February 2026 Bloom Day

First Crocus of the year.

 

On February's Bloom Day this year, snow still covers most of my back yard, but the snow has retreated from the south-facing front yard. Yesterday I spotted a tiny species Crocus peeking out from the clumps of dried vegetation.

A couple of snow drops and a couple of clumps of the buds of 'Orange Monarch' were also coming up. The green buds of daffodils and narcissi are showing too, along with the foliage of the Sternbergia planted last fall.

 

First snow drop (Galanthus elwesii 'Mount Everest')

Buds of 'Orange Monarch' Crocus.

The front yard in February.

The east yard yesterday morning.

The Witchhazel on the west side of the house is in bloom, though the showy 'Diane' in the back yard has yet to display anything. Hopefully today's rain will melt more of the crusted snow in the back yard, starting the process of growth.

 

Southern Witchhazel in bloom.

 

There are more flowers indoors: some orchids in the master bath and elsewhere, and an African violet.

 

Orchid display in master bath.

Miltassia orchid in bloom

The miniature orchid, Epidendrum polybulbon is still displaying its one bloom, and the African violet is still covered in blossoms.

 

Epidendrum polybulbon

 

'Optimara' African violet with succulents on a windowsill.

Downstairs a pink Pahlaenopsis has re-bloomed. I'm hoping that spring will bring more of my Phalaenopsis orchids into bloom in the next few months.

 

Pink Phalaenopsis.

Let's hope spring arrives soon, I'm so tired of winter! Thank you to Carol Michel and her May Dreams Garden blog for hosting Garden Blogger's Bloom Day every 15th day of the month.
 

Orchid Opening

Orchid Bud begins to open

Yesterday morning I noticed that one of my orchids which had developed a booming spike had started to open. I bought this orchid years ago at a roadside stand in Florida during one of our trips there--most likely a Brassia/Miltonia/Oncidium/ hybrid. The unfolding of an orchid flower is such an amazing sight, I recorded its progress with my phone's camera.

First, the sepals start to lift up, revealing the column and folded labellum inside. Gradually the sepals fold back and the two upper petals unfurl, revealing the burgundy and greenish-white markings.

As the petals fold back, the showy lip (the labellum) begins to emerge, with its white tip still folded like a pointed cap. Amazing how all these structures are all neatly packed into the bud!

Finally, the white tip of the labellum unfurls, revealing its ruffled edges. The flowers may last for up to a month, depending on the growing conditions. I'll now move it to our bathroom where the humidity will help it last longer. I find it useful to periodically move my orchids to different locations around the house--the higher light levels at some windows can stimulate the orchids into blooming. I've yet to coax blooms from my Cattleyas, I'm hoping for better luck this year--maybe even try putting them outdoors this summer if I can find a suitable spot.

February Gold daffodils

Outdoors, the sequence of early spring flowers begins--this week the February Gold daffodils and purple crocuses were out in force on warm afternoons.