring the Enforcer new gloves and boots. She needs them.

Ooo a shouting Michelle :laughing:

Yes!

I do say, I do

Yes, our garden Blackbird (who has just reappeared from his vacation) absolutely loves to eat worms. He (the blackbird) keeps an eye on what we are doing in the garden and if we have been weeding or turning the soil over, we will see him arrive searching for fresh worms, other times he does a kind of a funny dance when he stamps his feet on the grass, which I think attracts the worms to the surface...yuck! I know I should feel sorry for worms, I just dont, but I cant watch them being eaten alive either

They seems to act like and look alot like our Robins, Thrushes. I dislike seeing the worms being gobbled down but the birds have to eat too. They are fun to watch.

 

[Michelle Stevens]

Eagle Chat​

Aww how wonderful! :love7: great to see them and know they're well.

Its also a relief to know that Lipstick hasn't gone and dumped Guy

LOL, I stop by about once or twice a week so pardon me if I don't reply until I have new photos or information. I will reply to your replies but I wait until I have something to add.

..... and I have another spotting a few days ago.

Lol! ... I wonder if they will hire the cleaners who live below them

LOL!:floor:Someone needs to clean-up this mess.

Maybe the strong winds blew the grass seeds into the air?, no maybe not or perhaps the grass was already on the material the eagles used to build the nests?

Good ideas. I was thinking just seeds in the bird droppings could have done this but the Eagles eat meat.

I hope they have decided not to lay any eggs now in that thick grass. .

 

[Long Lashes]

I have had a few leaning Orchids in my, so called, care but they do this in nature. You have a very happy Orchid my friend.

I didn't realise that they bend naturally, I thought Orkie was just doing her own thing luckily I have you my Orchid expert. to put me right.

Okay, the bad news, very bad news. A few of my Orchids have taken a turn for the worse. Rot has set in on half of them and I'm trying to save them. I don't know if I over-watered them with their moss medium. My beloved Gem is the worse as I'm certain she has stem rot as she is yellowing. It breaks my heart as she is one of my favourites. I believe it's a moral affliction. Lumina lost almost all of her roots to rot and is now in a water culture to attempt to save her life. She has healthier leaves but she is very critical. If she makes it it will be a slow road back. She is in a glass naked with the tips of her roots touching water. PV is also very unhappy and I may have to un-pot her too and attempt to save her if she continues to decline. I have learned the hard way about not looking after their roots with moss.

Oh no , I am so sorry to read all this, you must be frantic. Can Mrs Orchid Girl give you some advice or have you already seeked her out? I am sending you positive vibes across the ocean and hoping they all recover for you. Please dont beat yourself up about it, plants are unpredictable things and at least you're trying to save them, many people would throw them away and buy another, whilst you give them every chance

She very well may be a diva in the making. She seems so happy to be alive and in a home after all that time in the store and unwanted. I get good plant vibes from her. Oddly she is my shining hope in my Orchid family at this time.

Thank goodness for Maizie, she arrived just at the right time.

I will surely only get a few coloured leaves from them this year at best as I doubt they'll lose their green leaves by Christmas. I doubt they'll ever look as good as last year but I love them all the same.

Yes, your Poinsettias will never need help from the recuse squad

I have been tempted by buy one of these too on discount. They would just be white the next time they bloomed. Sometimes the dye remains and some blue tint remains. Good Orchids, just slightly tampered with.

I will keep my eye on those Blue Orchids over the next few weeks, unless they've all been bought of course.

And leave you for many months .... my minions would NEVER do that.

My aliens have much further to travel than your sweet little Minions

They may have moved onto someone or something else.

No, never!

I do hope they bring the Enforcer new gloves and boots. She needs them.

She does need them, perhaps some expanding pairs would be best.

They seems to act like and look alot like our Robins, Thrushes. I dislike seeing the worms being gobbled down but the birds have to eat too.

I know, although, sometimes I wish birds were vegetarians


I have a photo to show, do not get excited . At last the Lavender I dried has finally....,... dried

Spoiler: Dried Lavender

Sorry about the massive size

To be honest it doesn't look as nice as I imagined.

