Thanks for welcoming me to this forum. I have been asked to introduce myself officially so here goes. I can't tell you about me unless I tell you how I came to know orchids since they are so much a part of my life. Some of this has appeared in another orchid related forum so if this sounds familiar, hang in there.
Twelve or so years ago, during a particularly trying time for our family, I had cause to drive by Orchids by the Ackers in Madison, Wisconsin. I checked the sign and finally managed to stop in during office hours. It was early April, and the first step into the building brought me the delicate scents and warm, moist air of the adjoining greenhouses. The first house of beauties only whetted my appetite for more. The next house had me on my knees. You can't be in the emotional turmoil I was in and see the thousands of glorious orchid blooms without breaking down. I did. Since then, I have spent most of my spare time thinking, reading, learning, buying, researching, growing, teaching and now working with orchids as an avocation.
I now manage the greenhouses for a tropical plant wholesaler that services florists, garden centers and interiorscapers throughout the Upper Midwest. There I manage the orchids we offer to our customers. I have also established a breeding program to expand the lines of round, pink, shapely slipper orchids that are available to my orchid customers.
At home, I grow mostly slippers but also an eclectic assortment of species, especially those that smell nice. I am charmed by the color pink and relish any orchid that blooms along this line.
It seems it was "Always Orchids"! For me, Orchids are part of my soul. They have helped define who I am. For me Orchids are a source of enjoyment, diversion, escape, chores, patience, hope, speculation, delight, joy, curiosity, pride, mystery, enchantment, frustration, pleasure and growth.
I have learned a lot by demand and have met some of the nicest people and some of the worst. One person in particular (of the nice variety) I now consider my best friend. It is pure joy to share this addiction with others as I do when I give seminars for customers, Master Gardners, Women's events, etc. I am refreshed anew as I watch the lights come on in their eyes as they, too, fall in love with Orchids.
What other addiction or hobby of choice can offer so much?
Always...Orchids
Barbara
P.S. I also love to tinker with photography. Look for another thread regarding the Paph Ron Williamson 3D project I recently finished. --B
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