Greenhouse display (and more newbies)

[jeremyinsf]

Went to a greenhouse today I hadn't been to before and had an AMAZING time. The owner has created a permanent display to show visitors how orchids grow naturally in the wild. I took a couple pictures and am posting them here... not the best photos because they came from my cell phone camera, but interesting to see none the less I think! Two pix attached.

Also came home with today (clockwise from back left):

Paph parishii (in bud)
Paph sukhakulii (in flower / in spike - going crazy!)
Paph spicerianum
Paph Julius

I think I need to stay away from the stores/greenhouses for a while!!

[The Orchid Boy]

Lucky, lucky you! Those displays are awesome! ANd so are those huge, multi-growth paphs. My biggest paph only has 3 growths... They look like they were pricey for such big plants, were they?

[SlipperGirl]

Awesome displays! congrats on the new chids

[jeremyinsf]

I don't know how you would define "pricey" - the Julius is actually quite small for what kind of Paph is it. And the parishii is smaller compared to my existing Lowii, St. Swithin, and Robinianum plants, but yes this new one has a GREAT healthy spike. I also agree the other two are very large for what they are! But if I compare how much plant I'd get at Trader Joe's or other bigbox, compared to what I paid for these, I feel like I got great value.

Having said all that, it's true I've spent quite a bit on plants recently. I think I have about 60 Paph's now total. Time to slow down!

I feel incredibly lucky to live where I do here in Northern California and have access to the kinds of places that grow these plants. The people that run them are really fantastic folks, and seem to appreciate my passion for these and how much fun I'm having, and learning. I'm getting my media directly from them now, and they are always willing to answer any question I have. The relationships are priceless to me.

I also feel I spend less and get more of what I want going to the greenhouse looking at ALL the plants, rather than getting something from a show, which likely has a much higher mark-up, with less selection. Or mail-order, where I in most cases won't even see the plant until it arrives.

[The Orchid Boy]

I've found at our show that with at least one vendor (my favorite one) prices are $10-$20 cheaper. I have around 50-60 paphs. A bunch are from a flask from awhile ago. I'll probably keep most because I like that particular species so much. It really is great to know people who appreciate your passion for orchids. One local vendor sometimes even gives me little discounts now and then because I go there so much. I'm doing a little paph breeding too. How about you?

[jeremyinsf]

Yes, they haven't said it out loud, but I'm pretty sure I get a "you are a nice guy and really enjoying this, not trying to make a buck off me" discount every now and again. It probably helps I keep going back, giving them more money too. I can't imagine selling my plants, but I'm interested in trading divisions one day.

I have not done any breeding, though more than one friend has already told me to make a "Jeremy" orchid. Not yet, but maybe. I can tell you that it will probably be a lowii cross of some sort. I love every flower I've ever seen it as a parent. I don't know why, but they all bring a sense of peace and serenity when I look at them.

[The Orchid Boy]

I've been working on a sanderianum hybrid. The first time I saw a picture of one I was like: "Oh my god! Is that real!?!" So I did a lot of research on it and got a big, blooming sized one. I'm now trying to find a flask.

[jeremyinsf]

Keep us posted! I'd also be interested in hearing about what you already did with your last flask that you have a bunch of. Send me a private message if you'd like.

[WhiteRabbit]

That's very cool! Which grower is this?

[jeremyinsf]

California Orchids. They specialize in boarding but clearly have things for sale as well :-)

Where in NorCal are you?