I think I needed about twice as much Lavender, also the flower loses some of its colour when dried and it keeps dropping little buds ...... apart from all that it smells good

 

[Long Lashes]

Eagle Chat​

I stop by about once or twice a week so pardon me if I don't reply until I have new photos or information. I will reply to your replies but I wait until I have something to add.

That sounds fair enough to me

..... and I have another spotting a few days ago.

Ooo you are good at finding these new images :ty: What a handsome pair these two are, I notice the night cam is on, maybe they stopped over for the night?

. I was thinking just seeds in the bird droppings could have done this but the Eagles eat meat.

This is not a nice thought, but ..... do chickens or rabbits eat grass? because if they do then .... sorry, this is a bit too squeamish to even think about :fp:

I hope they have decided not to lay any eggs now in that thick grass. .

Lol!... the eggs would be lost forever in all that grass. I imagine it makes a confy bed though.

 

[Michelle Stevens]

I didn't realise that they bend naturally, I thought Orkie was just doing her own thing luckily I have you my Orchid expert. to put me right.

Well I hope you are not referring to me as an Orchid expert as I have taken some of mine on a setback and even death. Whatever you are doing with Orkie you are doing it right. She is happy Orchid.

Oh no , I am so sorry to read all this, you must be frantic. Can Mrs Orchid Girl give you some advice or have you already seeked her out? I am sending you positive vibes across the ocean and hoping they all recover for you. Please dont beat yourself up about it, plants are unpredictable things and at least you're trying to save them, many people would throw them away and buy another, whilst you give them every chance

It wasn't an easy weekend. Gem is surely lost as she has stem-rot. Her stem is turning yellow and her lovely leaves are falling off which is really heartbreaking as she was one of my favourites. On Sunday morning I returned her to Mother Nature as I couldn't do any more to save her. She as placed under my Mother's Rhododendron shrub in Ivy on the side of her home. I left her temporarily in her temporary pot so as she leaves this world she still has access to water. I so loved that plant and to lose my first Orchid is hard.

I just need to learn from this as I surely have overwatered them. PV and Lumina also remain critical and I'm fighting to keep them alive.

On a positive note my Mother gifted me a new Orchid as she knew I has upset with my recent setback. I took this photo of the new, yet to be named Orchid, my #7.

Spoiler

She has pale yellowing-green blooms. I placed her overnight next to Gem before Gem was laid to rest. One my be able to see the yellowing of Gem's stem. I will sure miss her large leaves.

The new Orchid was less expensive as it had a plastic pot instead of ceramic. She has five blooms and bark medium which I prefer. I hope she has a good life.

Thank goodness for Maizie, she arrived just at the right time.

Indeed she did. I do like Orchid with large leaves and Maizie has them even though they are damaged due to her months of neglect. July and August were tough months for me and my plant family. Snowball is at her end and I expect she will be gone when I see her again. I hope September is better. Thank you for reading my plant stories.

Yes, your Poinsettias will never need help from the recuse squad

LOL, indeed. I would never toss them (or any plant) out.

I will keep my eye on those Blue Orchids over the next few weeks, unless they've all been bought of course.

I noticed a few at one of our home improvement stores (Lowe's) this weekend in the discount rack. They still wanted $9 which was a little high for those heading to the bin. It would be interesting save one of these and see how it blooms again. They say the blue dye can tint the leaves slightly and the next blooms could also have a slight bluish tint. I hope you find one my friend.

My aliens have much further to travel than your sweet little Minions

My minions would never leave me to begin with.

No, never!

If you say so. I hope you're right.

She does need them, perhaps some expanding pairs would be best.

But that means your aliens will have to trigger a 'lash-out to test these expanding pairs.

I hope you are ready.

I know, although, sometimes I wish birds were vegetarians

True! We all hate seeing things die around us. BTW, how is your Robin? Has it returned recently?

I have a photo to show, do not get excited . At last the Lavender I dried has finally....,... dried

Spoiler: Dried Lavender

Sorry about the massive size

To be honest it doesn't look as nice as I imagined.

