Hi from Switzerland

[Petyr88]

UK expat living in Switzerland here - fairly new to the orchid hobby. Envious of all you folk with so many options on where to buy Orchids - fairly limited here in Swiss.

My collection:

- