Letter to AOS

[kimstwin]

I would like to join the AOS, but to be honest, rather spend my money on another plant. I think part of the problem is everything costs so much, that many younger people don't have the economic means to get into a hobby. I have no friends that grow orchids, young or old. I'm interested in local groups, but with my school and work right now, I have limited free time. But, I LOVE telling people about how wonderful orchids are. I have one friend right now that has killed two phals, and I'm trying to get her to come with me to the store, so I can help her pick a (new) healthy plant. If I sense someone slightly interested, I try to help kindle the interest, because I love my plants and want others to share in the joy. I just started growing about 4 years ago, so I wasn't too young when I began myself.

[kimstwin]

By the way, forget to mention that I loved your letter and felt it was right on point. Great suggestions, there!

[Blondie]

Thanks!!

I know a lot of people on here do spend a lot of money on the hobby, but I barely spend anything. My AOS membership is the MOST expensive orchid "thing" I have. I grow with window light and water. And they LIVE. Well, some do. I think we need to change the reputation of orchids from being expensive to what it really can be--$15 here or there for a great orchid!

[philoserenus]

i'm still 20, at least until August hits. and i agree, there aint many exposure to the orchid world out there unless you work hard to go and try and find some info on them. not to mention i think the stigma that orchids are hard to grow is still out there. i never new orchids can be quite easy until i actually went out to walmart to get myself one and try for 15 bucks!

High school biology classes teaching evolution could have u guys come in for a day and just do a show and tell and a evolution history all together--maybe even bring some plants!!

not to mention in university... now the possibilities are endless!!! intro to plants, botany, plant physiology, etc.

[camille1585]

I'm 23, but got my first orchid when I was 19. My friends thought I was bit of a freak. Then I made new friends in college (studying plant sciences) and they all have various plant collections.Several are really into native european orchids. Money is a problem as a student, so I'm always on the look out for good orchid deals. The rare times where I do splurge on more expensive stuff (ie, OB projects and TCs, Neo project....) it makes it all the more special. I also ask for orchid money for b-days and x-mas!
Unfortunalty orchid societies are not very developed in my region. There is only one, but not that great for the price of the membership!

[quiltergal]

My son started growing orchids when he was 15. I'm not sure what prompted the interest. We totally supported the hobby. One year for his birthday we took him to an orchid greenhouse and let him go wild. Now he's 21. He had a brief hiatus from the hobby when all his plants died in a too cool greenhouse one winter. We were only able to salvage 2 of the original 20. He's slowly been rebuilding the collection, and has discovered (with some prodding from me) that if his culture is consistantly good vs hit and miss that his plants do much better. In fact a C. Peckhavenisis he has had since he was 16 (a survivor of the great greenhouse massacre) had recently sent out a new growth with a sheath. Unfortunately when we were repotting a couple of weeks ago he accidentally broke the new growth off. I was heartbroken for him. Anyway, long story short, he didn't know anyone who grew orchids when he first started. He didn't like telling people either because he would get teased. I took him to our local orchid society and that was total bust. They are a little . Nobody would even talk to him. I went back a few months ago and got pretty much the same response. Very unfriendly group......and they wonder why they have trouble recruiting and retaining people. I think had the local society been a bit more welcoming he might have joined.

I guess I'm considered "old" since I'm in my 50's . I didn't start this hobby until my son moved out a few years ago and I realized I'd have to learn to take care of my orchids myself!

Good article Blondie. I hope it yields some results.

[Blondie]

NO! 50s is not old. My mother is 63 and I don't even think she's old. Seriously.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Blondie

NO! 50s is not old. My mother is 63 and I don't even think she's old. Seriously.

So I'm 64, is that old! Where's the line?

[Blondie]

I'd say 90. 90 is getting up there.

[isurus79]

Blondie,
I thought your letter was AWESOME!! Im 28 now and Ive been growing orchids since I was in middle school in Canada (14ish) and I never told my friends about my "secret hobby" back then. If I had to skip basketball practice for a meeting at the local orchid society (I was the youngest member at the Okanagan Orchid Society) I would make up some lame excuse to go. Even now, at 28, living in Hawaii, people my age are astonished that I grow orchids . Ive now been a member of 2 orchid clubs here on Oahu and Im still the youngest member by decades. I certainly dont mind being the youngest, as there are many years of knowledge to draw from when speaking with the older members, but it would be nice to meet some people my age who are as orchid obsessed as me. I think the main problem with young people is two fold: 1- As mentioned previously, when you are younger, most people dont have the patience to grow such demanding and often expensive critters. 2- There is a stigma attached (especially to young guys) that growing orchids is kinda.....well.... for a lack of a better term....gay (not that there's anything wrong with being gay, but its an unattractive label for young, heterosexual guys). Its for this second reason that guys like myself did not start telling people about their growing habits until much later in life!!
I would love to see the AOS leadership take an interest in recruiting younger people and you letter is great first step. For some reason, however, with the snootyness of the AOS (my perception), I wonder if your much deserved letter will fall on deaf ears. I hope not and if you need any support, let me know!! I would love to do what I can to rally the troops!!