Not your usual introduction... I'm giving up the hobby!

[greenfreak]

Hey everyone,

I'm actually giving up the hobby of orchid growing!

I started years ago, went to shows, bought lots of expensive equipment, and was happy for quite some time. Then we bought a house and I turned my attention to outdoor plants and other pursuits.

Before my collection withered and died, I sold and gave away my orchids. Now all I have left is a very large and very expensive orchidarium and the custom furniture I had built for it.

I live in NY and can't ship these things. So I figured I'd look for local people who may want this setup before I try the Craigslist route. And here I am.

This looks like a great community, I wish I had found it years ago when I started! I can still look at your gorgeous pictures though.

Thanks for reading

[Jennyfleur]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear you've had bad times with orchids. I think no matter how many times you hear that something is a great plant, if it doesn't suit, it doesn't suit! To be honest, I was always put off by their reputation of being difficult until I was given one and, since then, my collection has been growing and growing. But, having said that, there are some plants I can't keep alive (like the African Violet I always seem to get in a basket for Christmas from someone! )

Anyways, I know we have lots of people on here from NYC, so hopefully someone will find you

[greenfreak]

Thank you! I definitely had some that didn't rebloom for me, since apparently I wasn't giving them what they needed, but I did have marginal success over the years. I do love them, I just find I like to garden outside more. With a husband, house, a full time job and 2 dogs, that's pretty much what I'm focusing on these days.

You reminded me about African Violets, I haven't gotten one in many years. I actually had a lot of success with those so if you need tips, let me know. lol

[fotofashion]

Priorities change. I am going through something similar. I need to find new homes for my small Hoya collection and my poor, neglected Epis. I also have a humungous ficus in the GH that needs to be dug up and get a new home. OTOH my orchid collection has exploded this summer. So, don't feel guilty about your change in tastes, it happens.
Beverly A.

[Jennyfleur]

Tee Hee, thanks greenfreak, I'll keep that in mind if I get one this year! I think we can all identify with the priority changing. It's funny though, mine has lead to a greater focus on the indoors rather than the outdoors (which is fine as both my other half and my dad are superior in that area!). I just don't seem to get enough time to spend on the outside garden (except on the supervision of my herb garden), and when I do have time, I'm usually too exhausted!!

[greenfreak]

Beverly, thanks for commiserating. I always thought I would have a greenhouse and I'd finally have plenty of room for all the things I wanted. Silly me! Now I know, you get more space, you just fill it up and then want more.

Jenny, I know it won't be long until I start getting the flower bug, seeing as I put my outside garden to bed for the winter. When I start buying up AV's, I'll blame you. I just brought in a succulent tower I made this summer, hopefully it enjoys being in the house now. With a southern exposure, they're pretty good indoors.

[Tindomul]

I can definitely sympathize with you. There are times when what used to be your obsession is just a bore.
What kind of equipment are you talking about exactly? Just curious, NYC here.

[greenfreak]

The Grand Cayman from Orchidarium.com.

I posted a classified here: FS Grand Cayman Orchidarium + custom-built credenza and supplies - Orchid Board - Most Complete Orchid Forum on the web !

That's why I registered, figuring I'd give it a try. I'm trying to sell both pieces - the orchidarium and credenza, but I'm open to separating them of someone doesn't need the base. That would probably be an easier sell anyway, for a tv stand or even a coffee table.

Thanks for asking!