Redland Intern. Orchid Festival

[cb977]

Here's a link to the promo site:
Redland International Orchid Festival

There are only a few that I'm unfamiliar with but in general, any of the vendors there will have stuff to make you happy.

H&R always has great chids, RF and Motes are known for their vandas, Ecuagenera will have lots of out-of-the-ordinary minis...those are just a few

Andy's and Oak Hill...well, need I say more?

[susiep]

Of those, I have only been to Broward Orchid Supply (which is great). I have gotten quite a few vandas from Martin Motes in Homestead. I have visited most of the growers in Homestead and gotten orchids from them. At the local shows, I have gotten plants from Whimsey, Grow More (Davie), Indian River (Vero Bch), Featherstone (Dunnelion), Godlove and Sons (Palm Bay) and many others. Unfortunately, they don't always put good tags on the plants. Recently I went to a show on Ft Laud Bch at the Bonnett House and got a cutting of the Vanda 'Cindy Banks'. It is almost 3 ft long and should bloom this fall or winter (I forget). I missed the recent show at Flamingo Gardens. Did you go to that one? Also, who is the coconut lady?

[larrylmt]

here is a list of orchid vendors in our area

orchids loc: Fort Lauderdale, FL - Google Maps

[gands]

We will be there, first time for me. I am really looking forward to it. If you happen to come by our booth (yep we are working the show as well) say hi and let me know you are from the board. I will enjoy putting faces to some names.

gands

[gte1011]

Is there a particular day that is best to go? I would like to go on Friday thinking there might be a better selection, but was wondering if Sunday people might give you a better deal. Any suggestions?

~Gina

[flhiker]

Originally Posted by gte1011

Is there a particular day that is best to go? I would like to go on Friday thinking there might be a better selection, but was wondering if Sunday people might give you a better deal. Any suggestions?

~Gina

I don't think the prices will change on the last day. You will have a blast no matter what day you go.

[cb977]

Actually, if you're there when the vendors start packing up at the end of the day on Sunday, you have a very good chance to get plants at big discounts. They don't want to pack it back up and if I understand it correctly, the vendors that come in from other countries aren't allowed to take the stuff back out of the country easily

[susiep]

I have found there are great deals after about 1pm on Sunday and it gets even better later. You are right about the out of state or out of country deals. At the last Tamiami show I got a couple nice plants from one of the Hawaiian vendors and 3 nice little plants from the German vendor Roellke-orchideen. I have noticed what they do is give you deals on multiple plant purchases (ie 3 for $20) to encourage you to buy more. I Usually spend about the same amount of money, I just end up with more plants!

[gte1011]

Originally Posted by susiep

I have found there are great deals after about 1pm on Sunday and it gets even better later. You are right about the out of state or out of country deals. At the last Tamiami show I got a couple nice plants from one of the Hawaiian vendors and 3 nice little plants from the German vendor Roellke-orchideen. I have noticed what they do is give you deals on multiple plant purchases (ie 3 for $20) to encourage you to buy more. I Usually spend about the same amount of money, I just end up with more plants!

That is exactly what I wanted to hear. We are hoping to be able to get off of work for a few days and make this into a mini-vacation. We have only been down in the area once before for a concert, so we hope to do some sight seeing. Can any of you recommend some great things to do in the Miami area? Also, how is Key Largo? I hope to get down there on Thursday and go to the orchid show on Sunday and head back to the Tampa area after the show. Thanks for the tips!

[susiep]

Gina, I have lived down here for 50 years and I don't know much I would want to see in Miami anymore. If you are young you would like South Beach and the beaches in general. But if you are 50+ probably should just skip that and go straight to Key Largo. John Pennecamp State Park is awsome. Go out on a glass bottom boat or go snorkeling (if the weather is good). Eat at some seafood restaurants and have a couple beers or rumrunners. Be sure to book a hotel ahead of time. Keys get busy on the weekend. Then check out early on Sunday and stop in Redlands (just north of Homestead) at the orchid show for a couple hours, then head home (about another 4 hours). Sounds like a fun long weekend!