Getting The Office Ladies Interested In Orchids

[RJSquirrel]

hi and I'm trying to find novel ways of getting the office ladies here where I work active in orchid culture.They all love the plants and flowers etc etc they get from well wishers and a "Good Job" desk pretty. Most of what they get dies soon after the moment has passed and the grats have turned to "back to work".

So my 1st attempt at getting them interested is to replace the Bag of Candy that we all get that comes with a "Happy Birthday" card. That's got to be a winner to get a little orchid in a clay pot to grow instead of the M&M's growing on you...

Of course this is coming out of my own pocket for the time being in hopes of turning a few into my "Blooming Desktop" clients...a side job...govt work ya know

I provide them a blooming Orchid in a small arrangement, maybe a bromeliad or tillandsia and maybe some Ivy and what have you on special today type stuff. For a small monthly Fee, I will make sure the plants are always blooming, clean and looks good for them. When its done blooming, I pick it up and replace it with a new one. I then have flow of good stock plants and new stock always building up..What do ya think of that?...

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Some people do it all the time. If you can get enough clients to do it, it's a good way to get some income.

[fotofashion]

In Houston there is a business called "Orchid Express and Leasing". That is what she does essentially. She dresses up the plants and delivers them (usually) to her clients. She also does repotting. I don't know all the details as to how she charges for the plants whether bought or leased.
Beverly A.

[peeweelovesbooks]

I would first check your HR department if they allow you to collect money for this service. I work for the federal government (and I know I would have to get clearance to do this). Othewise it sounds like a good idea.


Good luck.

[RJSquirrel]

yes all is in order checking with HR as shes an orchid lover too

I have set up 4 blooming plants in our area and already collected a small crowd.

There biggest surprise so far is that its ME thats doing this..Huh? yeah they cant believe the guy that works night shifts,stays dirty working on all the equipment, likes to grow orchids and enjoy the blooms...So many pre-conceived ideas on what an orchid person should look like or be...I see I'm fighting on a few fronts here

[RosieC]

I find it interesting at work that everyone thinks that orchids are a female hobby. Yes I'm female but they are quite amazed when I tell them that there are probably as many male members here as female. I don't find it suprising at all Interesting what steriotypes exist!

[RJSquirrel]

heh Its kind of comical to me. told em

" yeah I like funny hats, playing with flowers, have black and decker tool bag I carry, if it didn't say Black and Decker on it, would be a purse. I'm joining the ladies garden club next"

[fotofashion]

Funny some think orchids are a 'female' hobby. They should attend the HOS meetings. We have at least as many men as women in attendance and participating in all facets of the proceedings. Our president this year is a man, last year was a woman. The judges are mostly men ( I think). The ones who comment on the plant table are usually men. And, most of our visiting speakers are men. As was the speaker last night. I wouldn't be surprised that most of the growers are men. Maybe a little education is in order.
Beverly A.

[RosieC]

I agree Beverly, I've got the impression the same is true of the societies arround here... not been myself but that's from what others have said.