Pontius Pilate saw someone walk across the water to land so he tried it and fell in. He asked how come the other guy could do it and was told that he was born here and knows where all the rocks are.

After buying orchids for a number of years it's the same thing. Once you know where all the rocks are it becomes easy. Epidendrums are a good example. Cal Orchids probably has the best selection of beautiful Epidendrums. They have been line breeding them for years. Every color is available as are many awarded clones. One word of caution these are not hardy, they will not grow in your yard like some of the hardy Epis but they are beautiful. Greenhouse or inside protection during cool weather is necessary.

If Masdevallias, Pleuros, Maxillarias etc is your cup of tea go to the Ecuagenera web site and pre-order. When they come to an American show they'll ship your order to you. Great plants at good prices. Andy's orchids for species, Hatfield Orchids in Ventura California for Cymbidiums, Big Leaf Orchids for Phaelies, Santa Barbara Orchid Estates for Laelias, Orchids Limited for Neofinetas, Raising Rarities for Cypripediums, Carolina Orchids for Bulbos, Carter and Holmes for Cattleyas, either Carmela or Kawamoto in Hawaii for Catt hybrids, Sunset Valley Orchids for Catesinae and the list goes on. Others will have different favorites but the above is an example of where to go for specific plants.

One of my favorite ways to expand my collection is to go on eBay, enter 'Orchid species', hit search and stand back. Right now 1,400 offerings come up. Perusing that list will unearth some of the weirdest and eclectic species. I have been doing that for a couple of years buying one or two a week and have acquired some really interesting species.

Nick

I'm a little different than Nick, once I find a vendor I like, I try to stay with them for as many things as possible. I've been a huge Carter & Holmes fan for the last several years, they have lots of different stuff and I try to buy as much from them as possible, not just the catts. Plus they've been around for 60+ years and I want them to continue for another 60.

My collection expands and I help out an excellent old-time vendor.

Bob

If it is vanda's you want, R.F. Orchids in Homestead, Fl. Owner Robert Fuchs is 3rd generation commercial grower. If in South Florida going there is a destination to itself. Renown for vandas worldwide. They have an online catalog and ship everywhere.

One I left out is Piping Rock Orchids which is superb when it comes to Paphs, especially kovachii hybrids. Bob I hear what you are saying and I feel that way about Andy. Often I will check his website to see if he carries a plant I'm about to buy. If so and his price is comparable, I'd prefer to get the plant from him.

For terrestrials like Pleiones etc Fraser's Thimble Farm in British Columbia is superb. Don't think of them as a foreign vendor, no import permit is required and there is no problem buying from them.

Nick

Hawk Hills Orchids is the best place by a mile for Dracula, no one else even comes close. They also have a superb selection of coccinea and their hybrids but so do others. Hillview Orchids probably has the best selection of Miltoniopsis.

Nick

A few months ago I ordered a few orchids on sale from Orchids by Hauserman.When I got the order the 2 catts I ordered were huge.I have since ordered from them 3 more times.

Allymarie

I buy orchids at our annual show. We invite about 10 vendors. The gate keeper has been good on choosing vendors. We also created a new reward for members. The night before the show we have a meeting at the show and ask the vendors to sell to us before the public shows up. We get first pick and deserve it. And I like to support the vendors. They make a big effort to sell in our show so why not buy a plant.

Local nurseries are programmed to pander to the lowest common denominator, so you mostly get mass produced stuff that are proven sellers (think mass produced phals).

The best selections can be found on the net, as others here have demonstrated. There are some great generalists who have a great selection of lots of things (Andy's orchids and orchids limited being two titans in this arena), and you have nurseries that specialize in specific genera. Ladyslippers, Cattleyas (and their relatives) pleurothallids, and vandaceous (phals/vandas,etc...) being the more common specialities among a couple others.

If there's something specific your looking for, just ask.

Also visit the vendor page of orchidmall.com, which lists a lot of the orchid vendors in the US.

fortunately for us, we do not invite any pander vendors. Tomorrow night we have a non pander vendor that specializes in miniatures. These vendors are statewide. Maybe the locals in zone 7 pander?

You think you're being funny, but The local OS's (with whom I do not associate) do a little unfortunately. They don't attract huge names to their events so they have to settle for small local orchid nurseries that do pander with popular clones (think Sharry Baby). There are a couple decent regional specialists, but a lot of mass produced stuff.

This post was edited by terpguy on Thu, May 22, 14 at 7:23

Well terp, that is your experience and I believe you. But your experience in the area that you live is not a barometer for the whole country. So next March come to our little backwoods dog and pony show and you will need to eat your hat because of the amazing vendors we attract. But thats just little Martin County Florida. 100 miles in either direction there will be incredible annual shows in places like Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale.

