The Joy of Orchids

Orchids are beautiful and intriguing and a challenge for many. I was one who kept trying. I moved them around the house trying to find a better spot. More water? Less? Just two ice cubes? They are particular. Then it happened....I placed them in my front bay window and they began to thrive. Yes, they still lost blooms, but they would sprout new ones. And oh my, the pure joy of watching it all right in front of me! I get up close to inspect the various stems, leaves and blooms; the ones that are dying and the ones that just tiny new buds. I replant them when needed and say a silent prayer that that is what is going to do them in. I have one that has sprouted two separate "keikis" which means the little one in Hawaiian. They have each continued to bloom after I gently and with the attempted skill of a surgeon removed them from the mother plant and replanted them each individually. There are even a third and fourth one growing that will need to be replanted at some point.


The colors can be as simple and pure as white and as dramatic as bright blue-purple or lime green and pink. I am in awe when I see one at the store that I haven't seen before. It's hard to not bring one home every time I hit the Safeway. I would have more but I only have so much room and my window is currently home to eight and a Christmas cactus that is trying to make its way back from being almost dead....who almost kills a cactus?! 

It's no surprise that the symbolism of the orchid includes love, beauty, refinement, thoughtfulness and mature charm. It also symbolizes many children....maybe that is because they can grow new ones but honestly, that is one I can't relate to. If you know me you know why. Various colors also represent different attributes as well such as white representing purity, purple representing royalty like amethyst, February's birthstone. 

Red orchids, which I have never seen, represent determination, courage and love. Garnet is also a symbol of love. Garnet is featured in the silver ring and earrings in this collection.

Green orchids represent good fortune and health and longevity. Peridot is also believed to bring good health and brings delight and good cheer. Peridot is featured in the gold ring and earrings in this collection. 

The last piece I designed was based off of a place I have visited over many years that is near and dear to my heart, Chautauqua, New York. There is a rock in a yard there that says, Don't Postpone Joy. It's ironic that that piece inspired these new ones, the joy my orchids bring me. 

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Longwood Gardens as they decorate it every year for the holidays yet it's beautiful all year long. We walked through the Orchid Room along our stroll of the various displays. It is literally four walls of all kinds of orchids. For someone like me, it's like being a kid in a candy store!

Orchids are one of the most desirable plants to give as a gift. So, if you're looking to gift an orchid that will live on for those without a green thumb or just some luck from perfect placement, this is the perfect gift.  

Shop new Orchid inspired jewelry.