I think I needed about twice as much Lavender, also the flower loses some of its colour when dried and it keeps dropping little buds ...... apart from all that it smells good

Oh my, your Lavender looks very nice indeed. I just love the bee pot it's in. What a lovely colour that Lavender is. I bet it smells so nice. Hopefully it will remain with you for a long time. Are you going to grow more next year?

 

[Michelle Stevens]

Eagle Chat​

That sounds fair enough to me

I just don't want you thinking I've overlooked your comments. It's just slow at the Eagle cams now.

BTW, I noticed this image from the Liberty and Freedom nest today. I wonder if that is Freedom or Liberty?

Ooo you are good at finding these new images :ty: What a handsome pair these two are, I notice the night cam is on, maybe they stopped over for the night?

They must have. That cam has been down for a day or two. I hope it's not down for the season. September- December is slow going in the Eagle nest world.

This is not a nice thought, but ..... do chickens or rabbits eat grass? because if they do then .... sorry, this is a bit too squeamish to even think about :fp:

I think so. Maybe the seeds for this grass were in the materials used in the inner nest?

Lol!... the eggs would be lost forever in all that grass. I imagine it makes a confy bed though.

That's what I was thinking. The grass looks much more comfier than just dead twigs.

 

[Long Lashes]

Whatever you are doing with Orkie you are doing it right. She is happy Orchid.

I think she enjoys my slap happy type of care she also lives in a bit of a draft as shes near our front door, so I think shes tough, plus she was very healthy when I first got her which makes a difference.

It wasn't an easy weekend. Gem is surely lost as she has stem-rot. Her stem is turning yellow and her lovely leaves are falling off which is really heartbreaking as she was one of my favourites. On Sunday morning I returned her to Mother Nature as I couldn't do any more to save her. She as placed under my Mother's Rhododendron shrub in Ivy on the side of her home. I left her temporarily in her temporary pot so as she leaves this world she still has access to water.

Aw poor Gem, she was a beauty. How thoughtful of you to let her still get water if she needs it.

Who knows? Gem could've been very poorly when you rescued her and at least this way she is having a dignified end, otherwise she would've be in a bin and unloved weeks ago.

. I so loved that plant and to lose my first Orchid is hard.

PV and Lumina also remain critical and I'm fighting to keep them alive.

Come on PV and Lumina, sort yourselves out and get better soon

On a positive note my Mother gifted me a new Orchid as she knew I has upset with my recent setback. I took this photo of the new, yet to be named Orchid, my #7.

Spoiler

She has pale yellowing-green blooms. I placed her overnight next to Gem before Gem was laid to rest. One my be able to see the yellowing of Gem's stem. I will sure miss her large leaves.

She is so lovely, a very pretty Orchid I love her colour its a sort of buttery shade and her leaves look a slightly different shape, more rounded. How thoughtful of your Mother and who cares if shes in a plastic pot, shes gorgeous, thanks for showing me Michelle.

Aww I can see Gem there too and you gave her every chance, she did have such long leaves didn't she. Whatever you do, do not let BH see that cute rabbit you have on that table

Indeed she did. I do like Orchid with large leaves and Maizie has them even though they are damaged due to her months of neglect. July and August were tough months for me and my plant family. Snowball is at her end and I expect she will be gone when I see her again. I hope September is better. Thank you for reading my plant stories.

I enjoy catching up with your plant family, they have all given you (and through you) me too, such pleasure. I so wish they could've all stayed healthy for your sake, but sadly the damage was maybe already there when you rescued them.

I have a feeling that Maizie is going to be a toughie

I noticed a few at one of our home improvement stores (Lowe's) this weekend in the discount rack. They still wanted $9 which was a little high for those heading to the bin. I

I think Orchids in the UK are far more expensive. The blue ones I saw are £15 each which roughly works out as $22 :eck: am I being ripped off.....Lol

It would be interesting save one of these and see how it blooms again. They say the blue dye can tint the leaves slightly and the next blooms could also have a slight bluish tint.

Yes, it would be interesting to see the deep blue colour disappear and just leave a tint, I could cope with a slight tint.

My minions would never leave me to begin with.

Is that because they have nowhere else to go?

