Hi from balmy Iowa - Orchid Board

Tarzin Iowa · #1 02-01-2008, 12:53 AM

Greetings to all. I have often looked at postings in the Orchid Board and finally decided to get in. The "Balmy Iowa" part of the title is a quote from the Airline pilot that stated "We will be landing in Balmy Iowa where it is 2 below right now". This was on our way back from the WOC where it was about 70 when we left. The WOC was fantastic.

I have been in orchids off and on since the 1970s. Just really had success recently. I like slippers and am also into the minis that I can keep alive. I really took the plunge recently and installed a pretty good size under light bench. I also have tried my hand at flasking with very limited success.

Recently became pres of Eastern Iowa Orchid Society (but I was the only nominee). I also like woodcarving, and want to carve orchids when I have more time. I like to fiddle around with mechanics and have put together my own laminar flow cabinet.

I look forward to input from all. I have found that the longer I keep orchids, the more that I need to learn. I probably have some kind of record for embarrassing, and sometimes costly, failures. I hope you all keep posting; might keep me away from some of those mistakes. Maybe I can contribute once in awhile.

best regards

cb977 · #2 02-01-2008, 09:55 AM

Hi and welcome

The WOC was wonderful, wasn't it?

I agree with you...the longer I indulge this obsession of mine, the more I realize I have so much to learn. It's one of the reasons I love it so much...the diversity

I'm sure we'd all love to see some carved orchids! They must be gorgeous!

If you need help with anything, just let us know

tennisfreak · #3 02-01-2008, 02:21 PM

Hi Tarzin Iowa

I was born and raised in Iowa but moving to Florida got me interested in orchids. I vaguely remember a slipper type plant in the woods, but I don't know if it was an orchid. Are there many native Iowa orchids? Welcome to the orchid board, I just recently joined too.

Penny

Deborah · #4 02-01-2008, 02:47 PM

Tarzin, I'm new here too,and just love OB,I have never considered joining a forum before, but, the people her are GREAT!

Tarzin Iowa · #5 02-02-2008, 12:05 AM

Hi Tennisfreak, nice to hear from you. I knew of 3 ladyslippers in Iowa, but just found a website that says there are 4, and 32 species in all. I have seen a few of the less showy species, but not the slippers, except for some Showy ladyslippers and Yellow ladyslippers which were legally purchased (in Minnesota) and planted in my garden. They have bloomed once and I have high hopes for next year.

Tarzin

Tarzin Iowa · #6 02-02-2008, 12:11 AM

Greetings Deborah

I like the flavor of what I have seen on OB so far. I did see a couple of friendly (?)

spats going on but they seemed to end equitably. The vast majority seem like people that are genuine and eager to learn and talk. I like to write better than talk, so this is better for me.

Tarzin

Tarzin Iowa · #7 02-02-2008, 12:24 AM

Hi Susanne

Thanks for the warm welcome. I really enjoyed the WOC and am now back to reality

. I also got a chance to go on a guided tour of the Fakahatchee Strand while in Florida

. That was a real experience even though very little was in bloom at that time. I was with my wife and another orchid loving couple from Iowa City. 3 others joined this group as well which all turned out to be orchid lovers. The guide was great.

I will see if I can get some pics of my carvings. They don't always

well.

Tarzin

GreggC · #8 02-02-2008, 08:02 AM

cause we sure ain't here!

Welcome!!