Florida panhandle orchid recommendations

[avian]

I wanted to purchase one or two orchids as a gift for one of my friends who lives in the Florida panhandle area. I'm not sure what types of orchids would be the best for that area so would like some suggestions. She would probably keep the orchids outdoors.

Also if you have recommendations for a great FL orchid nursery I would appreciate that information. Not going to name the vendors but sent some emails to one asking about certain plants and never received any replies and sent email and called and left voicemail message with another and also never received a reply. Guess they are too busy to respond but, when they don't reply I don't necessarily feel comfortable purchasing from them. Been about 2 weeks for one and a week for the other. The orchid growers I purchase from for myself respond to emails or calls in a timely manner.

[estación seca]

E-mail people at Motes Orchids and RF Orchids, both around Homestead. They are very knowledgable, helpful and can offer suggestions.

[DeaC]

Can also try Odom's and Krull-Smith.

[Davey]

The Florida panhandle can be fickle. I have grown orchids for ten years in a coastal neighborhood in Panama City that receives a lot less rain than many inland places to our north. We will often see towns just north of us receive a decent amount of rain, but we struggle to get anything.

Having said that, I have done well with Gur. skinneri, Encyclia Cindy, BC. Maikai, Bulbophyllum frostii, BC. Lindleyana, Den. aggregatum, and V. falcata. Maxillaria tenuifolia has also been most impressive.

Vendors. I’m just getting back into orchids, but for vendors, I loved Florida Native Orchids, but I don’t think they’re around anymore. However, I’m looking for to visiting Smiley’s Orchids and Phelps Farm Orchids (if Phelps is still in business). I’m going to try the Louisiana Orchid Connection that some folks have recommended on here.
Best of luck,
David

[avian]

Thank you all for the recommendations. How about Palmer orchids?

Davey, my friend lives north of Panama City. The orchids would be outdoors. I was trying to find a vendor in her area but can't find any in the panhandle area. I've seen a few youtube videos praising Smiley's a lot. The orchids look huge and they seem to be very reasonably priced. BTW, Phelps Farm Orchids is still in business.