Al's Orchid Greenhouse is Fabulous! - Orchid Board

lycaonpictus · #1 03-15-2010, 02:20 PM

I stopped by Al's Orchid Greenhouse in Leesburg, VA yesterday on my way back to Pittsburgh from Baltimore. I'd bought some tolumnia there several years ago, and thought I'd see what he had available now.

Short version of experience: I wish I'd brought about 4 times the amount of money I did! Dozens of simply beautiful tolumnia -- not to mention all sorts of other gorgeous orchids! Al himself is helpful and friendly, and the greenhouse and plants are the cleanest and healthiest I have ever seen. The living water feature / cliff-face in the midst of the greenhouse is worth the visit all by itself. I'm kind of glad Al's Greenhouse is a 5 hour drive from my home, or I would be needing to build a giant greenhouse myself, just to house the plants I would buy from him!

Having fun today setting up all my new tolumnia in their temporary quarantine (coincidentally on the kitchen counter where I can watch them bloom!). Thanks, Al, for taking such great care of the plants, and making them available to the rest of us to then enjoy!

Royal · #2 03-15-2010, 03:21 PM

Shhhh! Don't share my secret!

Seriously, I totally agree. Al's is top notch. I've only mail-ordered from them, and only a few Phals, but they were all very nice. I'll have to check out his Tolumnias.

lycaonpictus · #3 03-15-2010, 03:50 PM

For whatever reason, he doesn't list many tolumnia on his website. But he has a great selection, and they are all gorgeous an healthy, and very reasonably-priced.

trdyl · #4 03-15-2010, 03:50 PM

Good to hear he is still going strong. I had visited his place in the late 90s when it was all in his basement. His plants were great then. I would love to see his place now since he built the greenhouse.

Tindomul · #5 03-15-2010, 05:43 PM

Nice info! I already saw three species I want. yay.

mollycart1 · #6 03-15-2010, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tindomul

Nice info! I already saw three species I want. yay.

I know "one" of them.

Good finding.

I want Prn. ( Ren. Mem. Marie Killian X Pps. Sunny )

Orchidreamer · #7 03-30-2010, 09:41 PM

In 2004 I went there and got a couple of young phals. They've grown up well and they bloom every year. Even now, I'm waiting for the buds to finish growing--one has a large spike with 5 branches!

phalaephila · #8 03-31-2010, 12:00 AM

Yep, I'm a fan as well. I've been to the greenhouse, and purchased mail order, and always have received wonderful, healthy, ready-to-grow orchids. Thanks, Al!

Tindomul · #9 04-02-2010, 06:18 PM

I ordered my orchids and they came in great shape, condition and some in bud/bloom. I would order from them again, no problem.

Stitzelweller · #10 04-14-2010, 09:47 AM

Al is a-ok! On occasion, I take White's Ferry across the Potomac River for a visit.