Santa Barbara Orchid Estate - Orchid Board

nutgirl · #1 01-13-2012, 11:03 AM

I visited the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate this week.

The owner was so knowledgeable and willing to share his information. The collection is very extensive and I particularly liked seeing the specimen plants. (gives an idea of what the plant can really look like under optimum conditions)

I came away with a Vanda 'Paki' and a Sarcochilus 'Kirra-Lea' that I hope will fit my conditions.

I definitely recommend a visit if you're in the area.

Maureen

tucker85 · #2 01-13-2012, 02:34 PM

I've ordered plants for Santa Barbara Orchid Estate and I was very pleased with quality of their orchids and the huge selection they have. I would love to visit if I wasn't so far away.

Wynn Dee13 · #3 04-28-2012, 09:38 AM

I went to the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate International Orchid Fair last year and it was great! Lots of vendors from all over the world. The fair was fun and the nursery was beautiful! The employees were very nice and knowledgeable. I brought 7 orchids back home with me on the plane. I have also ordered from them through the mail and have always received great plants. I'm hoping to go again this year. Santa Barbara is beautiful too. It was a great vacation! I really recommend going to one of their shows or fairs. They host one in March one in July and one in the Fall. That is the ones I know of anyway!

plumania · #4 07-06-2012, 08:32 AM

I think they require a month long quarentine period before shipping out plants from this nursery. Awesome selection of varieties ,though a bit pricey and excellent customer service. I have yet to buy any from them but I was impressed with the time they took with selecting right plants based on my area and interest.

Wynn Dee13 · #5 07-06-2012, 01:07 PM

I have bought plants from them through the mail and the plants didn't go through any quarantine. But maybe they have changed since the last time I bought from them.

keithrs · #6 07-08-2012, 11:02 AM

Some state require a quarantine period....

SBOE has wonderful selection but you may not get the most beautiful plant.... That said, you are going to get a plant of quality that with alittle TLC will be a wonderful plant!

To anyone that wants to go the shows for the 7.50 specials.... Stay away.... I don't need any more people to ward off!!!!!

Meecrob · #7 11-25-2012, 01:56 PM

Just went to SBOE yesterday and came back with 6 7.50 specials. 2 cyms, 3 dens, and a milt. Their selection is amazing and they are always so helpful and nice.

cbuchman · #8 11-25-2012, 02:41 PM

I will be visiting next Thursday as part of my California vacation. I will have to buy small as I will need to bring my purchases back to NJ in my hand luggage. Can't wait.

NYCorchidman · #9 11-25-2012, 07:42 PM

I love looking at the wonderful pictures on their website!
I just wish I was closer to Cali.

ron-in-norcal · #10 12-08-2012, 10:11 PM

I ordered a couple from them, wanted to get a Paph. delenatii, but they were out. I could a beautiful SLC and a scarlet/red Masdevallia. Both arrived quickly and in just fantastic shape. I also got a Phrag. bessaea from Oak Hill and it came with a couple buds on a nice stem. They packed it so well it hardly knew it was moved!