So there is great opportunity to buy orchids at the various judged shows. Despite terpguy's opinion.

There are orchid shows and there are orchid shows. In our area we have many, many orchid shows Most of which are populated by the 'Usual Suspects' when it comes to vendors pushing the usual mass produced stuff. Hardly worth going to and I readily skip most of them.

Then there is the San Francisco show with vendors from Asia and South America which I would never miss. San Diego also puts on a decent show with good vendors. There was a show last spring 'Fascination of Orchids', which made a big deal advertising that a couple of Asian vendors would be there who have never graced our shores before.

I went there with a pile of cash especially to visit these 2 and did find some eclectic Bulbophyllums. The presence of these 2 gave a huge boost to this particular show. My orchid society puts on both a spring and a fall show but we are small enough that we cannot attract unusual vendors and just have the usual growers selling the usual stuff. Good enough for the general public but I seldom find anything of interest.

Nick

Um, SM? I was only talking about the OS's in my area. That IS what "local societies , with whom I don't associate" means in response to a comment about z7 orchid societies. Keep up.

You might try something other than snarking; aside from the fact that I'm not intimidated or bothered by the childish scrappiness of individuals looking to the internet to make themselves feel important or knowledgeable to others, your accuracy is terrible.

Snarking at the wind proves nothing. Not to mention it provides a terrible and unfriendly introduction to lurkers and first time posters (see: the original poster on this thread).

This post was edited by terpguy on Thu, May 22, 14 at 19:22

Exactly! There is orchid growing in Florida, there is orchid growing here, and then there is orchid growing where the real orchid growers are.....That is the places with cold winters in the USA, Canada and so on. A different world entirely.
A recent newbie here got some cultivation notes from the UK and Canada because I guessed the notes would be more relevant to her growing conditions than whatever advice applies here.

twerp, your comments are where to get them in the US and you go on to list a few. You claim that any local nursery is pandering junk. Then as always you flip flop and redirect your worthless comments.

Last night we had our meeting which included a speaker. He was from Miami and specialized in miniature species. He brought many plants. NO PANDERING. The one pictured is Aerides flabellata var. alba. Now in my collection.

So one can get non pandered orchids at local society events.

This post was edited by shavedmonkey on Fri, May 23, 14 at 4:37

shavedmonkey,

Why does your society put on the show? To bring in more members, make money, get better plants for yourselves??? As a non-OS member, I'm not sure I like hearing (I already knew this obviously) that the best plants have already been picked over by the locals society members before I can even see them. Sure doesn't entice me to join the society, that's for sure.

As far as in west central Ohio, local nurseries have basically nothing in the way of orchids. Best bets locally are the big box stores for phals... I remember when there used to be a national chain called Franks, they always carried some interesting/varied stuff until they went under @10 years ago. As I said, not an OS member here either but I do always buy 5-6 at our local orchid show in February. Purchases are 90% online for me, 10% in person.

Let's try not to get too personal here.

Bob

I guess that makes us lucky down here in south florida. Our main purpose of the show is to raise money for scholarships at our 3 local high schools.

We try to encourage membership and we just started this year to offer our members first shot at the show set up. Anyone that wants to join will be afforded that privilege. If a non member wanted in early I imagine we would not say no. There were plenty of very interesting plants for sale well into the last day.

A few of our members have great growing skills with good awareness of the various top quality commercial growers. They are invited to speak at our meetings. There is a very strong demand from vendors to be in our show. They always seem pleased with sales. So we can pick and choose.

I would think that most if not all commercial growers offer presentations to orchid societies as an ongoing part of their business practice. If you ask them to come they will. It might be many months till they have time. Just get them on the calendar. It is part of what they do.

The vendors that we invite are interesting people. They have dedicated their lives to orchids, my hobby. And they make a living doing so. If they are good at it they will survive and flourish. If not then the Darwin theory takes over.

I can not assume that the vendors are all a bunch of babbling idiots. That after years of efforts they must have something to offer and do.

Last night as I was reviewing the offer of plants made by our speaker I was thinking about the comment of pandering orchids made here yesterday. There was about 100 plants. You would NEVER find any of those at home depot.

I agree with Shaved. Joining a local Orchid Society is the way to go. Not only do you get interesting plants throughout the year, but most have an annual auction where plants are donated by vendors all over the world. I always buy most of my bulk orchid supplies from vendors who sell at discount. You can't beat their prices.

I'm in the process of repoting my plants and ran out of Orchiata. I went on line to see the cost and was shocked. Over $10.00 more per bag and then there's shipping. I'll wait until my next meeting next month.

