My First Cattleya

[seaj]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

Where is this market?
I'm serious!

I can always drive them into the next state and then fly back to NYC. hahaha

My two favorite vendors, Rose Mae Orchids and Challenge Horticulture, are both based in Half Moon Bay, which is about 30 miles south of San Francisco. They are present at many of the farmer's markets in the area and from what I've gathered here, the plants are really good deals. Brookside Orchids is another nearby grower that also sells at the farmer's markets nearby, though I've never personally encountered them. They do have a retail location that's only 20 miles away, but pathetic me can't drive.

I frequent the Newark farmer's market which has 2 orchid vendors, a vendor that specializes in house plants, and a fourth vendor that focuses on edible plants. It's a real treat to be able buy directly from the grower. If only one of them could supply some paphs... I'd have to go try Trader Joe's or The San Francisco Flower Mart for those.

[NYCorchidman]

Thanks!

I think I've heard of Brookside orchids.

By the way, I was in Half Moon Bay in October. didn't know where to go for farmer's market. lol

[seaj]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

Thanks!

I think I've heard of Brookside orchids.

By the way, I was in Half Moon Bay in October. didn't know where to go for farmer's market. lol

Next time, I suggest using Yelp to locate them. It's how I found the 7 nearest farmer's markets, as well at other plant suppliers.

Taisuco/McLellan also sells at farmer's markets, though not at any near me.

If I were you, I'd focus your efforts on the San Francisco Flower Mart. There are at least 5 stores that I remember that were dedicated entirely to orchids. The selection there is much more varied and you're more likely to get deals on the broken/bloomed out plants. The mart is geared towards florists, but is open to the public during certain hours. If you're not a badge holder (ID for people to shop during wholesale hours), you have to pay sales tax. I don't think I recall seeing any labels with actual plant names, only code names and numbers. The last time I was there I was only focused on phals so I can't say much about prices, but I know they're nowhere near what you'd pay at a typical big box store or a nursery. Now that I know much more about orchids, I wish I could go back to explore.

[NYCorchidman]

Aha! How come I never though of using yelp! now I know! haha

Taisuco and McLellan? really??? Those are some famous names in the orchid business. interesting!

[seaj]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

Aha! How come I never though of using yelp! now I know! haha

Taisuco and McLellan? really??? Those are some famous names in the orchid business. interesting!

Here is an old flickr set I stumbled upon of what they offer. I'd walk away with crap load if I were there. Farmers Market Orchids - a set on Flickr

[Ryan Young]

Definitely heavy Cattleya coccinea influence. Looks like something Peter Lin would breed. Search for his mini catts.

[MattWoelfsen]

Originally Posted by Ryan Young

Definitely heavy Cattleya coccinea influence. Looks like something Peter Lin would breed. Search for his mini catts.

There are two Peter Lin. I think you are referring to Peter T Lin of Diamond Orchids. The other Peter Lin is Big Leaf Orchids.

Here is the link to Diamond Orchids: http://www.diamondorchids.com

Here is the link to Big Leaf Orchids: http://www.bigleaforchids.com

[NYCorchidman]

Originally Posted by seaj

Here is an old flickr set I stumbled upon of what they offer. I'd walk away with crap load if I were there. Farmers Market Orchids - a set on Flickr

Oh wow~

I would totally buy that entire rack of Miltoniopsis for sure, and one peach yellow dendrobium, and maybe a few intergenerics and phals. hahaha basically the whole tent set up.

[Ryan Young]

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

There are two Peter Lin. I think you are referring to Peter T Lin of Diamond Orchids. The other Peter Lin is Big Leaf Orchids.

Here is the link to Diamond Orchids: http://www.diamondorchids.com

Here is the link to Big Leaf Orchids: http://www.bigleaforchids.com

Thanks for your clarification, i should have said there are 2!

[seaj]

Originally Posted by Ryan Young

Definitely heavy Cattleya coccinea influence. Looks like something Peter Lin would breed. Search for his mini catts.

I went through his flickr page but I couldn't find the same plant that I have, only more plants that I want to have.