Hear my talk on ORCHIDS!!! February 4th at Molbak's!

After years of visiting, purchasing from, and admiring the institution that is Molbak's Garden and Home in Woodinville, WA, the lovely Karen Chapman helped get my name through the door for me to finally stand on their stage and present a talk!



It's going to be about ORCHIDS!

The last talk I ever gave on orchids was a scientific talk in flasking techniques and micropropagation of assorted genera in the Orchidaceae when I was an undegrad, but this time, we have to simplify it a bit and introduce folks to a most fascinating group of plants that simply mesmerize and draw us to them.

Once rare and only the wealthiest and most powerful could ever dream of owning and growing one, the orchid has come a long way from Greek testicles, Chinese aphrodisiacs to symbiotic sexual acts with insects and prom flowers at Trader Joe's.

My talk will cover the alluring and interesting history of why such a family of flowering plants have captivated us over the years and how we can take this fond curiosity about them and nurture them to grow and bloom in our homes.



The talk will be at 12PM at Molbak's on February 4th. A Saturday.

I do hope you'll come and be inspired to own and grow an orchid.


Riz

Back to classes for gardeners, too!

My friends at Parson's Public Relations sent me a little reminder that fall is around the corner and, immediately, it struck me that there's a lot going on that Pacific Northwest gardeners need to be aware of because not many people realize that:


* Cooler autumn air and increased rainfall make the perfect conditions for developing strong roots.

* Healthy roots make for more drought-tolerant and disease-resistant plants

* Taking action in the garden now will not only help the garden thrive come spring, it will also make it more resilient to the impacts of climate change, such as drier summers and wetter winters.

hhmm...I'd also add that PLANTS ARE ON SALE AT MOST NURSERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!


On top of this, a series of free seminars are being presented at our local nurseries, where people can learn all about the benefits of fall planting, as well as see all the exciting choices of plants available at this time of year (not just mums, pansies and ornamental cabbage!):



Fall into Lazy Gardening
Learn what to plant this year for less maintenance and more color all year long. Replace fussy, high water-use plants with better behaved trees, shrubs and perennials. Next summer you'll use less water and enjoy more leisure time. Get a chance to win a small plant at the end of class.

Molbak's, 13625 NE 175th St, Woodinville

Phone: (425) 483-5000 Website: www.molbaks.com

Saturday, September 12, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.



Shrink Your Lawn, Grow Your Garden
Tired of spending time, money and effort to maintain your lawn? Want to add color to your landscape and invite wildlife into your yard? Learn how to convert some or all of your lawn into a beautiful landscape featuring native plants and attractive perennials. You'll be amazed how your newly converted landscape will be packed with birds and keep pests in check.

Swansons Nursery at 9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle

Phone: (206) 782-2543 Website: www.swansonsnursery.com

Saturday, September 19, 10:00–11:00 a.m.



Jazz Up Your Garden with a Fall Makeover
Learn how to have beauty every month of the year. This seminar will include garden design, plant selection and proper planting techniques. Fall is a great time to renovate your garden.

Sky Nursery, 18528 Aurora Ave N.

Phone: (206) 546-4851 Website: www.skynursery.com

Saturday, September 26, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.



Cheers,


Riz