What are your plans for this upcoming Orchid show season?

[lotis146]

So last year I was only just getting into this addiction and by the time it had a solid grip on me I missed all the shows, well except for the exhibition at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. This year though I think I'm ready!! I've been holding back my addiction and not buying any more - well okay I had to get a Propescapetalum b/c I've never seen one within my grasp before, and it seemed more of a rarity. I'm antsy, watching the days pass I resist all temptation. But as we get closer I'm wondering just how I should prepare myself.

First I need to take stock of my budget, and set one!

Second I need to take stock of available space (and where I can make more ).

Third I should probably set some boundaries in terms of whether or not I should get into a new genus. If I'm going to it would be in my - and the Orchid's - best interest to research those whose cultural requirements I can meet.

Fourth, know which plants I should keep away from even if they call out to me!

For now I think that's it... How about you guys, do you have plans for upcoming shows?

[AnonYMouse]

Wow, Kawamoto isn't on this years POE list.

[JDT]

BUY!!!! Got plenty of room now, I know what species I am looking for so I should be good, but if anything interesting is found it is a good chance it might make it home.

[lotis146]

Something I forgot to add is prepare myself for photography practice at the shows too!

Oh I want plenty of room! Now see I could have plenty more if I find a way to keep them safe from my birds...I will make it happen! I hope everyone shares what they find this year. I just know there will be interesting things that are going to jump all over us all and follow us home.

AnonYMOUSE, what is POE? I bet it would be great to attend a show with Kawamoto as a vendor. I can't wait...

[AnonYMouse]

POE=Pacific Orchid Expo

[katrina]

1 and 2...only you can take control of those.

3 and 4 though...talk to the vendors. I've never met a vendor that wasn't super nice. They are always very helpful in explaining what a plant needs and whether or not it's something that will work in your growing space.

Shows are a lot of fun! In the early days of collecting it was way too easy (for me!) to go crazy and I came home from some shows having spent a good deal more than I should have so I learned to take cash only. And, to be honest, it wasn't even about the money...it was that I tend to be impulsive when it comes to orchids and I ended up bringing home things that I either wished I hadn't gotten and/or weren't well suited for my space. I can't tell you how many orchids I've given away over the years simply because they were impulse buys and after the fact I didn't really want to grow them.

Anyway...so yea...now I just take a set amount...cash only...nothing extra. This ensures that I stop and think about a purchase prior to making the purchase. It also helps that I seriously have almost no space left to put another orchid. No lie...I am at a point where in order from something new to come in...something has to go.

Show season is a lot of fun and if you have a local society then get involved if you can because learning from that side is also fun. Plus, believe me...the societies always need all the extra help they can get.

[ula]

List of shows within 100km radius:check,
Budget limit: check,
Space allocation: check,
Research: check,
Shopping list:check,
First show of the season: all of the above go out the window for me . It must be a condition I have ...

[Paul]

Not really expecting any purchases though that doesn't mean there won't be any. As space has diminished, I've become more and more picky as to what I even consider bringing home.

For yourself, I would suggest checking out which vendors will be attending which shows and then checking out their websites. In this way you can see if a vendor has a particular "high priority" plant on your wishlist. (You can then ask the vendor to bring that plant to the show. You will be able to avoid shipping fees and still be able to inspect the offered plant before handing over your $.) This allows you to not only budget more easily, but can insure that you get that plant you really, really wanted before spending all your cash elsewhere.

[RandomGemini]

My plan for this year is to get there early so I can get my hands on a couple of tolumnia and neos this time. Last year, I arrived later in the day on the first day and the tolumnia and neos were gone. I got my Hisui last year on the second day, because the vendor found it hiding in the back of her van. It was the last one she had left, which was fine by me as I wanted one that wasn't white anyway. This year, I want to actually see the selection available.

I am *only* buying tolumnia, neos and other miniature plants this year. I don't have room in the collection for bigger things. Okay... ONE paph. Just ONE, to replace the mottled leaf paph I lost.

Otherwise, what worked for me last year will work again. Go to the bank, get cash. When the envelope is empty, I am done spending.

[Plodde]

I plan on going to the Santa barbara orchid show and Im soooooooo excited. I'll be looking for fragrant species. And I also hope to pick up a couple large cymbidiums