Why did you join the OB?

[Dorothy]

Tracy-

and Ross is sweet enough to take my teasing ...

Carrie -
Just post your experiences ...
They speak for themselves and we all learn by them.

[sucuz]

I was a horticulture volunteer at a local botanical garden. One Saturday I was given the task of doing the cleanup & display of the "orchid wall". The person then in charge of the orchid collection liked the way I did the display and it became my regular responsibility. Discovered that if I was out there messing around with the plants, our guests expected me to actually know something about them! When asked questions, I would run to the back greenhouse, ask our orchid person and then dutifully bring the answer back. Kinda got the crash course on Orchid 101. At the first orchid show hosted at the Gardens there were some little slips with the OB site at the information table. I checked out the site and was amazed at the knowledge freely shared and by the friendly people. After lurking for about a year, I finally joined. Now when people ask me questions about orchids, most of my information comes from reading this site. I shamelessly promote this site every Saturday. I answer questions to the best of my ability (although sometimes the answer is "I don't know" ) but I always end my conversations with a plug for Orchid Board. Anyone here find this place after talking with the orchid gal at Fredrick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

[RosieC]

thanks for the plugs sucuz

[b amateur]

Like so many others,I found OB via research.This site kept popping up as I ferreted out info on various plants I wanted to try, and the things I learned here helped.So,why did I join? I don't really know[being pretty much non-gregarious],but I am really glad that I did.Thanks for being here. Brad

[JP020366]

Started by accident....had this plant in our backyard for two years. thought about throwing it out. But one xmas saw these funny looking drooping things hanging from the basket. A few days later these prehistoric flowers appeared (Stanhopea!). Ever since then been hooked.

Now use the OB for research and discuss issues with interested others.

Cheers

John

[Amanda L]

I joined because...I bought a Harlequin Phal hybrid, the name escapes me, because I have since killed it and the keiki it was trying to grow. I bought the phal as a "new house" present for myself and the leaves were getting droopy and I got worried. I did some searches online and read several sites. Due to the help I found on the OB, I found out it had crown rot.
I'm with Sue on why I chose OB to join instead of other forums. This forum has wonderfully helpful people that won't talk down to you just because you don't know. OB and the fabulous people here have helped me hone my growing abilities and made me brave enough to venture outside the realm of phals. I love this site and the people that make it the wonderful place it is.
My collection has grown to include: 5 Phals, 4 Catts, 4 dens, 3 Paphs, an Onc, an Mtda and a Bulbo. This list will undoubtedly grow by leaps and bounds as soon as I have more tables and lamps to grow them on.

[Charmkp]

I am an orchid fanatic. So anything orchid catches my attention. I decided to search the net for orchid blogs, and OB was the first site to pop before me. I was so excited when I realised that this interesting site existed. I signed up immediately and the rest is history. I have since introduced OB to my friend who also signed up.

[JackiBlu]

Originaly when I searched for a orchid forum, it was a toss up between this one and 'the other one'.. I ended up joining the other one - to my dismay.

Long story short, I noticed I was often shut down for this or that; the mod was on a power trip at the least. I can't recall now what exactly happened, but I went over his head to the owner reporting him for abuse that was happening to me and others. I have been an OP on MANY other boards and ego is something one must check at the door when you put on the OP hat. He sure didn't and it seemed all posts were personal to him. Anyway, I ended up getting banned because I challenged him... which was fine. When I tell folks I got banned on an orchid board they are shocked.. as I was. Anywayssssssss -- Another member there who was also here old me to come here and voila! here I am.. and SO MUCH the BETTER for it. I'll let her share her story should she choose -- it is much more involved than what even happened to me.

I love it here and that I don't have to walk on egg shells and review every single post 50 times before I hit send. (Ya'll had a quite lengthy thread about that board at least one time I know of)

I also believe I recognize many other nicks who've come over to this delightful side of town to add and share their orchid help and wealth of knowledge with everyone.

[Connie Star]

I never had a garden or even house plants growing up. But I always enjoyed the great outdoors and had an interest in science which I followed to a Master's degree in Botany. My research was lab based and technical- essentially I did "meristemming" and tissue culture- I didn't even know what "my" plant looked like! While I was in medical school, one of my patients raised orchids and I got interested. But then came residency and raising 2 kids until this year when I dove right in (from the high board!). I bought books, joined my local orchid society and bought my first 2 'chids. That was in February, and I bought #40 for the Thanksgiving table. I read and read and read, joined the AOS and stumbled on OB via Google. I joined on my first visit because of the friendly, informal tone.
My other passion is photography, particularly macro or close-up photography, and the orchids give me something to "shoot" in the winter up here in New England.'
I'm so glad you folks are here!

[Country Gramma]

Loved orchids since I was a kid..."Lady Slippers". Have always been an avid outside gardener but could not do well inside due to not enough light. My son bought me a beautiful Phal. for Mother's Day and it did wonderful in my north window all summer. Fall came and I wanted to give it and two more I couldn't resist more light. Started researching indoor lighting and OB came up on google a lot. The other forums that came up were not nearly as friendly or you needed to join to see the pics. The info here was invaluable and I now have 15+ orchids and can't wait to get more.

This place rocks
Everyone. Karen