Educating the public - your thoughts and opinions please

[Paul Mc]

LOL, I love foto's comment as well and the point is fully understood. Hope no one thought I was discrediting though.

I agree, generating interest is key. Sometimes it does just take addressing misperceptions, and sometimes there just isn't any general interest in plants or any specific plant other than to maybe just see them.


Paul McMahon
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[tucker85]

The general public is more understanding of orchid collectors here, in South Florida, because they can drive around and see orchids hanging in peoples yards and growing on trees. But many people aren't hobbyists and don't understand any kind of collecting or other hobby. Personally, I don't care, I've always had hobbies of one kind or another and I love growing my orchids.

[NYCorchidman]

Some people think I'm crazy, too, but do I care? lol
I think people sometimes judge too easily, but those are usually the ones with no hobbys and boring life, or they just have no respect for difference or think plants just don't matter.

Others who do not think I'm crazy do so because they collect or grow something themselves and also these are people who have respect for others.

Anyways, I think busting the myth that orchids are difficult to grow is a big thing.

Then the rest is all about bringing awareness and help developing interest about orchids in people.

We have annual orchid show in the NY botanical garden that runs for about two months.
It is well advertised and it is a treat for many many people. Most visitors may already be orchid or plant enthusiasts, but for some others, the visit may be the starting point of the life with no return. hahaha

[RosieC]

Another comment, I do notice that success with one plant picked up at the supermarket leads to more interest and excitement.

People perceave orchids to be difficult. When someone says that, and when they have an orchids, I give a few quick beginner watering tips and a tip that cooler in autum helps them flower again. I've had people come back with excitement in their eyes to say "It's growing a new leaf" or "It's got a flower spike".

That kernel of excitement sometimes goes no further, but on some occasions the person has now got 3 or 4 phals rather than the one. It's always got to start that way, small, and who knows if one day some of those will take it even further like I did.

Oh, and like someone else's comment I found a bonsai enthusiast most receptive to hearing about my orchids (and I about his bonsai).

[WhiteRabbit]

I feel like if you can grow plants with fabulous flowers on your windowsill or porch, why wouldn't you?

[Paul Mc]

LOL, Whiterabbit!


Paul McMahon
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[Leafmite]

How to get people into orchids? Give them one as a gift! I do and people really seem to treasure them.
Seriously, it is getting much better to be an orchid owner, now. They are appearing in movies, magazines and everywhere else. Many older people appreciate the cattleyas when you remind them that they were used in corsages.
As for explaining why a particular orchid is so expensive, it is like anything else that is rare or takes time to create...it does cost money and people that collect, like to add the rarer, more expensive items. When I explain this to people, they understand.
Many years ago, I was thought nuts for collecting plants but, lately, people seem to find it more interesting and less odd.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I think this question is sort of like asking a bunch of golf enthusiasts how to get the non-golf public to better appreciate golf. The n-g public would include me, BTW.

There is nothing wrong with the golf (or non-golf) folks, also nothing wrong with either orchid ( or non-orchid) folks. Same goes for bee keepers, stamp collectors, rockhounds, etc. It just reflects different interests that many people have. But it is difficult to get someone with zero interest to share your passion.

Where you may make some head way is with other people that have a general interest in plants already. For example, one of the recent additions to our local orchid society is a guy that already had an interest in carnivorous plants. It was not difficult to convince him to come check out our club.

[vjo]

I think it is sort of like anything else, first they have to like plants. houseplants or gardening will do. Then they may or may not take to a plant that takes a little more care to make it productive. I say I am a collector of orchids, some people understand, some don't. It is sort of like when I tell someone I have over 200 orchids they think I am nuts and when they tell me they have over 200 Santa Clauses I think they are nuts...lol....Jean

[AnonYMouse]

Since my Dad grew orchids, my family understands. My relatives understand quirky since my grandfather had suburban bee hives.

My friends haven't question the orchid hobby. Some of them knit, some dress in medieval replica clothing and make-believe clobber each other (SCA is alive and well). I've known a competitive paintballer (there are tournaments!). I have a friend who also has suburban bee hive(s).

What? We're not normal average people?

I don't need to educate since the people around me simply accept.

I've never actively tried to generate interest among my friends and family since they just aren't orchid people. I know one person who cultivates/collects bonsai-equivalent to specimen orchids. He doesn't care for orchids much more than room decor NoID Phals. I knew a couple who cultivates/collects Rhododendrons, no interest in orchids.

I think for each interest, there is a corresponding aspect of each person. I can't exactly say why some orchids call to me and other orchids or plants don't. Even here on this board, some people are slipper people who will never be catt (or some other genus) people.

Which brings me to ask after the OP and some replies if other regions really have different attitudes towards the orchid hobby (I got "frivolous" vibe)?