When I lived in NY it was fantastic. We had vendors from all over. Many will time their visits with other clubs or when multiple shows are offered in the adjoining States. We had fantastic vendors. NY adjoins Connecticut (J&L, frequent visitor) my first Aussie Den was from a vendor from Australia (was thinking of Arthurm), Hawaiian growers, etc.

In Florida, I feel like a kid in a candy shop. Great growers from all over the State. Our Society is part of Selby Botantical Gardens and draws vendors and our club donates a large sum to orchid research each year thanks to our shows.

Maybe Turp is talking about small Orchid Clubs with a small membership. The trick is to join a larger club.

Bob, you are so wrong to not join a local club. You would save so much money and find plants you will never find in a store. For a lousy $25 bucks a year, you gain so many benefits. The shows are fun to participate in and work at, great vendors. Its also very interesting to watch the AOS judging. I always volunteer to help the judges.

On another note, Bob mentioned Franks. We had one in NY and I bought my first hard-cane Dendrobium at Franks about 20 yrs ago. I loved that store and was so depressed when they closed. Thanks for the memory!

Shaved, you have to share with me how you set up a 'cool' greenhouse.

Jane

Twerp? Worthless comments? Come up with those yourself, sport? :). Very clever!

Your obsession with hurling sophomoric insults at me is adorable! Please continue, it's very entertaining. What else you got for me?

Bob, let him get as personal as he wants. Anonymously hurling bad and inaccurate insults online makes him feel like a big boy. And since he's the only one on the forum who actually gets personal, he just hangs himself in the process.

Plus, I get a show. Pass the popcorn!

Jane, I'm only talking about the couple societies in my area. Not clubs in general. Since I've never attended other societies I'm not in a position to opine about them or their dealings.

This post was edited by terpguy on Sat, May 24, 14 at 0:15

twerp (twɜːp) or twirp
n 1. a silly, weak-minded, or contemptible person. This definition just seemed to fit....

Jane,

I probably will join when things slow down a bit, but mainly I'm not real social usually... I've always liked doing things on my own.

Looking from outside, I like some of the advantages of an OS, mainly the access to vendors. Plus, my orchid 'mentor' passed earlier this year, so I miss talking with her about orchids (plants in general) and comparing notes, may join the local OS to 'find' some friends with a common interest.

I did go to one preview meeting @10 years ago, seemed a little 'clique' at the time.

Bob

Many OS are cliquish with some silverbacks in charge who have been growing orchids for 75 years even though they are only 70 years old. The trick is not to take oneself too serious. It's just a flower club after all. I do think there are many advantages to belonging to a society

Nick

For adding to a small, beginning collection, would you recommend an orchid show and club in San Francisco? .
I live in the sunny, temperate East Bay with ideal indoor growing conditions. Thanks,
Joanne

This post was edited by fortyseven on Wed, Jun 4, 14 at 0:54

ORCHID SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA
Lakeside Garden Center
666 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland
3rd Monday of each month, 6:30 pm
AOS Judging: 6:30 pm
http://bearlyvisible.net/orchidsocietyca/

All of the Spring orchid shows are done but there are many.

The San Francisco Orchid Show in February, called Pacific Orchid Exposition, is one of the best in the country if not the best. It's a must and I shlep up there every spring. So that one is a non-brainer, I'm not that familiar with societies up there so cannot make a recommendation. The San Francisco Orchid Society is the host to that show and is the biggest of the groups so I'd start with that one and attend a meeting as a guest. If it feels good, join them, you can't go wrong.

Nick

Hey shavemonkey, the east coast is not the only good place for shows and vendors---try the west coast shows and see how many great orchids you will find.Sarasota rocks and I assume you've been to Redlands.

Grandy,
I'm a believer. There is a world class botanical gardens near you too. I think one or two of our vendors comes from those parts. Yes I've been to the redlands. We've had speakers from the Redlands. If I lived in Sarasota I would be a member of your club.

Thanks so much for the recommendations of the two orchid societies in Oakland and SF!

I have been browsing the Gallery and the Conversations. I went to Trader Joe's. I got two, one with small, very bright red blooms, another, huge, purple, with a yellow pansy face.
They are locally grown.

Joanne

This post was edited by fortyseven on Fri, Jun 6, 14 at 2:26

Bob, when I first joined my OS in NY I was amazed at clicky the whole group was. I am not a 'social butterfly' and felt ignored and uncomfortable. I decided to go late, sit in the last row and be the first to leave.

I would take a quick look at vendors and buy what I wanted, grab the free coffee and go home. Didn't know a soul and no one was friendly.

I decided the cost savings, and the great speakers was worth the anxiety. Again, I went late and sat in the back. Didn't speak to anyone.

