this author has too many publications about orchids to his name for me to
narrow it down quickly.

What is his name?

It sounded as if the story had been told many times, so likely anybody
following such matters will recognize it (the story involved a jacket).

Indeed? I have been growing orchids for 30 years & never heard of it. Sounds
like one of those urban myths.

Iris,
Central NY, Zone 5a, Sunset Zone 40
"If we see light at the end of the tunnel, It's the light of the oncoming
train."
Robert Lowell (1917-1977)