PASTIMES

Apart from playing the piano, one of my pastimes is growing and looking after orchids. Although my eyesight is not as good as I would like, as I am visually impaired, I do pretty well.

The picture seen here is one of my orchids, the first flower on this one emerged on 7 January 2025 with more to follow.

All my others have flower spikes.

This orchid was one of two brought to me because the person did not know how to look after them. I repotted both in mid-2024 after receiving them.

Although not an expert, I have done well with all those I have. I have also posted some videos on YouTube.

In late 2023, I planted four acorns, and three successfully came through.

In 2024, two had their first two leaves.

This picture, February 2025, shows the progress made.

The second strongest has yet to put its leaves out; early days.

I planted four about 50 years ago, and they are doing well and will live for around 1,000 years.

These will stay with me for about 5 to 6 years, after which they will be found a good home. It's nice to see them as acorns and then grow up.