Old to Orchids, New to This Forum

[Always Orchids]

Thanks for welcoming me to this forum. I have been asked to introduce myself officially so here goes. I can't tell you about me unless I tell you how I came to know orchids since they are so much a part of my life. Some of this has appeared in another orchid related forum so if this sounds familiar, hang in there.

Twelve or so years ago, during a particularly trying time for our family, I had cause to drive by Orchids by the Ackers in Madison, Wisconsin. I checked the sign and finally managed to stop in during office hours. It was early April, and the first step into the building brought me the delicate scents and warm, moist air of the adjoining greenhouses. The first house of beauties only whetted my appetite for more. The next house had me on my knees. You can't be in the emotional turmoil I was in and see the thousands of glorious orchid blooms without breaking down. I did. Since then, I have spent most of my spare time thinking, reading, learning, buying, researching, growing, teaching and now working with orchids as an avocation.

I now manage the greenhouses for a tropical plant wholesaler that services florists, garden centers and interiorscapers throughout the Upper Midwest. There I manage the orchids we offer to our customers. I have also established a breeding program to expand the lines of round, pink, shapely slipper orchids that are available to my orchid customers.

At home, I grow mostly slippers but also an eclectic assortment of species, especially those that smell nice. I am charmed by the color pink and relish any orchid that blooms along this line.

It seems it was "Always Orchids"! For me, Orchids are part of my soul. They have helped define who I am. For me Orchids are a source of enjoyment, diversion, escape, chores, patience, hope, speculation, delight, joy, curiosity, pride, mystery, enchantment, frustration, pleasure and growth.

I have learned a lot by demand and have met some of the nicest people and some of the worst. One person in particular (of the nice variety) I now consider my best friend. It is pure joy to share this addiction with others as I do when I give seminars for customers, Master Gardners, Women's events, etc. I am refreshed anew as I watch the lights come on in their eyes as they, too, fall in love with Orchids.

What other addiction or hobby of choice can offer so much?

Always...Orchids

Barbara

P.S. I also love to tinker with photography. Look for another thread regarding the Paph Ron Williamson 3D project I recently finished. --B

[justatypn]

Aboard Barbara, it's great to have you here on the OB and am sure as delighted as we are you are as well. What a great introduction, wow caught up from the start.

What a great 3D effect. Glad your here

[cb977]

Hi again Barbara

What a fantastic intro! Welcome aboard

I too have made some great friends because of my passion for these beautiful plants...and I'm sure I drive the other people around me insane because almost every conversation has the word "Orchid" in it

Loved your 3-D presentation...hope to see more of your photography posted. I know you'll also be a great asset to our community...I know I'll be asking questions

If you need help with anything, let us know

[Ross]

Welcome Barbara, We love photos here and have a great gallery feature to store stuff. Feel free to post you best and also visit the photography section under "Off Topic" to help us with your techinques. Glad you are here.

[Djarum Black]

Hi Barbara,

welcome to the OB! Wow, sounds like you have great experiences with orchids! I hope you will share them with us

[R Srinivasan]

Originally Posted by Always Orchids

Thanks for welcoming me to this forum. I have been asked to introduce myself officially so here goes. I can't tell you about me unless I tell you how I came to know orchids since they are so much a part of my life. Some of this has appeared in another orchid related forum so if this sounds familiar, hang in there.

Twelve or so years ago, during a particularly trying time for our family, I had cause to drive by Orchids by the Ackers in Madison, Wisconsin. I checked the sign and finally managed to stop in during office hours. It was early April, and the first step into the building brought me the delicate scents and warm, moist air of the adjoining greenhouses. The first house of beauties only whetted my appetite for more. The next house had me on my knees. You can't be in the emotional turmoil I was in and see the thousands of glorious orchid blooms without breaking down. I did. Since then, I have spent most of my spare time thinking, reading, learning, buying, researching, growing, teaching and now working with orchids as an avocation.

I now manage the greenhouses for a tropical plant wholesaler that services florists, garden centers and interiorscapers throughout the Upper Midwest. There I manage the orchids we offer to our customers. I have also established a breeding program to expand the lines of round, pink, shapely slipper orchids that are available to my orchid customers.

At home, I grow mostly slippers but also an eclectic assortment of species, especially those that smell nice. I am charmed by the color pink and relish any orchid that blooms along this line.

It seems it was "Always Orchids"! For me, Orchids are part of my soul. They have helped define who I am. For me Orchids are a source of enjoyment, diversion, escape, chores, patience, hope, speculation, delight, joy, curiosity, pride, mystery, enchantment, frustration, pleasure and growth.

I have learned a lot by demand and have met some of the nicest people and some of the worst. One person in particular (of the nice variety) I now consider my best friend. It is pure joy to share this addiction with others as I do when I give seminars for customers, Master Gardners, Women's events, etc. I am refreshed anew as I watch the lights come on in their eyes as they, too, fall in love with Orchids.

What other addiction or hobby of choice can offer so much?

Always...Orchids

Barbara

P.S. I also love to tinker with photography. Look for another thread regarding the Paph Ron Williamson 3D project I recently finished. --B

Undoubtedly, you are suffering from both orchiditis and orchidomania! Just like you there are some who swear by tuberous begonias, for others there is nothing more beautiful than cacti, lithops, ferns,etc.etc. Baby, I know you are getting weak on your knees at the mention of orchids. That's good. Be lost is some beautiful madness.

[Tindomul]

Welcome to the board Barbara! Glad you were able to join, and thanks for sharing a great intro with us

[caseydoll]

Welcome Barbara and what a beautiful intro! I just wanted to add that you are so lucky to have found a job that lets you do what you love! So many of us should be that fortunate.

Sarah

[GenevaDad]

Barbara, Welcome to OB!

What a grand introduction.

Finding solace from nature's wonders has been something I have come to count on. Whether it be raising orchids, growing perennials, walking, or just sitting and observing what nature has to offer.

I am very new to the fine art of raising orchids, but am feeling drawn into this new world by their beauty and complexity on a daily basis.

I'm looking forward to your future posts and images.

Thank you for joining this forum!

[Brenda Aarts]

[QUOTE=Always Orchids;43079]

For me, Orchids are part of my soul. They have helped define who I am. For me Orchids are a source of enjoyment, diversion, escape, chores, patience, hope, speculation, delight, joy, curiosity, pride, mystery, enchantment, frustration, pleasure and growth.

Thank you for putting into words what I'm always trying to explain to my "non-orchid" friends and aquaintances. Welcome to Orchid Board, you will love it here.