Jane

It's interesting to read the different experiences with orchid societies. I'm feuding with our "home location" at the moment and I'm not going back, so I will join another society that's about an hour away. It's worth it to see the vendors that come in from out of state.

I suggest if you want to crack the cliques, volunteer. That's how the other members know each other. They travel and set up displays, or write the newsletter, or they're a director. I've met some wonderful people in our group, including a woman I now consider my best friend. Since it's always hard to find a good volunteer, your efforts will be VERY appreciated. Just a thought.

Jane,

I can relate... :)

I would get chatty after a bit, but definitely in the back row for the first 4-5 meetings. Other than work :(, I usually separate myself away from the 'highfalutin' types and relate and talk to 'everyday' folk.

If I do decide to build a greenhouse in the future, I'd consider joining for the 'expertise' and advice.

Bob

My husband loves roses. In NY he decided to join a Rose Society. OMG. If they glanced his way they looked at him like he had two heads. He is a very chatty, jovial, calm person. Couldn't make any inroads in that Club and dropped out.

In NY we lived in a very snooty area. Think, Clinton, Martha, Ralph Lauren, etc. The orchid members were big, big money. Bigger greenhouses, drop-dead gorgeous. As Nick described, most were 'silverbacks.'

I volunteered after a year of this nonsense and it helped although I sometimes felt like a waitress, or worse. Nothing terribly friendly about it.

What eventually happened was that some of the older men took me under their wing. They were very nice and I would get lots of free divisions and tours of their greenhouses. They taught me their 'tricks of the trade.'

The meetings never really changed. I'd go by myself and leave alone. But I always checked out the raffle table and attended any auctions. I bought most of my supplies at the meetings. Big savings.

In Florida, it is basically the same. Large group, large money, large greenhouses. Not terribly friendly and I do volunteer, which does help.

Still, its worth joining. The speakers are terrific as are the vendors. Love the shows!

Jane

It's amazing how different the various societies function, the politics, the hierarchy and the membership. I'll comment on the ones I'm a member of (plus one). San Diego has one society for a large (Million plus) city. Hence a membership that numbers into the hundreds, I believe 300 plus attend their meetings. There is keen competition for the leadership positions, a very successful group. Even though I belong to it, I don't attend their general meeting, I do go to their 'Species Study' group that meets separately once a month.

My 'Home' society is a general interest group with about 60 active members which attempts not to be clickish and include everybody. How successful at that, we are I don't know. I'm not a social butterfly nor a mixer and only have superficial contact with most of the members. I've been on the board for over 10 years and find that it is the same small group of people that make things happen. 2 shows, a bustrip to Santa Barbara, installation banquet and X-mas party are the main events besides the usual typical meeting. It's the same 15 odd people that make this happen year after year. We are a small society, one of 20 plus in the greater LA area. Within 20 miles of us there are 4 other societies. Joining forces would be very useful but politics prevents that.

One of the 4 just had their last meeting. I don't belong to that one but the story is interesting. It's a Cymbidium group who had over 100 members attend their meetings at their peak. The same person has been president for over 20 years and it has basically been his show. He is retiring as of right about now and nobody wants to take his place. The society has therefore disbanded and will cease to exist. Go figure that one!!!

Then I belong to a species group that has a completely different MO. 2 senior matriarchs basically run the show although there exists a board with the usual slate of officers. Works quite well, good meetings with a great display of 'Show and Tell' plants. I always bring a notepad and pen as there usually is a plant or 2 shown that become a 'must get'.

The 2 most interesting groups I attend have no slate of officers, no meeting hall, no budget and no bylaws. The 'Species Study' group which is part opf the SD orchid society, meets once a month at a member's place for Sat morning breakfast, brief announcements and then show and tell which includes spirited discussions of particular plants that were brought. There is a moderator and a secretary but these are informal positions, there is no budget, no bylaws, this group functions solely on the desire of the members to make it work. And it works extremely well.

Then there is the Pleurothallis Alliance which meets in San Francisco once every 2 months. Again, a small informal group with no membership directory, no meeting hall, meetings take place at member's homes and there is no slate of officers nor a board. There is a president and there is activity in the PA which is a nationwide association with the SF group one of the sub chapters. Again very interesting plants are brought and noteworthy comments made by very knowledgeable members.

Of all of these, in my opinion, the last 2, with a minimal of formal organization are the most worthwhile (for me that is, different folks, different strokes). They function solely on the desire of the attendees to make it work. No need for formal officers and a board of directors. There is no effort to recruit new members and there is no need to do hand stands to raise money to meet the yearly budget.

The above represents one person's observations, I hope I did not offend any members of the various groups I talked about, apologies offered in advance.

Nick