Independence Day at Silang, 12 June 2009

The day was one of those hot and humid days that interrupt the rainy season! Sunshine, and a clear blue sky was overhead, making the day perfect to shoot some photos for my journal. Here are a few of the photos I took during this holiday to commemorate the Philippine's Independence Day! I was immediately greeted by my orchids. Raised with no chemical fertilizers, sprays, or hormones to induce blooms, these orchids will flower at their own pace. These catleyas respond to temperature changes, and they usually remain dormant during the rainy season. I change their location to allow the orchids to get maximum sunlight. These plants often suffer from fungal infections during the rainy season. I also change their potting materials from the husks of coconuts, to charcoal made from coconuts. The charcoal potting medium drains well. The orchids benefit from bird droppings as a natural fertilizer. I encourage birds to come and eat insects that may be living in the pots, by sprinkling some birdseed inside the pots and the plant will get a dose of phosphorus rich droppings. These four, lavender catleyas bloomed all at the same time from a communal pot, and were placed in the house for me to enjoy.



















This butterfly wouldn't stay put! I caught it while it was feeding on the blooms of the Purple Durante bush.






















This prickly bromeliad has a radiant baby pink color. Bromeliads are from the tropical area of Central and South America. These plants were introduced by landscapers importing plants for their colorful leaves. Bromeliads are easy to care for, and don't need much soil. These can be placed in full sun or semi shade to adorn rock gardens. Bromeliads are preferred tropical plants because they love the heat and humidity, and will bloom all year round. This particular bromeliad, "aechmea fasciata" resembles its more famous cousin, the pineapple.


















Varigated kalamanci plant. If you look closely, there are stripes on the skin of the fruit. This tiny fruit enhances the flavor of Asian dishes. The little lime has a very sharp citrus taste, and is usually combined with soy sauce as a marinade for chicken, pork, fish or meats.







This is the last watermelon to be harvested in June. In a week or two, the hurricane season will bring torrential rains that will flood my veggie patch. This watermellon will be ready next Saturday, and I intend to leave it in the refrigerator overnight to chill, and then enjoy as a healthy desert!











My friend Betty takes photos in the corn patch.











We don't eat our Mornay ducks. We raise ducks for the eggs that we salt and serve as "itlog na maalat" and it is also made into thin crepes to use for Asian lumpia wrappers.














My organic poultry are doing very well. The white feathers replace the yellow downy fluff on these three week old pullets.






This batch of sweet corn will be ready in three more weeks!



Till next week, organically yours,

Mrs. Organic Mom