Trip to Orchidview 8-27-10
 

I went to Orchidview a couple weeks ago, and I took a few pics. Its late in the season and there wasn't much in bloom, but I got a few. Also despite being sunny and hot for weeks, this day it was cloudy. That made good pictures hard to come by. As always HP, Katherine, Fifi, and Tyler were great company. I'll number them if you have any comments.

DISCLAIMER!! When you look at these pics, remember that many of the plants are first bloom seedlings or they are have been open in the heat for weeks. Not everything is a mature plant with a fresh bloom. The flowers reflect what was open when I was there.

DISCLAIMER #2: I have no financial or other interest in Orchidview. I'm just a big fan of them and their orchids.

01: violacea
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00700.jpg

02: bellina
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00708.jpg

03: Something Frank Smith gave them
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00716.jpg

04: bellina
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00720.jpg

05: violacea alba 'Angel Wings'
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00726.jpg

06: violacea 'Blue Chip'- It has not liked the heat. I saw it when it wasn't so hot a couple years ago and it was beautiful and round.
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00729.jpg

07: violacea 'Mademoiselle Blue' (I think)
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00732.jpg

08: Same as above
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00736.jpg

09: amboinensis (HP's Gift x Hackneau II)
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00747.jpg

10: equestris
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00750.jpg

11: A couple of the now famous Orchidview blue Sameras. I like the green picotee that turns to light purple and then indigo.
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00753.jpg

12: Samera
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00755.jpg

13: Another violacea with green tips.
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00759.jpg

14: Out of focus but you can see all the blues, magentas, and bellinas. It was awesome.
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00767.jpg

15: Some mounted things.
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00768.jpg

16: OK, this was the jewel of the day. It was just opening that morning. This picture looks photo shopped.... it is not. This flower was this electric hot pink. There were no color breaks or anything. It was amazing. We all kept looking at it.
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00770.jpg

17: This was the second jewel of the day. Looks like bad form and lighter indigo, but it too was just opening, so it is cupped towards you, which makes the form look bad. We could tell the form was going to be excellent. Also, it is much darker, but the photographer isn't that great, so it looks light. I believe Katherine named this one 'Adelaide Blue'
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/DSC00778.jpg

18: venosa
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/venosa01.jpg

19: venosa
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/venosa02.jpg

20: venosa
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/venosa03.jpg

21: venosa
http://www.benbelton.com/onlinepics/...0/venosa04.jpg

WOW!! A lot of great pictures, thanks for sharing..... Jim.

Fantastic species :biggrin: Must have been an awesome visit!

Thanks for the trip report! Beautiful plants for sure.

BTW-- gray, cloudy days are best for photographing flowers-- the light is even and great for tones. So I'd say you lucked out!

The greenhouse already diffused the light. The clouds made it more dark.

Thank you for sharing these! I haven't talked to the Nortons in about 15 years. They've always been so gracious.

Lucky you! I sure wish they didn't live on the other side of the continent from me. ;) Thanks for sharing your great pictures. I hope the bellina I bought from them looks as nice.....the Blue Chip too.

Thank you Ben, what a bundle of beauties.

Wow! beautiful blooms. Looks like you had a blast. BTW, what all ended up following you home ;)

thanks for sharing your photos on such a great trip:)