San Diego International Orchid Fair Awards

 

AOS Awards granted at today's judging at the San Diego International Orchid Fair at the San Diego Botanic Gardens.



(Blc Lois McNeil X C Valentine) 'Kathleen' HCC/AOS  

Cycnodes Richard Fulford 'Tyrone' HCC/AOS  

Lc Little Marmaid 'Lise' AM/AOS



Spooning Turtle Style

Red-Eared Slider Turtles, Trachemys scripta elegans, out enjoying the sun. It is native to the Southern U.S. and Northern Mexico but has since naturalized in many other areas where it outcompetes the native turtle species becoming, in some instances, an invasive species.

Roxburg Fig

Roxburg Fig, Ficus auriculatus, San Diego Botanic Gardens. These figs are native to Southeast Asia. They are used for jams, jellies and curries in India and in salads in Vietnam. The figs start off reddish purple and then turn greenish as they mature.

Peter Cottontail

Cottontail Rabbit. These are the most common rabbit species in San Diego. They breed between December and June. In that 6 month timeframe, a mother rabbit can have between 2 and 4 litters of 1-6 young per litter! I guess the old phrase, breeding like rabbits, was well earned. This happy little rabbit was relaxing at the San Diego Botanic Gardens.

Mourning Cloak Butterfly, Nymphalis antiopa

Mourning Cloak Butterfly, Nymphalis antiopa, at the San Diego Botanic Gardens. When seen with its wings open, this butterfly has deep brown-red wings with a yellow picotee and blue spots. However, when its wings are closed, it could easily blend into lichens on tree bark or on an old stone. The caterpillars feed on elm, poplar, birch and hackberry. These fascinating butterflies are found in both North America and Europe, extending from the edges of the arctic all the way down to central Mexico and Japan.

Harp and Flute Players

Musicians playing the Harp and Flute at the art gala at the San Diego Botanic Gardens. It's been years since I've seen a harp player so it was a nice treat.

Agave

Agave, San Diego Botanic Gardens, Encinitas, California. The little cluster of flowers blooming from a nearby perrenial should give you some perspective on the size of this Agave!