need ideas for outside orchid shelving

[larrylmt]

does anyone have any ideas for an outside orchid rack/shelving unit...i live in south florida so this shelving unit must be able to withstand all the elements...any ideas would be greatly appreciated

[susiep]

Hey Larry! I'm in Weston. Where are you putting this shelving? (on a patio, under a tree, etc) The people from Broward Orchid Supply have some nice orchid structures.

[orchids3]

I was fortunate enough to get some Truck palets with 1" holes - not beautiful but I wouldnt trade them for anything else I have seen and they wont wear out. The only problem is I dont know where to get some more. Florida wire benches are OK and the galv. wire mesh is a little more sanitary.

[Swamper]

Like Susiep mentioned, to me the where is sorta the determining factor. Also do you want it permanent, moveable? Permanent would involve holes into the ground for the legs which you wouldn't want to do in a pool aera that has a nice finished cement around it. But if its on the ground....you can easily dig some holes about 2' deep for some 4x4 legs and...well see I need to know how much work you want to do also. Easy,medium rare or well done? LOL

[orchids3]

I like 2" PVC Pipe legs set in concrete - Have had benches with that type of legs in my greenhouse for 20 years now - it has never rotted - pressure treated runners are good (2X4). I had cyprus slats for tops until that rotted - now the truck palets are on top of the runners. Can get on top of the benches and walk around.

[larrylmt]

thanks for the replies...it will be an outdoor structure against a wall...totally exposed to the elements, no cover (other than sunscreen) ...above ground on a cement patio...costco has a galvanized rack system with 5 shelves for about $150...would this hold up to the elements?...susie, btw i love broward orchid supply, mickeys orchids, grow mor, and the local home depot / lowes

[AHAB]

photos or a link?

[DebsC]

Several years ago, I got some brass shelving at Lowes. They have 4 wire shelves just right to hang fluorescent light fixtures over.

I got these shelves to go in my sunroom but they soon wound up wired to a tree outside. They are now about 8 years old and still going strong.

I've left them outside summer and winter with no problem other than the honeysuckle is about to cover them up.

I paid about 35 dollars each and they fit nicely together end to end with a little wire tie.

[susiep]

Larry, I don't think that galvanized shelving will last too long outside and you'll be replacing it in a year or so. How about using wooden arbors covered with solar screen? That what I did. Works great and doesn't look too bad on the outside (in case your neighbors can see it). You could build a few shelves into the inside or just hang the plants from the top (I did both). I have pics somewhere here on OB. You can always add more arbors to expand it as you know you will get more orchids (we all do).

[greggnkay]

I'm new to orchids, but I have used 5/4 board for plant shelving on my patio. The boards are a full 1" thick and have rounded-over edges. Mine have been in place for 5+ years and are still going strong. Now I am summering some orchids on them, too.