Entering the hobby of growing orchids

[jstam]

Hello,

I am interested in entering the hobby of growing orchids.

Does anyone have recommendations for some orchids that would be suitable for a beginner, or that I should avoid because they are more difficult to grow? I plan to grow my orchids by a window or a short distance from a window. On a related note, do you think that I should try to purchase plants of a particular size as a beginner (e.g. would it make sense to buy only blooming sized plants)?

Before I actually buy my first plant, I'd like to understand the basis of their care. I've ordered "Taylor's Guide to Orchids: More than 300 Orchids, Photographed and Described, for Beginning to Expert Gardeners" because of its positive reviews that I read on the Internet. Are there other resources that you would recommend?

I live in Saskatoon, SK, in Canada. Are there any reputable dealers in this city? I would also be open to the idea of purchasing my first orchid(s) via mail order.

Thanks!