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What are the issues?
Mick Fournier wrote:
Nancy and Kathy, Both of your letters are interesting and thought-stimulating. Mick Somehow Mick I expected more out of you. Of course, it was either very early or late when you posted. Don't go out of orchids because of this discussion, at least not before I feel confident enough to buy a flask or two. Some of this may start to sound pretty abstract, so bear with me. Can you grow multi tier? Not necessarily orchids or even plants. What about small caged animals that would fit under the enches. Earthworms, exotic (decorative) poultry, finches, canaries, parrots, rabbits, cavies, mice, rats, lambs, kids (baby goats), reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, etc. All would contribute carbon dioxide, some that require no additional heat could help raise the temperature by occupying a trermal layer that we ordinarily avoid using. Properly designed and maintained, there are by-products that can be recycled back to the orchids or marketed and sold. Commercially available "composted steer manure" sells for 4 cents a pound in a 40# bag. For the squeamish, mushrooms or medicinal herbs (not that kind, don't want anyone breaking into your space). Are grants available, do some homework. What does it take to qualify? Sheltered workshops were extensive in my area. That may not be the answer, but in the past grants and tax breaks were available to employers. It will add expenses. Payroll, book keeping, justification, etc. They may require more expansive supervision to keep their environment safe, limited use of chemicals, dangerous equipment, etc. Most of the work is mind numbing and repetitive, watering, transplanting, cleaning, packing and more. That's assuming a mental handicap, unfair and limiting, but what most people conjure in their mind. Are other qualifying individuals available? People to do more critical work or "help drive the bus". Unfair question, but if you wanted to expand your operation, would you hire a deaf/mute, paraplegic, burn victim, someone in recovery, or parolee? I know that's another can of worms, and Ray will probably say I'm being naive. He'll be right, too. What about training programs? Is there a local 4-H, FFA, agricultural extension? Could you offer a fee based seminar or small class? Charge them to learn how to transplant and care for their beginner orchid, have some plants, books, and products available for sale at the same time. Do you advertise? Possibly there would be more local buyers if they knew you existed. Cheat. Wear an orchid corsage to an event you are going to attend anyway, deliver a plant or arrangement to a friends workplace, church, wedding, or funeral. Leave a CONSPICUOUS card on the gift. Don't make it too elaborate or expensive. The first may be gratis, but have ongoing benefits. Maybe a table top display in a business. Most won't let you set prices there, but people would see your name and possibly your web address. Post your hours, prices, point of contact there. Before you build or expand, evaluate the greenhouse or your potential growing area. Most are grotesquely inefficient. Wasted space, energy, and resources. Would a better design or location give you a more competive edge. I've been reading a solar greenhouse book and have some articles on energy saving features. Sure the book was published in the 70's, but is still an area that is sumarily ignored. Orientation, angle, materials, thermal mass, glazing, insulation, reflectivity. In a northern or midwest climate a better plan could save the cost of modification in one season of heating. Some features are tax deductible, expand. Would you be able to look at old mines where 8 lights = 1 heater. How about underground parking, former warehouses, the basements of apartment complexes? Maybe the AOS should change its name to the AOG, Inc. "American Orchid Growers, Inc." If it sounded more like a business than a good old boys club it would get more respect. Little better actually than a local garden club. Images of high tea, flowered dresses, and frumpy hats. It started as a society for the idle rich. Orchids probably have a luxery tax that no one knows about, too. If it doesn't, someone somewhere is plotting to impose one. So much for now, just some ideas I've been kicking around. Yes I'm aware there is a big difference between "in theory" and "in practice". Nancy |
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