Encyclia cochleata flower is certainly not typical of an orchid flower although it is typical of its group within the genus and therefore not unusual. Encyclia contains many examples of these `upside down’ flowers, where the lip is seen at the top of the flower and the sepals and petals are held below. These are called nonrespinate flowers, as they do not turn to bring their lip on the lower plane as do most orchids. There is presumably some advantage in this for the pollination of these flowers.

While the species dwindle and become ever more scarce, the hybrids multiply in their hundreds each year, and the hybridising becomes ever more complex. The beauty of these intergeneric hybrids is undeniable. The colours have been increased to encompass all shades from pure white to vibrant purples. Again we see an unmistakeable vigour bred into the plant from so many generations of line breeding. The modern Laeliocattleya or Brassolaeliocattleya hybrid is a living testament to the hybridiser’s art.

One adaption in orchids can be found among the epidendrums. The species E. falcatum retains all its weight in the thick, heavy leaves. The root system is not numerous, but s-ong enough to hold a heavy plant firmly in its place on a tree. The pseudobulbs are merely short stems which support the long, spears-lriaped leaves which, rough and hard, will withstand a harsh environment. They are the main source of food supply for the plant.

Only occasionally is a single old leaf shed, their lifespan being for many years. The plant grows from a downward-creeping rhizome and the large green flower emerges from inside the base of the leaf. In cultivation the pendent habit should be retained and regular spraying essential.

Nevertheless their culture remains specialised, and their roots are all important to them. They do not take kindly to pot culture and should be accommodated on hark. Pieces of rough bark are ideal, as their extensive fine root system will take advantage of every crevice, the roots hugging the bark as well as growing freely in the air.

Exterior recessed lighting grows in popularity continually. You have only to drive by a place where this lighting has been applied, to appreciate the artistic ambiance it brings to the table. They can bring an otherwise dull and lifeless back yard, to a place of modern sophistication with a stylish grace and tone. Exterior recessed lighting is a must-have addition for anyone who loves to entertain late into the evening.

Around the decking of your pool, they not only enhance its beauty and add a sense of professionalism, but the safety they add into the quotient cannot be overlooked. Their color can be changed to set whatever atmosphere you desire, and the brightness can be adjusted to avoid too much glare and add a softer radiance.

Even inexperienced home owners find it extremely easy to install exterior recessed lighting in their homes and houses. Good designers manage to turn gardens and pathways into interesting looking areas of the house thanks to the colorful addition of the lighting.

Many professionals have chosen to become experts in exterior recessed lighting solutions to help those home owners who have troubles selecting the right light plan. They can turn patios into wonderful romantic getaways.

There are various grades of polythene sheeting for fixing to the glazing bars with drawings pins or a stapler. For an aluminium house there are specially-designed clips. A totally sealed greenhouse will give the grower a fresh crop of problems. Condensation will build up on the polythene and reduce the light drastically in the winter when every bit of light is of benefit.

Permanent condensation on the polythene will encourage algae to form, thus reducing the light. It will also produce a great deal of drip damaging to both plants and blooms. Probably the best method of double glazing therefore is a fine plastic netting which has been put through heated rollers. This seals the weave and prevents fraying.

These days of high fuel costs the most expensive item required in determining an orchid collection in the northern hemisphere is the Ming. Prevention of heat loss is the aim of every grower, and insulation of the greenhouse will make a great saving on fuel.

Heat will be detrimental to the plants, especially flower buds and young spikes which can turn yellow in a few days and drop off as a direct result of the fumes from these heaters. To prevent this, ensure that some bottom ventilation is given to supply fresh air. One ventilator on the ridge of the greenhouse should be left open about an inch (2.5 cm) to ensure some fresh air circulation.

Whatever main heating is chosen, be certain that it is capable of keeping the minimum temperature required on the coldest of winter nights. Manufacturers of heating appliances will tell you the degree of lift their equipment will offer to the outside temperature.

However, the best system can break down and an electricity failure will render even the most excellent of fan heaters useless. It is therefore essential to have more than one type of heating system, and the duplicate should always be different to the main appliance. A paraffin heater which works independently will make a good standby system to be used on a cold night should the mains fail.

As I mentioned in my previous article, children under age 5 are the usual victims of plant poisoning owing to their curious nature. At this age, it is hard to resist the allure of bright-colored and sweet-smelling flowers even if some of them are poisonous.

