Orchids are a very unique family of flowers; they are the largest family of flowering plants. The orchid has evolved so successfully that there is only one continent in the world where they do not grow naturally – Antarctica. The evolutions of the orchids mean that they have learnt to adapt to each individual environment. During this process of adaptation the orchid has drawn on arachnids, insects, birds and butterflies to ensure its successful pollination. We all have an idea that orchids are a beautiful flower – some are not, however, their achievements of survival still make them worthy of admiration.
The orchid family divides into three sections, Firstly the sympodial; this has developed in dry climates and stores water in swollen stems a sort of ‘pseudo bulb’. The second type is a monopodial; this type of orchid has one upward growing stem, a rhizome, and continually produces new leaves from an apex. This type does not reproduce easily, but if the main stem is damaged it may produce a new young plant from the base. The third and least common type of orchid is the diapodial; it grows in a similar manner to the sympodials, but without the bulbs.
Orchids grow and gather their food and moisture by different means as well. Most orchids attach themselves to trees or twigs, some to rock while the third place themselves more conventionally in soil.
The needs of an orchid are much less than many plants, this has been key to its survival. As with all plants the roots are the means of nourishing the orchid, however, with an orchid the roots have another function, they are the means of the orchid anchoring them self. It is the roots of the epiphytic orchid which holds it to the tree or rock with out which the orchid may perish. These exposed roots will absorb from the atmosphere the necessary moisture for survival; an orchid which is anchored to a tree may also absorb nourishment from the bird droppings or moulds on the bark of the tree.
The orchid is recognized as an exotic plant and has become the obsession of many an avid gardener. The wide variety of orchid plants means that there is a plant to suit almost every environment and if desired anyone can nurture an orchid. The range of orchids is constantly growing and a record of the different types is kept at the Royal Horticultural Society in London. This record contains all the recognized naturally occurring orchids as well as the hybrid orchids. Some orchids are now so rare that they are classified as endangered and protected by law. In the US there are certain orchids which are so rare that if you are caught picking or damaging one it is punishable under both federal and state law!
Orchid hybrids are naturally occurring as well and bred by enthusiasts. The ability of the orchid to evolve means that it is continually changing, it is possible that there are orchid hybrids formed and lost faster than man can record them. This is why the orchid has appealed to so many people; the survival of the orchid captures the imagination and then the sight of its delicate flowers draw people in to its world of wonders.
Archive for July 2nd, 2010
You may ask ‘what are water garden kits?’ Let’s just say that this is like Batman’s utility belt for every gardener who has a water pond. With water garden kit, the water gardener has everything he needs.
So the next question is ‘what’s inside a water garden kit?’ Read on so you could take a peek at the water gardener’s utility belt.
To enhance the attractiveness and beauty of their water garden, the kit is necessary for every gardener. Not only will human beings appreciate the view, even wildlife such as birds will come flocking your garden.
1. Some kits contain a one fountain pump that comes with a safety cord. This is for water gardeners who prefer to install their own fountains by themselves.
2. They also contain a 4-pack bird bath cleaner that thoroughly flushes out the organic residue and mineral deposits that build up in bird baths. Made from beneficial enzymes and bacteria, the water gardener’s bird bath will be healthier than ever. These handy dispensers float in the bowl and continuously threat the water for 30 days. Do not worry, these dispenser will not prevent the birds from drinking and bathing on the bath. In getting this, you even provided your flying pets with clean water.
3. No water gardener wants pesticides in his garden. Destroy those pesky mosquitoes even they are in their larvae states. Mosquitoes are so irritating, plus they can be harmful to human beings and animals. Mosquito bites transmit deadly viruses both to people and pets.
Garden kits contain solutions that you can throw into standing water. In only a matter of minutes, you can observe that it dissolves and releases granules that target mosquito larvae. These pests are destroyed way before they buzz around.
4. A main concern for water gardeners is the water that seeps through the entire ecosystem. That is why they have a water garden filter system in the first place to do the job. But for maintenance, water garden kits also include pond water filters that instantly remove the chlorine and chloramines from hose water. Simply by attaching these to your hose, you can fill up your pond and not worry about chlorine getting into the marine ecosystem and creating problems for your fish.
5. You want to feed your fish the best so we recommend that you buy a nutritionally balanced pellet that is also economically productive for everyday feeding of your goldfish. Make sure that it contains crude protein and can easily be digested by your pet fish living in water temperatures ranging from 50F to 65F.
There are some special pellets that combine the high quality required amino acids, digestive enzymes and vegetable proteins. Water gardeners and koi enthusiasts turn to these kinds of pellets for assurance that their pets will be healthy,
Usually, a water garden pond kit contains pond liner, the underlayment for the pond liner, a submersible pump, a filter, pond sterilizer, tubings, fittings and nozzle. Get the easy start pond kit to help you gear up for the water garden pond that you have always wanted.
The most popular garden kits are those that have everything the water gardener needs to have an attractive water garden. From maintaining the ponds to feeding the fish, the items inside the garden kit must be of top quality.
If a pump is included in the water garden kit, make sure that it can suck the water from the pond even with the skimmer flap placed above it. The pump should also filter the water as it passes through skimmers and pushed out to the tubing.
In fact some pumps have steam effect that allows it to make greater water drops (that is if you have a fountain). The good thing about having a water garden kit is that there are accessories that can play up your creativity, especially if you have a water garden fountain in your pond.
Most of the time, water garden kits can be assembled in the sense that it is a complete package deal for those who have water garden ponds with fountains. Considering the fact that it contains most of the tools you need for your hobby.
