Orchid Addict

[LauraN]

Hi Everyone,
I started collecting orchids in May of 2005. My mother had recently passed away and I was in charge of creating a garden memorial area in her memory, while buying plants to decorate her special little area, I was drawn to the orchids. In the past my Mother was in the habit of giving me a white Phalaenopsis occassionally for either my birthday or Christmas. I really had no luck in keeping them alive, until she bought me a purple variety (which happens to be the last one that she gave me)and somehow that one seemed to thrive and rebloom every year for the past 5 years or so, even though I never really took very good care of it. So, on that day almost 2 years ago, my obsession began. I have now amassed over 300 orchids and have managed to keep all but 5 of them alive.
I convinced my husband to turn one of our horse stalls into a pseudo- green house, so now they should all be much happier with their bright diffused light.
My best friend and I started collecting together and it has really added to the fun of collecting.
I am an amateur photographer also and love photographing my orchids.
When not fooling with my orchids. I keep busy either coaching track and field athletes, working with our Arabian horses, not to mention that I run my own business which takes up most of my day. So balancing all of my passions is quite a trick.
I can't wait to meet all of you and learn more about growing orchids.