How many young growers are here?

[LauraN]

Originally Posted by cb977

Since Laura may or may not see this thread, I have to mention her ultra-adorable grandson Luca who is about to turn one...I think he may be the youngest yet! The kid just LOVES Grammy's orchids! If he's cranky, you just bring him out to the vandas and let him grab a root...happy happy baby!

Yes, I would consider Luca a young grower! He has a preference for Vanda roots, Cattleya leaves, and any flowers that he can get his hands on... He is so funny;whenever I have a scented flower, I smell it and then allow him to do the same, he just hasn't figured out yet that you smell with your nose, not your mouth, as he gently tastes every flower that he gets near, Some must taste better than others, as he smiles after some of them!

[cb977]

He's just too darn cute...our little Heir to the Throne!

[Keltera]

iam 23 i started last year in october and now have a collection of 17 o.o

[cb977]

[greenbean]

I just turned 20 and have been growing for 5 years now, though I've been slowly learning about them for more than 10. Since I started so early on plants in general (before I could walk ), space was tight when I finally got my first orchid, so I haven't even reached 2 dozen. Plus I inherited my parents' "penny pincher" gene, so I can't bring myself to buy even as many orchids as I could probably afford.

Just how DO you other people in your late teens/early 20's get 300 in a year or two?! Not fair! Well, I guess that at least means you won't be going into debt over a house you can't afford, like so many people recently.

A couple more questions, just out of curiosity. Since I act too old, but I feel really young, where does that put me?

As for the tendancy in pop culture to reduce the number of years required to be considered "old", since lifespans are increasing, shouldn't we be doing the opposite? For instance, instead of considering 45 "old", shouldn't it be more like the new 35, and 35 the new 25?

[IraGlacialis]

I liked orchids since I was 8. Was into botany since then for an aesthetic and scientific reasons (mainly the latter); usually dealt with succulents.
Though I got my first orchids when I was 19. Still going at it.

Originally Posted by greenbean

As for the tendancy in pop culture to reduce the number of years required to be considered "old", since lifespans are increasing, shouldn't we be doing the opposite? For instance, instead of considering 45 "old", shouldn't it be more like the new 35, and 35 the new 25?

Eh... I still divvy it up into three sections. I divide it this way: 35 and younger would be young, 35-60 would be average/the ambiguous area, and 60 and up is older.

[Dail]

Elliott:

I just love your mother's apt description of the Phal which never bloomed. I think I have a few like that one so, one day, I just might throw them out.

Dail

[isurus79]

Well, I must've been in ol' Mehico when this thread came up!! I'm 29 and I've been growing orchids since I was about 14. That means I've been growing for over half my life! I can't remember how I got into growing orchids as a 14 year old in Canada, but I think it had something to with an interest in bromeliads. Needless to say, I havn't had a bromeliad since I was 14!! I do remember, however, being the youngest member of the Okanagan Orchid Society in Kelowna, B.C. and going every month with my Dad. Naturally, I NEVER told any of friends about the growing addiction!! Even now I get weird looks from people my age when I tell them I have 160 orchids, though the looks are definitely changing from "you're a frickin weirdo" to "really? thats kind cool." I have to say, its a slow transition!! lol

[Becky15349]

Hi all! I been away for a bit but I'm definitely back! I am 27, will be 28 on November 1st, and I have about 70 orchids, mostly cattleyas. The younger you start, the more you can accumulate!!

[isdaojon]

I think im the youngest here

im 13 and started growing orchids a year ago