My Orchid is Blooming!!!
I make no bones about having more success with outdoor plants than I do with indoor ones. That’s why I’ve been so excited this winter to have an orchid I bought last year rebloom.
Last April I went to a presentation at the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City. I love orchids and I had success for several years with one until I repotted it and it was downhill from there on in. So it was with great trepidation that I bought another but - in typical plant geek style - I just couldn’t resist.
This presentation, done by two gardeners with a real focus on orchids gave me a number of takeaways, but the ones I’ve used continually won’t be a surprise to any gardener. I’ve been careful to water correctly (1/4 cup each week), fertilize appropriately and I’ve made sure that my orchid got enough light to grow well without putting it in a window where it could potentially get a sunburn. I’ve also put it in a room with cool temperatures at night and warmer temps during the day and in an area of the house (bathroom with a shower AND tub) where the humidity is higher during our drying winters.
The results you can see for yourself. This year’s orchid rebloom is on the left and the one from several years ago is on the right. I’m thrilled and I hope you will be too.
I would be remiss if I didn’t give a big thank you to presenters from the Northwestern Michigan Orchid Society - Jan Rygwelski & Jim Scrivener - and to the Botanic Gardens at Historic Bars Park in Traverse City, MI for the great program and the great information I’ve gotten from the American Orchid Society that are helping me become a better orchid grower.
Creative and targeted programs that make an impact are the hallmark of experienced marketing professional Ruth Steele Walker. Focusing on results that improve the bottom line, she accelerates projects from conception to implementation with a mastery of writing, production, placement, budgeting and coordination.
During more than 25 years with Foremost Corporation of America, the nation's leading insurer of manufactured housing and recreational vehicles, Walker consistently produced effective communications programs that resulted in increased net written premium. Her expertise in crisis communications was a vital part of Foremost's exemplary customer service in the wake of hurricanes, floods and earthquakes. Walker specializes in communications targeting the 50+ demographic, with an emphasis in communications for the 65+ segment.
Among other achievements, Walker developed communications for the merger of Foremost and Farmers Insurance, addressing audiences including customers, employees, trade and consumer media. For Foremost's 50th anniversary, she created a celebration program of internal and external promotions, special events, recognition and a 162-page commemorative book.
Earlier in her career, Walker was a newspaper reporter, a TV and radio producer, and worked in national sales and traffic at network TV affiliates. Walker earned a BA in journalism from Michigan State University and an MS in communications from Grand Valley State University.
She and her husband Scott operate a small vineyard in Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, producing premium vinifera wine grapes. The vineyard has been the largest local supplier for Suttons Bay wine label L. Mawby, recently named one of the world's top producers of sparkling wines.
