A couple months ago, a neighbor was planning to discard half a dozen orchids she thought were dead or dying and asked me if I wanted them before they ended up in the trash.

That really broke my heart, as I have a soft spot for animals and plants (and a few humans) that might benefit from some kindness and attention, so I took them all.

When I brought them home, they were sad little things; dried up, starving, and so thirsty that I could feel their pain, so I immediately submerged them in filtered water and set them in a quiet and shady place to drink all they needed.

I pruned some of the withered bits, found pretty pots for all, and decided to give them some time to heal in a loving environment.

This is the first orchid that has rewarded my caregiving with a spike of stunning color!

Let me introduce my rescued baby, a pink Phalaenopsis Elastic Love, also called Moth Orchid.

She is SUCH a drama queen and thrives as the center of attention!

The remainder of the rescues all have new growth and are throwing spikes, too, which brings an overwhelming sense of joy! All they needed was a little tender, loving care.

What an absolutely amazing way to start a new month!