One of the things he mentioned is not knowing what he even likes and wants to start with, so I though it would be cool to have the opportunity to see tons of different ones. I noticed that Atlanta has a huge botanical garden that features several orchid exhibits-- i know NOTHING about orchids, in a botanical garden setting, do they only bloom at a certain time of year? or are we likely to get to see blooms any time we go?

RF Orchids in Homestead, Florida. And Santa Barber Orchid estate. http://www.sborchid.com/index.php

It's a big complicated world...you can't just grow any orchid (or not without lots of specialized climate control and lots of work) on an average...some are much easier than others, some are almost impossible for experts. Picking based only on "I like it", will likely result in ...well nothing good for either the people or the orchid. You need expert advise...which is why I suggested that course.

So where is home base? Does it have a garden? Does it have a kitchen windowsill? Does your friend grow house-plants?

It is easy to decide that a certain type is ideal and then waste years trying to grow that type without much success. This is the voice of that sad experience.

You might want to start close by - beginning with the closest Orchid Society and go to a meeting of people who not only love orchids but love talking about orchids. You might find the best vendor are members of the society. Good luck!

This site is a good source of information and help. But the best is as jstropic indicates is your local orchid society. The way I grow my orchids here in south florida would kill orchids in Georgia. The local knowledge at your local club will know best. If successfully growing orchids is what you want then join. If you just want one to enjoy the bloom and that is all, pick em to please your eye. And if you just buy them and do not want to grow it please give it to an orchid grower when you are done.

Yep, these people are giving great advise, your local sources will know what grows well in your area.

There are orchid shows all around the country at different times of year. Chicagoland is next month http://www.chicagolandorchidfest.com/htm/info.html Redlands in Florida is another big one. You can go to the American Orchid Society and view a list of shows for the year. Most shows last 3 days and have guest speakers and workshops on growing. They also have vendors from the region and sometimes from around the country. Best of all is they are trapped in a booth so you can talk to them all day and they cant leave.

I can't name one orchid place for you to bring him to, BUT I can name the best orchid event that happens every May in Florida and it's Redlands. There are local vendors and foreign vendors from around the world. Truly a three day orchid event that is beyond great. That is where you really need to take him. It is just south of Miami. You just have to go.

Hi

I would tend to agree with Arthurm . First decide how you want to grow them.Houseplant ,GH terrarium ,garden?? Warm cool even cold growers are available . The best choices are those that fit into your growing preferences .and conditions . How far do you want to go to provide for them??

Educate yourself on what an astounding array of choices available

One thing I guarantee .You won't grow them all lol gary