But that means your aliens will have to trigger a 'lash-out to test these expanding pairs.

I hope you are ready.

The Enforcer is always ready

how is your Robin? Has it returned recently?

I last saw it about 2 weeks ago and most of its breast has now turned red, still looks cute though. I will do all I can to try and get a photograph of him/her.... I suspect its a male as its a very deep red colour now.

Oh my, your Lavender looks very nice indeed. I just love the bee pot it's in. What a lovely colour that Lavender is. I bet it smells so nice. Hopefully it will remain with you for a long time.

Thank you It does smell gorgeous, although its little buds keep dropping. One of my friends suggested I spray it with hair-spray to get the buds to stay on the stems, but I dont want the Lavender to smell of hairspray. Next year I need to pick the flowers earlier in the season and also a much bigger bunch so that it completely fills the vase.

Are you going to grow more next year?

Oh yes, definitely. I cut down the bush last week in readiness for the autumn and it should flower again next year, I am missing the bees already. I must say our garden bin smells lovely right now..lol

 

[Long Lashes]

Eagle Chat​

I just don't want you thinking I've overlooked your comments. It's just slow at the Eagle cams now.

I completely understand my friend.

I noticed this image from the Liberty and Freedom nest today. I wonder if that is Freedom or Liberty?

Seeing this has really made me smile I've missed seeing Liberty and Freedom and I love it when they come back to check on the nest. That nest is in a far better state than it was this time last year lol

Maybe the seeds for this grass were in the materials used in the inner nest?

Thats very likely and grass gets absolutely everywhere. When I've been weeding our garden I keep coming across tiny patches of grass and wonder how the heck did it get in the soil?

 

[Michelle Stevens]

I think she enjoys my slap happy type of care she also lives in a bit of a draft as shes near our front door, so I think shes tough, plus she was very healthy when I first got her which makes a difference.

She is a tough Orchid. I know I must have already asked but I forget sometimes, how long have you had Orkie? It seems they take some time to get adjusted to their surroundings.

Aw poor Gem, she was a beauty. How thoughtful of you to let her still get water if she needs it.

I'll see her remains tomorrow. I miss her here with my others but am glad that my newest (and yet unnamed) Orchid got to meet her. #7 meets #3. I just have to learn from her ordeal and never repeat my mistakes and be more mindful if they give off signals.

Who knows? Gem could've been very poorly when you rescued her and at least this way she is having a dignified end, otherwise she would've be in a bin and unloved weeks ago.

I bought Gem on 11 January so she lived over seven months with me. I hope all of my Orchids make the year anniversary at the least. Somehow moisture got trapped in her lower stem where the roots and spike remains were and started to rot, nearly fatal all the time. Probably the worst thing for an Orchid.

:ty:

Come on PV and Lumina, sort yourselves out and get better soon

They have a long road ahead with so few roots. They are still critical but stable. PV is going to lose a leaf but otherwise she is alive. I just need to see new root growth to know they are out of danger and that could take time. These Phalaenopsis Orchids are slow so I have to be patient. I am on their time.

She is so lovely, a very pretty Orchid I love her colour its a sort of buttery shade and her leaves look a slightly different shape, more rounded. How thoughtful of your Mother and who cares if shes in a plastic pot, shes gorgeous, thanks for showing me Michelle.

Oh, of course. You got me into this Orchid hobby so it's a credit to you. Yes, her blooms are very buttery like lemon butter. I took a few photos of her blooms in the daylight.

Spoiler

I don't know how long these blooms will be with me so I better take as many shots as I can.

Aww I can see Gem there too and you gave her every chance, she did have such long leaves didn't she. Whatever you do, do not let BH see that cute rabbit you have on that table

LOL, BH would adore that ceramic Bunny. I made a BH mistake with my Orchids with misplaces love with keeping them too damp hence the root rot.

Yes, how I adored Gem's leaves, the long one and one crumpled one from her days on the shelf. As soon as they began to yellow from the stem I knew she had to return to Mother Nature. I will miss her.

I enjoy catching up with your plant family, they have all given you (and through you) me too, such pleasure. I so wish they could've all stayed healthy for your sake, but sadly the damage was maybe already there when you rescued them.

