Porter's Orchids on-site

[Leafmite]

Bill Porter has come to our Orchid Shows in the past and to the West Shore Orchid shows, too. They are very nice people. I have never been to his place but he does bring nice orchids to the shows. If you like Zygos, he does quite a bit of his own breeding where they are concerned. I think it is a small business, though. Because it is show season, you should contact him to make certain he will be there.

If you like novelty fragrant Phals, lycaste, etc., New Vision Orchids, is also in Indiana. Visiting there is by appointment only. Here is his website:
New Vision Orchids - Contact Us

Natt's Orchids:

Natt's Orchids. 24645 W. 103rd St. Naperville, IL 60564

[wintergirl]

I have been to Porter's and he also comes to our shows. He has a large greenhouse with a little of everthing. He had some species and hybrids, an intermediate room and a warm growers room. He has a lot of cattleya crosses and divisions. If you are going to be in the general area, it would be worth the trip. Check that he doesn't have a show when you are planning your trip. The show dates are on the website. Also when you know what date you are going, you may just call the day before to make sure he will be open.

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

Bill Porter has come to our Orchid Shows in the past and to the West Shore Orchid shows, too. They are very nice people. I have never been to his place but he does bring nice orchids to the shows. If you like Zygos, he does quite a bit of his own breeding where they are concerned. I think it is a small business, though. Because it is show season, you should contact him to make certain he will be there.

If you like novelty fragrant Phals, lycaste, etc., New Vision Orchids, is also in Indiana. Visiting there is by appointment only. Here is his website:
New Vision Orchids - Contact Us

Natt's Orchids:

Natt's Orchids. 24645 W. 103rd St. Naperville, IL 60564

I did look at those sites, too. Thank you Leafmite. I got some very nice orchids from Natt at the S. Bend show. We have a trip planned for Hausermans at the end of the month. Still, why waste a trip?

[wintergirl]

duplicate post.

[Dollythehun]

Thanks, Collette. I do see he has hours on his site and I'll call. So, it's worth the side trip! My better half is discouraging me until the snow clears, he says their weather is much worse than ours.

---------- Post added at 07:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:58 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

Really more like April to May. I grew up in Indy, May was always OK and April sometimes OK. It is markedly warmer now.

Dolly, I like the idea of visiting your friend regardless. The trip to the greenhouse could be a fun diversion for both of you if your friend joins you. That's the short drive, so not a big loss if Porters ends up being disappointing. IMO few trips to a greenhouse end up being disappointing.

Oh! Indy now has much worse weather than us! But, we have the same train of thought. Thank you.

[wintergirl]

Yes, the weather is worse. I would wait a little. I went there in May

[katrina]

I have never been to his greenhouse but both Bill and his wife are awesome people. Great folks...very warm and friendly and the wealth of knowledge Bill possesses is amazing.

As for the orchids...I have purchased a good number of orchids from them over the years and i was always very pleased.

Would i drive 3.5hrs (one way!) for just an orchid shopping trip? Probably not...especially when i can just order and have them shipped.

Edit - spelling corrections

[Leafmite]

I agree...most of the time. If I can buy it online, why waste the effort? However, I sometimes go to orchid shows that are two hours away and my Orchid Society meets an hour away. I have checked out the 'local' vendors who are nearly two hours distant. And, one year, while traveling to family in the DC area, we made a detour and visited Al's Orchid Greenhouse (well worth the visit). So, I have done it. If you think you and your friend will have fun, do it.

[My Green Pets]

I've also visited Porter's. I think it would be worth the visit if you are looking for particular plants. For example, he had so many different Bulbophyllums and was willing to take a cutting of anything I wanted. He had two enormous greenhouses full of plants.

One note though, his wife passed away not too long ago.

[Leafmite]

I had no idea that his wife passed away. She was really nice and I thought it was sweet that he grew the Zygos for her. I am sorry to hear the news.