Orchid Tree

The orchid tree is so named because the large, fragrant flowers bear a likeness to orchids.  The Bauhinia variegata is native to India but grows in many climates in the world, even here in the desert.  They are stunninly beautiful when in full bloom as the tree is usually covered with the blossoms.  I was lucky and caught a bee in the act of gettin up close and personal.

"Orchid Tree"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

This One's for You Susan

Last year my friend Susan headed to Colorado to attend to her ailing Mom. Knowing she'd be on the road and back and forth she gave me this orchid with the hopes I'd take reasonably good care of it. My luck with orchids is managing to keep them green after they bloom. Getting them to bloom again is another story. Except this year. Low and behold, I have blossoms. Green and lavender ones which go quite nicely with my kitchen decor. Thank you Susan.

"This One's for You Susan" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Speckled Orchids

Orchids come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. And one of our most popular flavorings, vanilla, is related to these beauties.

"Speckled Orchids" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Orchids in the Hot House

These beautiful white orchids were enjoying perfect surroundings at the Balboa Park conservatory in San Diego. Normally, orchids are in filtered light and I usually am not fortunate enough to capture them with natural sunlight. But on this particular day I was lucky.

"Orchids in the Hot House" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Orchid Waterfall

The conference is over and most of the attendees have headed home, but as I review my photos, this a spectacular one that doesn't do the actual scene the justice it deserves. These beautiful Phalaenopsis were striking in that they were so perfectly matched, all the same size and shape, all with the same number of blooms, all 24 plants.

"Orchid Waterfall" © Kathy Dunham 2008

San Diego Orchids

Orchids are a flower so diverse that you can find them in almost any color and in a wide array of shapes and sizes. Most orchids are grown in filtered light and it's always a challenge for me to find any in full sun so I can capture the way the light plays hide and seek across the petals. While in San Diego a few weeks ago I came upon a number of these beauties in the Conservatory at Balboa Park.

"San Diego Orchids" © Kathy Dunham 2008