Hi all. - Orchid Board

Team Ferret · #1 07-05-2007, 04:39 PM

I’m Dave from Kissimmee Florida. I am new to this board and new to orchids. As a matter of fact I have not grown anything before, so all of this is new.

I have always been a "metal" kind of guy. I spent 15 years in the auto industry, many of which I built street and race cars. Now I am in the gun industry and own a company that makes 50 caliber rifles for competition. I have always been quick to admit my shortcomings with anything that grows, or comes from something that grows. So this is a big sidestep of interest for me.

So, how did I get here you ask? Well, I bought my wife an orchid for this past Mothers day. She always likes it when I buy her flowers but recently indicated that it would be nice to get something that wouldn’t die in a couple weeks. So while I was at a local food store I saw a phalaenopsis and thought she would like it. Sure enough she did like it and on her next trip to the library she checked out every book on orchids that they had. I was out of books to read so I picked one up, finished it and by the end of the week I read all of the books she had brought home. I guess this is what you would call the beginning of the end for me. Meanwhile the orchid I bought her wasn’t doing so well. Little did I know that when I bought it the roots were well rotted and the flowers were beginning to drop off. So off I was to get a new pot and some potting media, came back home and repotted the orchid after trimming off all the roots and the spikes. It is still hanging in there and is sprouting something from the base, I assume it is a root.

At this point I am seeing the signs of addiction, may the gods help me. Oh, I see this stuff all the time. In my line of work it is common to see folks bit by the bug. We call it the 50 cal bug and it starts with that first shot and the result is a grin that death can't remove.

So the wife and I (with child in tow) head out for weekend visits to orchid nurseries in the area and have been working our way further from home. Some nurseries are ok and some are great. Around fathers day I had a seminar in Tampa to go to so we all went and hit a few places. We ended up at Phelps Farm, which is a very nice place, and I spotted a brassia that I liked that had a flower spike. My wife bought it for me, a father’s day gift, and we got a seedling in a pot (C. Maikai).

Now I have a full blown orchid infection and I think there is no cure. The nice thing is that my wife and I haven’t shared a hobby in a long time. It’s cool to sit in the evening and chat about what orchids we would like to get next (I have a list) and where we want to put the greenhouse (although I think we will start with an orchidairum first).

So there you have it in a nutshell. It is going to be nice to hang here, ask questions and learn.

Dave

mayres · #2 07-05-2007, 04:51 PM

Welcome Dave!
Yep! As you have already figured out, you are definately smitten. Good introduction story - it is always interesting to see how others begin. You are blessed to be in a wonderful growing area for them as well. Enjoy! mike

cb977 · #3 07-05-2007, 04:56 PM

Hi Dave

Welcome to Orchidboard

You are well into your addiction at this point! Bravo

You are in the perfect location for orchids if you're willing to travel a little while in almost any direction!
Too bad you didn't stop in to Louis DelFavero's place in Tampa, he's got wonderful stuff

There are many in Apopka and in Mt Dora which isn't far from you (

I think). Now that you've been bitten, you should check into next year's Redlands show in Homestead...oh heck...go to Homestead anytime for an awesome display of orchid vendors and don't miss a tour at RF Orchids!

Have you heard of the World Orchid Conference coming in January 2008? A number of us are going

It hasn't been held in the U.S. for over two decades and it'll probably be that long before it gets back here so if you can possibly do it, you should go

19WOCEntry

I hope to see you (and your wife

) around the board...join us for a chat some evening, we start around 8pm EST

If you have any questions, let us know

Ross · #4 07-05-2007, 04:59 PM

Welcome Dave. The rest of my family dwell in Lutz - Tampa area. I really look forward to your stories, especially 50-cal stories

Is that high power, like 50-cal machine gun size or black powder? Just curious.

Tindomul · #5 07-05-2007, 05:46 PM

Welcome to the Orchid Board! Yup I'd say you are a full addict. When I got books, I was already bitten by the bug. The books just nutured the bug into a gigantic beast!

Team Ferret · #6 07-05-2007, 10:15 PM

Thanks.

We wanted to visit more places in Tampa, but I was not aware of DelFavero's place. We will have to check it out. We will be popping up at the Florida shows when we can.

Yes, it is the full machine gun cartridge, but I dont make MG's. My link is at the bottom of my posts if you want to know more.

Well, there are worse things to be addicted to and none as beautiful.

Thank you for the welcome.

Dave

Lagoon · #7 07-05-2007, 11:05 PM

Bonjour Dave -- Welcome aboard!!
Don't forget to save some room for paphs and phrags

Say HELLO to your wife, Hope you both enjoy the forum

gobluenurse38 · #8 07-07-2007, 02:22 AM

Hello Dave,
I really can relate to your story...I myself am a self proclaimed "non plant person"...but, there's something about Oscar, and so I will try....Anyways, its cool that you and your wife are getting into this together. My husband has two loves, his reef tank and his Harley, and though I must admit, the Harley does hold my attention, I'm not as into it as he is....maybe the orchid will do the trick....

Nice to meet you!!

Angela

Team Ferret · #9 07-12-2007, 12:45 AM

Yes, my wife loves paphs and phrags, although she is hesitating to buy any just yet.

A reef tank? That sounds like a large aquarium about to become an orchidarium.

So, my last flower died on my Brassia and I was thinking about repotting this week. But I have two psudobulbs that have sprouted a stem with two leaves. I dont know if it is a new growth or a weed, I cant tell. I suppose that someone will ask for a photo, I will try to post a pic tomorrow.

Dave

DasEmpress · #10 07-12-2007, 02:14 AM

Looks like we have something in common! Major Ochiditis, and firearms..though I must admit that I cannot get any .50 rifles...I am in the "Golden State"!

I'm sure you'll have fun, here...this board has helped me loads!

Ooohh...I can def. do the .338(checked out your site), might have to talk to ya about that!