There is such truth to that. Most are heading to the bin when I get them so they are projects. I certainly understand why people love their plants.

I have a feeling that Maizie is going to be a toughie

I sure hope she is as I need to repot her soon. I don't want to have rotten roots months from now because I left her in tight moss. I have bark soaking now for the repot. She and Sunburst are starting new leaves which has be so happy. Any growth is a plus.:hats:

I think Orchids in the UK are far more expensive. The blue ones I saw are £15 each which roughly works out as $22 :eck: am I being ripped off.....Lol

LOL, no most are about $20 here. Now my new Lemon coloured Orchid was $11.94 but she had a plastic outer bowl. My Mother bought her at Walmart which are usually less expensive than the grocery stores and hardware stores. I've gotten them on the discount shelf from $5-$7.

Yes, it would be interesting to see the deep blue colour disappear and just leave a tint, I could cope with a slight tint.

It would! I wonder how many of these sell? I hope you find one someday. I'll always be here if you want to talk about Orchids.

Is that because they have nowhere else to go?

They have all of Earth to travel but they stay at my side. :dance1:

The Enforcer

is always ready

Good to know. I just hope your alien friends don't trigger a lash-out while we are in the middle of a busy day at the SC Cafe. I have to keep my senses on alert for green rays or high pitched sounds from above.

BTW, I see you are now the Telly Talk Enforcer.

I last saw it about 2 weeks ago and most of its breast has now turned red, still looks cute though. I will do all I can to try and get a photograph of him/her.... I suspect its a male as its a very deep red colour now.

Well surely he/she is active with all that goes on in late-summer. It's sad that summer is coming to an end soon.

Thank you It does smell gorgeous, although its little buds keep dropping. One of my friends suggested I spray it with hair-spray to get the buds to stay on the stems, but I dont want the Lavender to smell of hairspray. Next year I need to pick the flowers earlier in the season and also a much bigger bunch so that it completely fills the vase.

LOL, I agree about the hairspray. Maybe you could make Lavender Hairspray? You seems to have your plans set for next year's crop.

Oh yes, definitely. I cut down the bush last week in readiness for the autumn and it should flower again next year, I am missing the bees already. I must say our garden bin smells lovely right now..lol

Have you had cool nights yet? We have had showers much of the last week which is a relief. I bet your garden bin smells good with your Lavender. Is Tiny Tim still outside?

 

[Michelle Stevens]

Eagle Chat​

I completely understand my friend.

I actually have new images from the nest of Lipstick and Guy.

Seeing this has really made me smile I've missed seeing Liberty and Freedom and I love it when they come back to check on the nest. That nest is in a far better state than it was this time last year lol

That is so true. Maybe they will nest earlier as their nest is in better condition.

Thats very likely and grass gets absolutely everywhere. When I've been weeding our garden I keep coming across tiny patches of grass and wonder how the heck did it get in the soil?

Mother Nature has her secrets.

I also have found Guy or Lipstick made a recent visit to their nest.

 

[Long Lashes]

how long have you had Orkie?

I think its about 2 years, which is something of a record for me

It seems they take some time to get adjusted to their surroundings.

Yes, I think you're right, which is why I dare not move Orkie into another place, she seems happiest in the hallway.

I'll see her remains tomorrow. I miss her here with my others but am glad that my newest (and yet unnamed) Orchid got to meet her. #7 meets #3. I just have to learn from her ordeal and never repeat my mistakes and be more mindful if they give off signals.

If only they could talk, it would make it far easier to care for them. I am sure Orkie would be saying "shes ignoring me again"

I bought Gem on 11 January so she lived over seven months with me. I hope all of my Orchids make the year anniversary at the least. Somehow moisture got trapped in her lower stem where the roots and spike remains were and started to rot, nearly fatal all the time. Probably the worst thing for an Orchid.

I didn't realise you had her all that time (time is sure flying this year). I know you will sadly miss her, but she has taught you and me so much, she is another of our legends

They have a long road ahead with so few roots. They are still critical but stable. PV is going to lose a leaf but otherwise she is alive. I just need to see new root growth to know they are out of danger and that could take time. These Phalaenopsis Orchids are slow so I have to be patient. I am on their time.

