Looks like I've created a little controversy. I was interested to learn this technique, since my clones of certain awarded plants looked nothing like their award photos. In my opinion, anything done to optimize the presentation of flowers is horticulturally valid. This starts with hybridization for specific traits, and ends (maybe) with the flower manipulation you see above. Years ago, I went on a tour at Rod McLellan Orchids. At that time (1980's), they were still selling Gardenia flowers for corsages which were made flat via their 'secret' process. Although I never try to win awards by flattening Cattleya flowers, it has been done. Some examples are Lc. Longriver Compton 'Gold Star', Blc. King of Taiwan 'Orchis', and Lc. Orglade's Grand 'Yow Chang Beauty'. All were exhibited by Taiwanese growers and awarded by AOS judges. Would Billie Holiday have looked as good with non-manipulated Gardenia flowers in her hair? I don't think so!
Last edited by Bayard; 12-12-2009 at 09:05 PM..
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