My grandmother had beautiful orchids in her yard when I was a little girl and gave a few to my uncle before she died in 1960. My aunt and uncle have had them in their yard ever since. The last time I was in California, my aunt dug a few of them up for me to take back to cold Cape Cod.

Now, I know 'zero', 'mafi', 'nada' about orchids or any other plants for that manner.

I took the roots straight to the nursery to ask the experts and all they could say is "These were planted in dirt!" "What type of orchids are they?" I had no idea.

The head honcho said to pick out some pots and she would plant them in dirt, but would not guarantee how long they would last, but if they bloomed, please bring a photograph.

Low and behold, they have not only sprouted, they are now a foot and a half tall with beautiful purple flowers.

If anyone out there knows what type of orchids these are, please let me know. Thanks!