I hope they start to show you that they're still growing in the not too distant future, what a great sign that would be to see and you more than deserve a break.

Yes, her blooms are very buttery like lemon butter. I took a few photos of her blooms in the daylight.

Spoiler

These are beautiful photos Michelle :10: the contrast between the dark background and her light blooms look incredible! She looks so exotic thanks for showing me. Does she need a name or have you already thought of one?

LOL, BH would adore that ceramic Bunny.

Its very cute and if she knew you had that Bunny she wouldn't let you rest until you gave it to her. It will be our secret

I sure hope she is as I need to repot her soon. I don't want to have rotten roots months from now because I left her in tight moss. I have bark soaking now for the repot. She and Sunburst are starting new leaves which has be so happy. Any growth is a plus.

Yaay! well done Maizie and Sunburst, you clever plants!:hats:

LOL, no most are about $20 here. Now my new Lemon coloured Orchid was $11.94 but she had a plastic outer bowl. My Mother bought her at Walmart which are usually less expensive than the grocery stores and hardware stores.

Oh I see, so our prices are similar. The blue Orchids in Tesco are still for sale at the full price, they have about half of them left.

I've gotten them on the discount shelf from $5-$7.

Thats the type of bargain I am looking for, not so much because of the low cost, but more because I want the challenge of helping an unwanted Orchid. Your example of being a plant rescuer has rubbed off on me too

They have all of Earth to travel but they stay at my side. :dance1:

True. Your sweet little minions are very loyal to you. Have you brainwashed them?

I see you are now the Telly Talk Enforcer.

I am :danc: my title has been kindly upgraded.

It's sad that summer is coming to an end soon.

Yes, where did it go? its starting to feel like early autumn here, I do love the autumn though. I've tried to make my avatar and signature an autumn theme, not sure I like it, it's a work in progress lol!

Have you had cool nights yet?

The evenings are becoming cooler and also its going dark far earlier. I have been brave and have not yet switched the central heating back on.

We have had showers much of the last week which is a relief.

Did it rain a lot? do you get many floods? questions, questions .. lol

Is Tiny Tim still outside?

He is indeed and he is now known as "Medium Tim" :Clol:

 

[Long Lashes]

Eagle Chat​

I actually have new images from the nest of Lipstick and Guy.

Oh wow, who is that flying I wonder? what a fab picture this is! .:bravo1: its such an atmospheric nest

I also have found Guy or Lipstick made a recent visit to their nest.

Aww just look at him/her :love5:


I hope our Peaches and Herb are thriving out in the world, they might even come across Soap and Chat

 

[Michelle Stevens]

I think its about 2 years, which is something of a record for me

That's good! I hope it's just the start of a long time together for you and Orkie.

Yes, I think you're right, which is why I dare not move Orkie into another place, she seems happiest in the hallway.

Good idea. The become content to their locations. Does Mr. L like Orkie?

If only they could talk, it would make it far easier to care for them. I am sure Orkie would be saying "shes ignoring me again"

Indeed it would be interesting to know that they thought, if they had brains. My Poinsettias would be really talkative if they could speak. :laughing:

I didn't realise you had her all that time (time is sure flying this year). I know you will sadly miss her, but she has taught you and me so much, she is another of our legends

So true. January- August. I looked at Gem's long leaf yesterday as she becomes one with nature. I will really miss her. I also saw the last of the green on Snowball yesterday too. It's sad I lost both Hydrangeas but I noticed whatever blight they had the ones on the hardware stories also have that same blight. I don't feel as bad but I could never figure out what it was.

I have placed Gem's pot next to Early Rosa's pot as both are legends. Hopefully each of us only have two legends for some time.

I hope they start to show you that they're still growing in the not too distant future, what a great sign that would be to see and you more than deserve a break.

PV and Lumina still remain critical with no signs of recovery. If they improve it will be slow. I just look each day to see of they are getting moisture and air and light. It's all on them if the have enough energy to regrow.

These are beautiful photos Michelle :10: the contrast between the dark background and her light blooms look incredible! She looks so exotic thanks for showing me. Does she need a name or have you already thought of one?

