Olga Alvord: Of Orchids

I love indoor plants, especially the flowering kind. They add joy and color to my life, preserve memories, and even give food for thought. In summer, my windowsill gardens blend with lush wetlands and cheerful flower beds in the backyard. In winter, healthy greenery and bright blossoms create a stunning contrast to the snow-covered spruces and mountains. 

Growing up in urban Russia, I knew flowers were not a priority for average working families struggling to meet everyday needs. There were no fancy nurseries or elegant floral shops, yet somehow, all women managed to have beautiful indoor gardens. I also planted a small rose patch by the front windows of my ground floor apartment in a Moscow high-rise. Tending to flowers gave me a sense of peace in the midst of social turmoil.

When I moved to Alaska, it was both shocking and exciting to see the wealth and assortment of plants in Anchorage nurseries: heaven for a gardener! After a couple of years, I got married and moved into my husband's house.

"Pick all the flowers you like for both home and garden, Olga," suggested Chip lovingly. "Don't worry about the money, just go for it, splurge, get what you want!"

That was the best part, his generous encouragement. Breathless, I envisioned all the flower beds, pots, and baskets I was going to make.

"Now I know what the best present is for you: more plants and a truckload of dirt.”

For my end-of-summer birthday, Chip gave me two gorgeous orchids. I knew very little about orchids then, but was immediately enslaved by their exotic beauty.

Over my twenty years in Anchorage, I've created a thriving collection of flowering houseplants: flashy amaryllises in striking colors, abundant geraniums, bell-shaped gloxinias, crimson cyclamens, even hibiscus and plumeria. But the heart of my collection is the luxuriant and exquisite orchids. While most were presents from Chip, arriving to our windowsills from local nurseries, some traveled to Alaska with us from tropical vacations.

Our houseplants delight with their optimistic blossoms. They seem to be graceful proof of eternal resilience and strength of natural beauty. Friends always notice my impressive display of intricate blooms, even in winter, when, per Jeff Lowenfels, "House plants are in worse shape than we are."

"What do you do to your orchids? They are so healthy! Mine die all the time. What's your secret?"

"Well, I talk to them nicely, play classical music…"

We laugh, and then I share the tips on orchid care I learned years ago from a real expert.

One day in the morning paper, I noticed a modest advertisement for a free orchid class at Dimond Greenhouse and called to sign up. The class was taught among pots and plants by the elderly greenhouse owner, Wayne Leiser.

"Do you know there are over 30,000 species of orchids in the world? Alaska has around thirty native varieties and an active orchid society."

That was new to me, as were the long Latin names of opulent orchids set on low wooden tables. There were prolific phalaenopses, slipper-shaped cypripedia, dendrobia, oncidia, and many more in a vibrant rainbow of colors.

"Orchids are traditionally referred to as ‘ladies’ due to their curvaceous form and feminine nature," continued Wayne. "Touch the silky skin-like petals. Do the texture and form remind you of satin and tulle? Orchids are always dressed up, leaving admirers breathless with their good looks."

It made sense: in my native Russian language, even the word "орхидея" is of feminine gender. Naturally, most orchid labels introduce women: Dancing Lady, Gold Digger, Port Sweetie, Volcano Queen, Sweet Sixteen…

Wayne was clearly passionate about the subject, and we were learning more than expected.

"Many artists and designers felt inspired by orchids' sensual beauty and vibrant hues. Seemingly unthinkable colors are put together, but, surprisingly, they never clash, only please."

Then Wayne gave us the information we came to class for.

"There are thousands of ways to garden or, specifically, to grow orchids, but I'll show you what's worked in this greenhouse since 1969. Orchids seem intimidating to many growers, though, in fact, they are quite easy and take minimal attention. You have to love and understand your orchids to provide them with adequate care. All they need is good light, air movement, water, and food. Put them in a clay pot with holes for air circulation so they can breathe. Make the soil light with what they like: coconut husk and porous rock. Offer them a drink of water, but not too cold. Feed them with fertilizer once a week. Give your orchids an occasional bath in the sink and inspect for disease. Replant after they bloom to replenish nutrients. You'll see—orchids are amazingly resilient!"

I took notes to help recall Wayne's advice later. He finished with an amusing comment.

"You know, guys go to bars, let's say, to Humpy's, and spend money on beer all the time. What does it do to them? Makes them drunk and causes nothing but trouble. Instead, for twenty dollars, they can buy an orchid for their wives. It will last for weeks, add beauty to their homes and marriages. Orchids bring so much happiness!”

We left the greenhouse loaded with new plants, special orchid pots, soil, and fertilizer. It was the beginning of a new chapter in my indoor gardening story. I think of Wayne's presentation almost every time I water my blooming orchids.

           

I shared Wayne's final comment with my husband, a big Humpy's fan. He thought it was funny and passed it along to co-workers over a Friday night beer at Humpy's. The guys laughed. Each of them bought an orchid for his wife that night. Since then, it's become a standing inside joke with a group of friends.

"What, at Humpy's again? You should be buying orchids for your wife!"

Wayne Leiser passed away in 2009. His son took over the greenhouse business. Among other topics, they still offer a free orchid-growing class to the community.

Olga Alvord was born and raised in Russia, moved to the U.S. in 1994, and is now an American citizen living in Anchorage. Alvord received a Ph.D. in Germanic Languages and English from Moscow Linguistic University, where she was employed as a professor of English Grammar and History of the English Language. In Anchorage, Alvord worked as an adjunct instructor at University of Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Pacific University, a foreign languages teacher at Grace Christian School, and, most recently, an ESL, English, and Social Studies teacher with the Anchorage School District. She has remained passionate about education, world languages, and cultures. A mother of three and grandmother to two, Olga is happily married to Graham Alvord. She devotes her free time to family, friends, and multiple hobbies.