While it isn't a nursery, I highly recommend the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. They have three huge domes dedicated to orchid climates. All three have different climates, and you wont believe how many orchids are in there. Their main orchid event is really in the spring. However, I have been at different times of the year and there is always lots blooming.

I think that any logical response to your query must have the additional knowledge of "where does your friend live" and "what kind of conditions can he easily provide".

It make no sense to go to a place that specializes in vandas if he lives in an apartment in North Dakota, and with his work schedule, is often away...

I think they even do a blog at these greenhouses, if I am not mistaken it's called The Orchid Column. It's a fantastic blog, a must read.

Hahaha yes! I really like bread thank goodness.

It depends on what your friend likes. I have stopped buying regular sized orchids, though I maintain the ones I have (about 50) and have started to buy miniature species orchids. Andy's is the place I go. They have a huge inventory of the plants I like, and the prices are fair, not outrageous.

There is a great online store called Catasetenea where you can get monardias and catasetanas and also they have a great selection of Phragmapedalums (sorry about my spelling).

It is not like it is a shop in one spot thing. There are thousands of Orchids on the market. You can get sales and cheaper orchids at Lowes, and even Walmart. I always say you should get some of those ant try them out. Valentines day sales are a good time to find other or unusual types at Lowes. I have seen good selection at Albertsons. Trader Joes if you have it, also have a large selection of the various beginner orchids.

I personally think that if you are just trying them out you should get a Phal, an oncidium, a paphiopedalum, and maybe a dendrobium, read up about them, and see which one you like best. I have about 14 phals, and one paph, but I like paphs better. The phals are usually foisted on me by well meaning friends who do not want to care for them any more. I am like an animal shelter here for unwanted phals.

Yes they do! It is great for pictures and information. Just about every time she posts a new page, I have to add that orchid to my list lol.

They do have a big sale at the end of "Orchid Daze", their big spring orchid event. They sell off all the in bloom orchids they bring in for the show for really cheap. Next year I am definitely going to make it.:evil:

I would love to visit, particularly after orchid daze when they sell off the in bloom orchids :)

Santa Barbara is home to several orchid growers. With one stop, you could see several...and Santa Barbara Orchid Estates seems to have quite a collection. Plus you'd be in Santa Barbara, which is almost always beautiful.

I hear there is going to be an international orchid conference in Ecuador next November. If you fly for free, that's one you might want to visit.

For an international event, I would suggest Redlands in FL in the spring.

I am 100% for Andy's, but for a beginner stick mounted plants might be a big first step.

RF Orchids has great Vandaceous + some other stuff, but their pricing is steep. Also, not sure that Vandaceous is where a beginner should start.

Chicagoland in September would cover 2 nurseries + guest vendors.