“Lots of plants are poisonous or capable of causing highly allergic reactions. Some will also pierce you with their sharp spines. Few actually do lasting harm but some should be treated with care and respect,” according to doctors at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Australia.

“Many plants have poisonous bulbs or roots but as these are usually safely underground, they are not likely to poison anyone. Others taste so awful that it is difficult to eat enough to cause a serious injury. Oleander, for example tastes so bitter and unpalatable that it is difficult to accidentally eat very many of the leaves. On the other hand there are plants that look appealing but contact can have bad results,” they added.

However, protecting our kids is easier said than done since it can be difficult to recognize a poisonous plant. Often there are no telltale signs or characteristics that distinguish a poisonous plant from one that isn’t. Therefore, we have to educate ourselves to save our children.

Although American grapes can similarly be grown on arbors, they are best trained by the four-cane Kniffen system. In this system the vine is pruned to four canes, each of which is tied to a wire. The four-cane Kniffen system can also be used to train some of the European grape varieties, such as Black Monukka, Blackrose, Emperor, Olivette Blanche, Red Malaga, Thompson Seedless and White Malaga. Usually, however, European grapes are better when grown on a single wire strung between posts about 3 to 3 1/2 feet from the ground.

To follow this system, each year cut away all but four canes. Tie two to the wire and cut them back to 6 to 10 buds each; cut the other two back to two buds each. The tied canes will produce the current year’s fruit, and the two-bud canes will produce canes for the following year’s fruit.

The largest flower in the genus is that of M. acrura, which measures 30cm (12in) or more vertically from top to bottom. This impressive length arises because of the long, tapering sepals. These evergreen epiphytic, or occasionally lithophytic, orchids inhabit cool, shady and moist areas of forest woodland high in the Andes of South America.

Decks are very useful additions to homes and buildings. It provides a recreational place for you and your family as well as friends and loved ones. More than always, decks are situated at the back of homes because backyards offer a more tranquil area. This is beside the fact that you enjoy the privacy from the prying eyes of passersby. It is also for the fact that the front of your homes should always be neat and clean so as to embody the homey feeling you have for it. On top of these all, homes usually face east so the back is the best place for watching the sunset.

Backyard decks are very cool places to stay for the hot afternoon with your friends, family, or loved ones. It is also where you can hold BBQ parties with your officemates or meetings with your clients or get romantic with your loved ones. To ensure that all of these will be accommodated in your backyard deck, you have to pick a design that will best match them. Some of the best designs can be found online and they are for free. Some are also found in magazines and country papers, which you just have to copy. But there are some also that are products of your own mind and will just need an interpretation from a professional, if you will not able to put it in drawing.

If you’re a beginner when it comes to herb gardening, you might be worried about which types of herbs you should grow. There are many different herbs available, and some are more difficult to grow than others. There are a few types of herbs that are especially easy to grow for beginners. These are generally more hardy plants that don’t require a lot of fertilizer or special work.

Parsley - Parsley is a relatively hardy annual in zones 2-11. Both flat-leaf and curly varieties are easy to care for and grow very well without a lot of extra care. It can do well in full sun to light shade, and needs rich soil that is well-drained but moist. It doesn’t do particularly well in heat.

Cilantro - Cilantro is used in many Spanish dishes and has a distinct flavor. This is an annual herb that grows well both in the shade and the sun. You’ll find that it is very easy to care for and it will grow pretty well in just about any type of climate.

The word empanada means “wrapped in bread” and these little snacks are created by wrapping a rough dough patty in half over a filling. This makes them semicircular in shape. Empanadas are very tasty and they make great snacks at any time of the day.

Empanadas from Galicia to Latin America

Mexican empanadas are thought to derive from Galicia in Spain and they arrived in Latin America when the Galician colonists did. A Galician empanada is a large round or square pie, which is served in slices, making it a hearty and portable lunch for workers. Variations of this kind of portable snack include Italian calzone, Indian samosas, and Cornish pasties. Actually most cultures have a kind of “pocket” or meat pie type dish because they are handy to carry around.

Chicken, cod or pork loin are popular fillings for Galician empanadas and these are very popular in Latin America because there are plenty of Galician colonists living there. Both Argentina and Uruguay consider empanadas to be a national dish.