New member - Orchid Board

Mike O'C · #1 02-10-2008, 08:36 AM

Hi All,
I am a new kid on the block and seems that it is quite true you cannot teach an old dog new tricks! Had quite a job figuring out how to post an introduction profile so I hope that it works.
I live inland (about 1 hour by car from the coast) on the south east side of the African continet i.e. near the tip of the African continent in South Africa and have been growing orchids since 1965. I grow mainly species (have very few hybrids mainly cymbidiums) and I grow them in clay pots using pine bark with a layer of sphagnum moss on top of the bark. I have a greenhouse which is unheated and the temperature goes from about 35C on really hot days to about 5C on the coldest days. I grow most of my species in the greenhouse but I also have a shade house (50% shade cloth on the sides and 40% on the roof). Outside temperatures range from 40+C on really hot days to -2C on really cold days.
I found this group by doing a Google search to verify the label on one of Masdevallias (Masdevallia striatella flowering now) and yes I do grow Masdevallias (traditionally cool growers) in my greenhouse.
I look forward to being a member of the groupd and learning from you all.
Keep well and kind regards
Mike

shams · #2 02-10-2008, 09:24 AM

Welcome to the Orchid Board Mike!

You're going to love it here. This group loves their pictures

, because it's fun to oogle what other people have

kiki-do · #3 02-10-2008, 09:33 AM

Welcome Mike!

Good hearing from you. It sounds like you have a little slice of orchid heaven surrounding you. Yup yup, they certainly are beautiful species. Post some

if and when you get a chance. If you have any questions, feel free to ask away. I have learned so much since finding this site. There are many experts here, as well as novices such as myself. Welcome! kiki

cb977 · #4 02-10-2008, 09:39 AM

Hi Mike

Welcome to Orchidboard

I am looking forward to hearing more from you. I can only enjoy the cool growers through my friends here at OB so I really want to see your

We have a number of members here on the African continent...it's wonderful to be able to meet folks from such far-away places

If you need help with anything, let us know. You can always email me if you need to: cb977@orchidboard.com

tuvoc · #5 02-10-2008, 01:06 PM

Welcome aboard, Mike. Hope you get as much enjoyment and inspiration as I have here.

Kim

louis hurn · #6 02-21-2008, 08:50 AM

Hi Mike,

louis hurn · #7 02-21-2008, 08:52 AM

Hi Mike,
Durban, other side of the Comrades Marathon! I only have two cats as yet but the bug has bitten me seriously. Would love to see some of your pics. Greetings.
Louis.

louis hurn · #8 02-21-2008, 08:57 AM

Lagoon · #9 02-21-2008, 09:16 AM

Welcome to the Jungle Mike!
Nice to have you here with us -- Enjoy the forum

Daemos · #10 02-21-2008, 10:05 AM

Greetz and welcome Mike,

Hope you learn as much as I have did in the short time being here!