first orchid show this weekend--advice??

[Ferns Daddy]

Don't forget lunch or at least a snack or 2

[catherinecarney]

Lunch or a snack?? But that money could be spent on orchids!

[Call_Me_Bob]

A few holes to poke in that plan...

Originally Posted by catherinecarney

OK, let's see if I've got this right.

1: Arrive at show, hand checkbbok to friend to keep from overspending (but friend is also an orchidaholic who has been known to say "what's one more")

IF YOUR FRIEND HAS YOUR CHECKBOOK SHE WILL BE USING IT, IF SHE REALLY IS AN ADDICT

2: Look at orchids, take lots of pictures. Try not to squeal "Oooh, I want that one" over every orchid present.

3: Purchase orchids, sticking to predetermined list and budget (yeah right) after carefully checking for bug/disease issues and (hopefully) asking good care questions.

STICKING TO A LIST NEVER WORKS FOR ME, I DON'T EVEN BOTHER WITH LISTS ANY MORE

4: Have cranky teenage child carry purchases (preferably boxed). When teenage child whines about hating plants/orchids/or this outing, remind said teenager of the debt she is working off after wrecking her car in December.

:r ofl:

5: Realize there's probably not enough room on the existing plant shelves, stop for additional shelving/light fixtures on the ride home, further incensing the cranky teenager who wants to get home early to see her boyfriend.



6: Upon arriving home, stay up far later than planned assembling shelves and lighting and making sure that the "new babies" are all tucked in.

7: Pull an all nighter to post pictures of the show and send them to all and sundry whether they're interested or not.

8. BUY EXTRA PLANTS TO SEND TO ALL_ME_BOB

Anything I missed (grin)??

Seriously, love the sense of humor and fun on this site, and the advice you've given has already helped a ton!

Catherine

[Paul Mc]

ROFL... I think that about sums up the experience!!! Good job! Glad we didn't overwhelm you!

[catherinecarney]

Thanks for the revisions--I'll keep them in mind (grin)....

Pity I won't be able to make the Cleveland show March 9/10--gotta work to pay for my orchid habit...

[orchidsarefun]

ditto much of the above but for me the best advice is to only buy orchids that would suit your growing conditions. Ask the vendors if unsure. Tell them about your grow area and lighting/temps and ask for tips.
Most Miltoniopsis have fantastic, fragrant and huge flowers - but are very finicky regarding max temperatures they can do well at. A newbie should keep away from species phals too as they are also finicky in general.

But you can also have a what the heck attitude and buy all those you like and sort out cultural requirements later

[bellini girl]

First orchid show eh? In additon to the great advice given before, just soak in the displays and have fun. You will overspend for sure. I'm yet to meet anyone who sticks to the plan.

[goodgollymissmolly]

An orchid show is much more than a vendor gathering. First, look through the exhibits carefully. Displays are done by vendors (because most shows require it), individuals (sometimes), and by nearby orchid societies including the host society.

The orchid society displays are usually the most elaborate and include the best specimens and diversity. They represent the best results of nearby growers. You can usually learn a lot if you can meet some of the growers who have plants in the display. You'll usually see someone nearby if you pay attention. They are ones not circulating like the spectators.

A show is a good place to buy plants from good vendors, but it's also an excellent place to learn from accomplished growers willing to share their experience with newcomers. It is also a great place to establish a relationship with one of the displaying societies. This knowledge and society connection is a much more important step to increasing your orchid involvement than just buying plants and going home.

You should be able to easily spend 4 hours at the show with only 1-1.5 hours spent buying plants and the rest learning about orchids.

Look for the Greater Cincinnati Orchid Society exhibit. It's always a great one.

[AnonYMouse]

Originally Posted by catherinecarney

Lunch or a snack?? But that money could be spent on orchids!

You can further your budget by not getting shelves and making the teenager into an orchid rack.

[catherinecarney]

Originally Posted by AnonYMouse

You can further your budget by not getting shelves and making the teenager into an orchid rack.

Don't tempt me--love her dearly, but there are days....

Thanks to all for the advice to talk with hobbyists and clubs--I had planned on doing that as well (are there guest speakers at these things as there are at aquarium club shows??)--it seems like I can learn more practical stuff in 5 minutes from someone who's experienced than I can in hours of reading....