
This spring, I found Bletilla striata, a hardy orchid, at one of the local garden centers. Tucked away in a corner in black one-gallon plastic containers, these orchids just looked like some lily leaves with a small flower stalk.
But they drew my attention and I couldn't put one in my cart fast enough, even though I didn't know much about them, other than what was on the tag.
"Hardy orchid with shiny green foliage and hot pink flowers in summer. Prefers dappled shade."
That's enough info for me to buy an orchid!
Now that they are blooming, I think anyone who saw them, whether or not they were a gardener, would say, 'Hey, is that an orchid?'

I was surprised by another unexpected flower in my garden this morning.

You would think with my constant posting and harping about keeping a garden journal or some kind of record of what gets planted in your garden, I wouldn't find my self staring down at a flower in my own garden thinking, "Who or what are you?"

I think this made an appearance last year, but at some point I must have cut it off. Perhaps it is a bulb I planted and forgot about? I just know I have no recollection of it. If anyone could help identify this plant, be it a weed or a cultivated flower, I'd be forever grateful.
What's unexpected in your garden?
(By the way, back in her day, Elizabeth Lawrence spent quite a bit of time helping others identify flowers, but without the aid of the Internet or other garden bloggers. She knew and corresponded with gardeners across the country and would look to them, her own library and knowledge, and plant experts at local universities to help identify flowers she didn't know the name of. And she kept meticulous notes on 3 x 5 cards, as I understand it, so I feel certain if she had planted this yellow flower in her garden she would have written it down and known what it was!)
Comments
The Orchid is lovely...another plant to the list!
We all understand about the journal, it happens. You could try my plant tag in the cup system!
Gail
Judy at BelleWood Gardens
Beckie... The orchid is supposed to be hardy to zone 5, which is what I am. Read further comments, I don't think the yellow flower is a case of DIPT.
Daphne... Those orchids do sound pretty.
Gail... I saw your tags in a cup system. I'm looking to do something maybe a tad bit more organized to keep track of my plants.
Judy... I think you are right, after looking at some of the pictures around the web. So it IS a weed and I didn't forget about a plant I planted. I think I'll go and pull it before it sets seed. Thank you!
Thanks for the nice comments!
Carol, May Dreams Gardens
My strong advice: Consider it a noxious weed.
Orchids are among the most widespread plant families, growing on every continent. Tho' I find it hard to imagine them on Antarctica.
Thanks for the plant ID.
Carol, May Dreams Gardens
I'm no help on your other flowers.
Pam/Digging... I knew there were orchids hardy in Indiana, but this is first time I've seen some for sale at a garden center. I was excited to find them.
Phillip, I hope mine make a nice clump, too. We shall see.
Vertie, Surprisingly, these orchids were priced no higher than most of the other perennials.
Thanks for the comments,
Carol, May Dreams Gardens