Gee...I forgot about this email chain.

First of all....yes, I do live about 25 miles from Al and visit out there
whenever I am bored with my collection or when he says he has something
interesting in flower. Even though I don't have any room and am faced with
a disaster in 6 weeks when stuff comes into the house, I still find
something to bring home with me.

Second, the light bulb just went on here...Duh....All along I though Al was
short for Alan or Albert and here it's short for Alien!

Seriously, where ever you live....you should occasionally visit a REAL
orchid greenhouse in your area even if it's just to see how real plants
look. I know what you mean about the guy who follows you around and makes
you feel like you're wasting his time. There is a grower that I visited
recently for the second time who seemed really wierded out that I wanted to
just explore and see what was available in his (very pitiful) collection.
He stood there with and stared at me the whole time. Not chatting or
offering any conversation. I won't go back there again.

On the other hand when I travel I do make a point to visit growers in the
town I'm visiting on business or vacation. I have a small colapsible
carryon bag that I take with me for plants to come home. No grower has
everything in his/her inventory online. Those wierd and in small quantity
plants are real treasures to find at these places.

Good growing,
Gene





"Gene Schurg" wrote in message
news:NNqwi.7069$xc5.1365@trnddc06...
I was at a local HD today to get parts for the toilet repair. I stopped by
the garden section (like a moth to the light).

They had three fresh carts of phals, onc sweet sugar, and dendrobs. 6
inch pot for 19.95. SAD looking plants from Florida. I wanted to make a
sign and tell the customers to drive out and see Al. At the same price
they would get something happy and healthy.

I'm sure the same is true in your area.

Good growing,
Gene