Biggest smooches and a New blog series....

First order of business this morning is huge hugs and smooches to everyone for all the Birthday wishes.

You really are too kind.

My weekend was everything I hoped it would be and more.

A great spa getaway, time touring the Parade of Homes...and new shoes.

Pretty spectacular.

Now that it's Monday again let's just jump right back into the swing of things.

And what better way to start it off than with a new series.

I know right?

Happy freaking Monday to you!

So this little idea spawned with my love of indoor plants and my horrible luck of being unable to keep them alive.

Tragedy really.

I called on my friend Jannette who is a local florist and my go-to-girl for any event.

Jannette owns Absolutely Perfect Floral, and always amazes me with her talent for floral arranging!

Lucky for us she is willing to share with us her Best tips to help our potted pretties stay alive.

First on our list is....

Super accessible and pretty inexpensive, the basic potted orchid can be ultra sexy.

I love these beauties potted in something unexpected.

And I seem to manage a higher percentage rate at keeping them alive.

Here's what Jannette has to say:

We all know the basic care of house plants.  Sometimes we find the perfect
formula for a particular plant.  We move it from place to place, but
usually only after we notice new blooms or green and shiny leaves, do we
know we have found the right spot.

This is only one indication of the importance of sunlight.  Not only in
terms of quantity, but also quality.  Let’s talk about two of the most
popular potted orchids; cymbidiums and Phalaenopsis.
{me interjecting.... Phalaenopsis is the most common one found in the grocery store}

Cymbidium orchid growers will tell you that you should place them in
direct morning and afternoon sunlight.  However, I have found from
personal experience, that they actually prefer indirect sunlight.

Cymbidiums also prefer cooler temperatures, with a maximum of 85 degrees
during the daytime, and a low of 55 degrees at night; but no lower than 32
degrees.  They like to be moist, rather than wet, so watering them once or
twice a week should suffice; or when dry to the touch.

Phalaenopsis, on the other hand, are to be kept dry between watering.
They also do best in indirect sunlight, so keep them behind a curtain or
blinds.

Most orchids do best in a compost of bark and volcanic rocks.  When
watering, it is important to keep water away from the leaves, and never
allow the roots to sit in standing water.

Most orchids will only bloom once per year. They have a long period of hibernation but still keep a green leafy base. So they will still look nice in a potted bowl.

  And a soluble fertilizer is
recommended once a month.  You will want to fertilize less during winter
months, and remember to follow the instructions, and recommendations of
each “of the shelf” fertilizers and orchid food.  After flowering, reduce
fertilizer and food applications until new leaf production starts again.

{me again....the fertilizer is at your local gardening shop. Miracle grow makes a good one}

When they stop flowering and get brown and dry, cut them down to the nub and they will grow again from there.

The most important thing, is to love and care for your orchids.

Happy "Indoor" Gardening.

Jannette Grass

I am really excited about this new series and I am hopeful you all may find something you didn't know.

The goal is look like we know what the pros do...so if you have any other tips that might help us common folk...ie mio.

Pleaszzze share.

Join me on twitter here.

Huge thanks to Jannette make sure to check out her blog...we have another great house plant coming next month.

Our thumbs are about to get green ya'll.