The first and second orchid in our home were gifts that had been purchased
from the local supermarket, they are still living and doing well. Since
that time our home has filled with orchids. The greenhouse is getting
smaller by the day and we may need to consider building another. I have to
confess to buying orchids at the BORG, I am drawn to the orchids on death
row. I will often buy full flats at a time and I am known there as "that
guy who buys the dead orchids". Well as they said in the movie The Princess
Bride - "it isn't all dead - just mostly dead". I have learned more from
those mostly dead plants then from all the books that I have purchased. The
plants were cheaper as well. I have learned that not all plants can be
saved, that some plants come with mealy bugs and scale, some have rot and
many other problems that can be treated once you know what you are looking
at.
We have not missed an orchid show in our area since we became hooked. We
always return with new plants and a flask or 2. We have also ordered plants
from vendors on the internet and been happy with the results.
Disposable orchids brought us into this hobby. Disposible orchids gave me
the confidence that I could grow orchids and not worry about that $60 plant
expiring in a month.
Most of the new plants we buy now come from dealers but I will still look
for those death row specials at the BORG because I have a lot more to learn.

All the best
Don
Simcoe, On.

"Gene Schurg" wrote in message
news
These people are doing us collectors a great favor!