Gerbera, not just another big daisy.
John West John West

Gerbera, not just another big daisy.

Iv’e looked at these plants before, but there was a surprise in store.

Gerbera is a big daisy in the same family as sunflowers and gazania . Nothing to see here I haven’t noticed before. It’s a member of the asteraceae family.

Read More
I’m a bird, I’m a plane, I’m Epidendrum Pacific Rose
John West John West

I’m a bird, I’m a plane, I’m Epidendrum Pacific Rose

If you like orchids. If you like orchids that are neurodiverse. If you like orchids that won’t rot and die. If you like orchids that just keep throwing out flower spikes that deliver for four or five weeks then Epidendrum Pacific Rose is the answer.

Read More
Rainy Day Marigold Show
John West John West

Rainy Day Marigold Show

Bright yellows and deep reds.

Where do the bright yellows and deep reds come from? Ask a chemist and the answer is xanthophyll.

Its a thrilling story of carrots and enzymes

If you can’t be bothered with the chemistry enjoy the pictures anyway.

A gif for chemists follows the pictures.

Read More
Oncidium Twinkle “Pink Profusion”
John West John West

Oncidium Twinkle “Pink Profusion”

I picked up this cute little orchid at Tuckers Orchids in June. The wee flowers were stunning and it is showing signs of flowering again. I took some pics but didn’t get around to completing an investigation. I will when it flowers again. Its worth a look.

Read More