Zygonera Adelaide Meadows

[Dorsetman]

I found this plant in full flower , as seen, when I went into the greenhouse today. My first visit for perhaps a week - my hands are full nursing my wife, in perhaps her last days, now that she is home from hospital and care-home where she has been for maybe 9 weeks ( I have lost count - who times a nightmare ? ). Latterly they were not doing her much good - no possible treatment available for her conditions apart from pain relief, and I can measure out the morphine as well as any nurse I think. There can never be enough staff either in hospital or even a five start care-home when most all the patients /residents are elderly with multiple conditions : I know I can do better but it is then a 24 hour job, rather relentless….

To change the subject ( sorry for my moan - just getting it off my chest among friends ) …


Zygoneria Adelaide Meadows. A hybrid using 4 or so Zygopetallum species - which actually are all rather similar; in fact I have in the past grown three of them, and found it hard to know which of them was in flower without looking at the label . The colouring is always bluish purple etc.

Neoardneria murrayana is the other parent, used to provide the green colour. I had never heard of this - had to look it up. The flowers were less than 4 cm, when one example was awarded by AOS. This hybrid has flowers quite literally twice that size - 8 x 8 cm.but this sems to be exceptional - Orchidwiz lists about 25 awards for the grex, and none has flowers quite as big, 7 x 7 being a typical awarded size. Often awarded with 3 flowers per spike, just one or two of the smaller flowered ones having more than 4.

Two spikes from one lead, and a second lead has a flower spike just starting. Must like my conditions since I moved it at the beginning of the year.

[charity]

You're not moaning and I'm so sorry. I am sure that is very hard to go through and if talking takes the stress off just a little, by all means do it. Don't judge yourself either, most people couldn't handle what you are doing. On a happier note, beautiful Zygo you got there!

[Keysguy]

ditto what Charity said.
Be strong for both of you Geoff. Your orchids will be a good distraction.

[Sheryl]

Geoff, thoughts for strength and comfort to you and your wife during this difficult time. And yes your flower is very lovely!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Hey Geoff, I hope you know lots of people are out here thinking of you and sending good thought of healing and comfort to you and your wife. She is so lucky to have you in her life and you being willing to let her enjoy her final days at home where she surely finds more rest and comfort. You are an amazing man that I have admired for some time now. The loving gift you are giving to your spouse is incredible blessing for her. Thanks for taking time to share with your friends here what is happening in your life as well as in your greenhouse. Thinking of you, my friend.

And before I go, that is a beautiful Zygonera bloom! I love how thick the petals of the bloom appear. I bet it is really fragrant too. It really loves its new home!

Cheers,
BD