Thank you! I have been calling her Lemon Drop as her blooms are so lemon or lemonade coloured. It's not in stone and if you have any suggestions I'll take them.

Having said that I have three new Orchids. One I bought last Thursday from the hardware store on the discount shelf. Her blooms had dropped but they were still in the pot. Oddly she has a name already, Nepture. A sticker on her pot said Nepture so I went with that. And this morning I struck up a conversation with the flower lady at the supermarket about what happens to their unwanted Orchids. I had no intention of buying any as I have two new ones and she said a man with a greenhouse picks them up. Then she, to my amazement gave two tired pink Orchids to me that she had just removed from the display which were $18 each. I was in shock to get two FREE distressed Orchids. I think Michelle's hotness was a factor. They both are unnamed as of now and were very dry but in bark which helps. I'm so happy! :hats:#9 and #10 ... I have to put the brakes on this for a while ... maybe at least for a few weeks. I don't want to overdue it as each one is special. Nine living Orchids and you got me into this my friend. Photos to come this week.

Its very cute and if she knew you had that Bunny she wouldn't let you rest until you gave it to her. It will be our secret

Thank you! She can be a handful with her obsession with all things bunny.

Yaay! well done Maizie and Sunburst, you clever plants!:hats:

I had to repot Maizie last Friday and I'm on eggshells as I hope the shock of bark instead of moss will not harm her too much. It was the right time but I worry. I spent an hour doing the repotting as I didn't want to make any mistakes and to make it as easy for her as I could.

Oh I see, so our prices are similar. The blue Orchids in Tesco are still for sale at the full price, they have about half of them left.

Beware as when I was looking at (when I bought Neptune) there were several discount blue Orchids and I was inspecting their roots and I got blue food dye on Michelle's lovely hands. Grrr.... I would pick one but Nepture jumped out at me for some reason. I hope you find one sometime so we can exchange notes. I'd love to see how a Blue Orchid return after being injected by the food colouring in the next bloom cycle.

Thats the type of bargain I am looking for, not so much because of the low cost, but more because I want the challenge of helping an unwanted Orchid. Your example of being a plant rescuer has rubbed off on me too

It's so reward and to get them to bloom again is a real bonus. To care for anything unwanted just tugs my heartstrings. To save them from certain death is a reward even if they don't live long. Even plants need love.

True. Your sweet little minions are very loyal to you. Have you brainwashed them?

Hotwashing! Michelle hotwashes people with her incredible hotness.

I am :danc: my title has been kindly upgraded.

:laughing:

I see the Soap Chat Cafe is now the Telly Talk Cafe. We need a new sign.

Yes, where did it go? its starting to feel like early autumn here, I do love the autumn though. I've tried to make my avatar and signature an autumn theme, not sure I like it, it's a work in progress lol!

I love your latest avatar. It's so classy and elegant!

The evenings are becoming cooler and also its going dark far earlier. I have been brave and have not yet switched the central heating back on.

Indeed. It just feels like Autumn is fast approaching. I guess we better enjoy what little of Summer that is left. No doubt the heat is soon to be on.

Did it rain a lot? do you get many floods? questions, questions .. lol

No floods here, an inch and a half last week which is good for the farmer as out ground was getting hard. Sunny and mild this week thus far. How is it in your part of the world?

He is indeed and he is now known as "Medium Tim" :Clol:

He must be growing. You and Mr. L must be feeding him well. Will he be brought indoor this Winter?

 

[Michelle Stevens]

Eagle Chat​

Oh wow, who is that flying I wonder? what a fab picture this is! .:bravo1: its such an atmospheric nest

It could be Guy!

He was back a few days later.

Aww just look at him/her :love5:

Another, I think, Starling taking a visit of the nest a few days ago.

That Poplar tree a very popular with the wildlife.

I hope our Peaches and Herb are thriving out in the world, they might even come across Soap and Chat

Indeed. I wish I knew where this Farm Country cam is. Imagine what it would be like to have Soap and Chat and Peach and Herb all together on a nest. Never going to happen but it would be grand.