Porter's Orchids on-site

[Dollythehun]

My girlfriend just moved to Michigan, about 75 min. From Porter's. Has anyone visited their greenhouse and is it worth the trip? 3.5 hrs to my friend, 75 min to Porter's 3.5 hrs home...A very long day. Thoughts?

[jkofferdahl]

So, over 8.5 hours of driving? Their website lists some nice offerings, but I'm not sure I'd want to spent 8.5 hours in one day driving even if it meant visiting Peter Lin's or Andy's!! Of course, with a close friend thrown in to the deal I might take a different approach....

[Chemtiger]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

So, over 8.5 hours of driving? Their website lists some nice offerings, but I'm not sure I'd want to spent 8.5 hours in one day driving even if it meant visiting Peter Lin's or Andy's!! Of course, with a close friend thrown in to the deal I might take a different approach....

[Insert "I'm sorry to dredge up an old post, but I am strange in many ways!" post here.]

I would drive the entire 8+ hours (one way!) to Peter Lin's, in a heartbeat, like, "Honey, I'm taking tomorrow off, oh, and I'm taking the AmEx too, see you in a couple of days!"

Yes, I'm that weird. Or, obsessed?

[Dollythehun]

When I was young, driving to O'Hara in rush hour was a piece of cake. But, neither of us is, so you get it. I could stay overnight but, that make the Orchids very expensive. That's why I wanted input.

[jkofferdahl]

It's a matter of perspective, as are most decisions. Of course our age is a major factor, but so is the friend at the other end of the line. Maybe this is a trip to see a good friend that will be made even better by orchids? After my first wife and I divorced and I moved to Atlanta, 5 hours from family, I often made the one-day drive so that I could be a part of my daughters' activities and school. It made for a long day but was made worthwhile by the activities.

[Dollythehun]

I will make the trip to see my friend of 30 years but if I make a side trip or not depends on the vendor feedback.

[estación seca]

I hope your friend doesn't see this! LOL

I would go at least once. Then I would never have to wonder again. I would consider an overnight on a weekend when the weather is good.

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I hope your friend doesn't see this! LOL

I would go at least once. Then I would never have to wonder again. I would consider an overnight on a weekend when the weather is good.

Since Carol lives in Indiana, she can expect a weekend when the weather is good to occur some time in June or July.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

Since Carol lives in Indiana, she can expect a weekend when the .weather is good to occur some time in June or July.

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.

[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