New from Tampa
 

Hi,
My name is Catherine, but I go by Cat. I live in Tampa, Florida on an acre and a half pocket swamp on the Hillsborough River. I have been growing orchids for over 20 years- but I'm more a hobbyist than a serious collector. I got into orchids by buying some unlabeled, bare root babies at a nursery sale (these would be NOIDs?) that grew and bloomed- that got me hooked. I got many of my orchids as cuttings/plant divisions from friends- but I also buy from a couple of local growers, most notably Louis Del Favero. As my orchids have grown and overgrown- I've passed them on to friends- 2 of whom are now far more serious than I. They make fun of my haphazard collection!
I love great big red cattleyas, vivid purple Vandas, Florida native orchids (but, never from the wild) and anything that is unusual or strange. After this years long cold spell, I'm probably down to about 50 plants. My big plan is to start setting various of my orchids free- I am researching which plants will free grow here, then I will establish them up in our trees (we have close to 50 large oak, cypress, sweet bay, elm, mulberry, persimmon, citrus etc) and let them do as they may. Well, after some judicious watering to get them on their feet. Since we have a true, but small wetland- I'm hoping our little micro-climate will work in my favor.
Cat

Hi Cat! welcome!
can't wait to see pix of your orchids!

Thanks- I have photos saved, so will have to post a few here and there.

Cat, Welcome to OB!

Glad you wondered in.

Welcome to Orchid Board :welcome:

Hope you have success putting some in your trees. Various people here growth them outside on trees and I always think they looks so good that way.

Hello and welcome.
Joann

welcome to ob!! that would be so cool ( your plan for your yard) pics please :D

Hello Catherine glad to have you here. Your tree idea is great and they look great as well on trees.

I have lots of different kinds growing on trees in my yard and they love it. So good luck to you!

Hi Cat :waving

I'm in Spring Hill and am a member of the Tampa Orchid Society...are you a member of any local club?

It's nice to meet another neighbor :welcome:

No, but I have several friends who are members of the Tampa branch. I'm always envious when they win something beautiful! My schedule is too hectic right now, but when (and if) life slows down some, I hope to join.
Thanks for the hello!

Hi Cat, join in, just started florida orchid lovers social group