lets all get orchids, they are related so we can compare :rofl:

I'm of the mind to focus on species and their primary hybrids, if only to actually make some of the comparisons feasible. If we stretch this to include too much, we could lose the little fabric that holds the project together, as growing needs will vary the further we go from the project 'species.'. Another 2c, so I think that makes 4c.

Erm, actually I think the original idea was to open things up a bit to include groups of similar orchids that might not have been possible to include in previous projects, including hybrids. Read page one of this thread, and starting here where it was originally discussed.

I thought this was the wider/quickie project! LOL

Again, if the group consensus is that it should be species and primaries only, then fine. Just a bit annoying I spent several hours researching Brassias and hybrids and Maudiaes. So am I really the only one that wants those options included? In both those cases it looks like if we keep it strictly to species and primaries then availability in budget will be a problem and they'll probably be ruled out.

No, originally this started as a regular Orchid Board project, where one species is selected, purchased, and grown by the participants. But, because there has been an increase in members participating, both in the US and internationally, it was proposed that instead of one species, we choose a group of species that fall within one section of a genus, such as the Hadrolaelias, rupiculous Laelias (previously genus Hoffmannseggella), or subgenus Parishianae of genus Phalaenopsis (lobbii, parishii, gibbosa, etc.) This was meant to increase the options while still providing for plants with very similar growth habits, so there is still some challenge in growing all of the options (which is why some of the uncommon groups are suggested). It wasn't until much later in this thread that the idea of widening the options to complex hybrids of a specific group was added. But for the sake of it still being a true OB Member's Project, I would also quickly reject this idea, as it makes it too broad, and will make it more likely to include the common plants that you could buy at a grocery store :faint:. I have always viewed the MP as being a chance for a group of people to get a plant that is usually not considered when people are searching through online vendors for something to buy, which is the final reason I don't agree with it being anything common. BUT, like I stated earlier, if there is enough interest, I don't see any issue with a group of people starting a project with a much wider view, such as Brassias, spotted Cattleya hybrids, etc, etc. And if people go for this, then your research is definitely not in vain.

While that thread was originally intended to get ideas for this project, we ended up tossing out ideas for the spring project there. I did say that I liked your Brassia idea, true. But it was also before I had finished thinking out how the summer project would be. If you look at the first post of this thread, I mention that hybrids can be included, but to a limited extent. Maybe I should have specified it a bit more. I know that personally while I do like Brassias and Paph Maudiae types, I would like to buy species or primary hybrids, as I can get hybrids of those 2 types whenever I want from a zillion different shops.

The idea for this project originated in the last project actually, where we considered Bulbo sumatranum and lobbii to be the same for the purpose of the project. So I had been thinking of groups of orchids along those lines, as Cody explained very well.

Definitely not mad at you Camille. You are really busy, amazing for trying to get this together, and these misunderstandings happen on the internet. Not mad at anyone else either. Hope people understand that from my point of view people were generally open to the idea of multi-hybrids being included to increase availability in some cases. I was coming off the 'seed grown hybrids' discussion after all. And it's a little annoying that I've been going on about it for weeks and no-one's said. LOL

Anyway, I'd be happy to argue if anyone else wants Maudiae's and Brassias on the list.... but since no-one's shouting out, I guess that's a no!

If anyone's interested 'Paph Callosum and primaries' might be a possibility, but I really haven't got time (or will!) to check it out now. I don't think Brassia's and primaries has availability. Anyone does want to check out those options, feel free.

PS: bit of irony. If we'd ended up with Brassia's I was actually thinking of buying a species: wagneri.

There's time enough for more suggestions, I'm so swamped with work I just don't have enough time for the project. I'm on vacation at the end of the week for 3 weeks, and then I'll have more more time (also depends on the weather, if it's rainy I'll be on OB a lot!). Anyone opposed to pushing back the voting to the last week of August? Buying plants in early-mid september should still be good for the Canadians. That way it gives me time to double check suggestions, and look up the plants I wanted to suggest. If you guys prefer to buy earlier, then someone will have to take over (duties include double checking availability, plant size, temp requirments, and possibly contacting vendors)

I think we should leave in the Brassia and Maudiae, but try to add in some species/primaries and remove the more complex hybrids.

Camille, early-mid-September will be perfectly fine for us Canadians. Last year it didn't get to cold to ship until the end of October/early November. Once again, I appreciate the work you have put in to this, so whatever suites your needs, follow that.

I like the fact that our weather has been taken in consideration!
Makes me laugh that the whole world knows our weather sucks for orchids and that we are stranded without new babies for half the year!
Anyway! Thank you Camille for all your hard work!