Hello from Chicago! New Orchid Dude Here.

[cwroe]

Hi there. I'll keep this brief as I am having a great time reading all of this terrific advice for guys like me who are new to orchids. That said--I would like to offer my thanks to everybody who has contributed their knowledge to the site. Total Treasure trove!

My grow-space setup: West-facing sunroom on the top floor of my two-flat about a block off of Lake Michigan. I have been able to propagate several wonderful dwarf citrus trees in the space over the years, but I'd like to explore something more challenging.

Orchids seem a bit intimidating to me right now, but it has been my experience that any topic really worth learning rarely gives up all of its secrets quickly. I'll focus on keeping some starter orchids alive before I try to get too fancy!

I would welcome any recommendations for a starter species and learning about your first days in the hobby. Also, if anyone has recommendations for collections to check out or (preferably small) local greenhouses that you patronize, I would love to hear them. We are about a mile from the famous (ref: crazy expensive) Gethsemane Gardens on the North Side. They appear to have some very nice orchids, but the selection is small.

Again, thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Orchid On!

(Oh yeah...I forgot the obligatory "about me" part. Late 30's, Government Disaster guy. My wife and I share our home with a 10-year old Scottish Terrier and two honeybee colonies that I keep on the roof. That's pretty much it!)

[Leafmite]

You have Hausermann's nearby. They are a large grower but they have many very decently priced orchids and a good variety. They have been in business for quite a while. I order from them online due to it being easier than driving eight hours to visit. I wish I lived as close as you to the place.
I started growing orchids before the internet was a source of information. The only orchid book our library had said that all orchids had to be grown in a greenhouse with treefern (I had no idea what that was and could not find information about it). It was a fun beginning.
Orchids are not really that difficult to grow. If you are interested in them, give them a try.

[JDT]

Being in South Florida I can not give you any information on who to buy from but I will tell you to read up on the proper care of any orchid you are going to buy before you buy. I did not do that and paid the price. The information now available on the internet is certainly a good thing for a beginner unlike when I started keeping orchids at about the age you are now.

I see that the Illinois Orchid Society Show is March 13-15, 2015 at the Chicago Botanical Gardens which would be a good way to see lots of orchids that do well in your area as most vendor's bring what grows well in you area and talk to the vendor's they will give you a lot of information. You might also check to see if they are going to have any lectures during the show, you will pick up lots more information. I am still learning after doing this for so long.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress, it never hurts to ask if you have any doubts. Welcome to the Orchid Board!!

[WhiteRabbit]

[silken]

Welcome!

[orchidsarefun]

Hausermanns is great and well worth a visit.
Chicago Botanic Gardens is having an Orchid Show in the next few months - keep that in mind as its spectacular.
If you want a real trip into the Wild West...ern suburbs, Batavia Orchid Society has a show on Feb 21 and 22 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds.

[DeafOrchidLover]

Welcome to this fantastic, and friendly orchid forum...


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[Ferns Daddy]

Welcome

[Dillon123]

Welcomez

[ddivey36]

Welcome from NC!