Garden-Lou Spotlight on Lynette Dowell

When you work with microorganisms in a clinical laboratory all your life, you need to find balance from such a sterile, fluorescent-lit workspace. Lynette Dowell, a retired medical technologist, worked in microbiology all her life in the areas of bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology and virology. The similarities between a sterile laboratory and a greenhouse full of soil and plants might seem vastly different. However, both are strictly controlled enclosed spaces when it comes to temperature and contaminants. Growing lush, colorful orchids in a sunlit greenhouse was an easy choice that balanced Lynette’s work life. However, providing unique care for specific orchid species all under one roof is a challenge-not unlike working with cultures in a lab. “You have to know what each plant wants,” says Lynette, who purchased her first orchid, Cattleya Pearl Harbor, while still in her 20s.

The 16′ x 22′ greenhouse “Lab” she now tends in Chesterfield is heated with a gas heater in winter. “The greenhouse won’t get below 60 degrees, but it does have microclimates.” In the summer, Lynette uses an evaporative cooler with two vents and a fan until a typical St. Louis heat wave hits, then she moves things outdoors.

Lynette’s greenhouse is the last in a string of greenhouses she’s left around the St. Louis area after she moved to Chesterfield in 1986. “My first greenhouse was in Ferguson on Gerald Ave.”  

Pests are another challenge in any garden, but especially in greenhouses. “The past year was bad for spider mites with the thin-leaved orchids. You have to watch for mealy bugs and scale, especially with new plants.” Lynette uses insecticidal soap, horticultural oils like Neem oil, and imidacloprid or acephate when needed to help control any outbreaks. Watering varies by season. “In winter, it’s about every 8-9 days, but twice a week in summer.”

She’s come a long way since that first orchid. “I’ve had up to 500 orchids at most, but now stays between 300-400.” Her oldest orchid is a Cattleya portia ‘Gloriosa’ from 1978 that blooms in the fall. Cattleyas and Dendrobiums make up a large part of her current collection inside the greenhouse. Some of her Phalaenopsis call the living room home even though they prefer more humidity.

After joining the Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis in 1981, she’s held almost every position at least once, including president four times, and now serves as a trustee on the board. The Society was formed in 1951 and organized the first World Orchid conferences in 1954. “I’ve attended two World Orchid Conferences, both in Florida. Besides being amazing and fun, I learned so much from the speakers and vendors from all over the world.”

The Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis coordinates their annual show with the timing of Missouri Botanical Garden’s Annual Orchid Show, where the Society hosts a show and sale the first weekend of the MBG show. The American Orchid Society gives awards during the Society’s show, and many orchids in MBG’s collection have received honors. (Look for the letters AOS behind the orchid’s name to tell if it’s been awarded by the American Orchid Society.) Lynette’s personal collection includes seven awards over the years.

Quick facts;

-Any other passions besides plants?

Since retiring, I’ve focused more on my two grandsons, my yard, and birding. I’ve had a one-legged mockingbird and numerous bluebirds visit my feeders.

-Any other Garden or Gardener that inspires you?

I’d love to go to another World Orchid Conference again.

-Favorite gardening tool?

Single-edged razor blades are a must for working in the greenhouse!

-Any special plants or plants with sentimental meaning?

-A Catasetum Spotted Dragon’ Cat’s Paw Marilyn’ from Al Mertz, who’s 98!

– If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have ONE plant to keep you company, what would it be? It doesn’t have to be a food-bearing plant since this island has a free buffet!

Any plant I could propagate!

For more information on the Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis, visit here;

Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis

Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer. Additional photos graciously provided by Lynette Dowell.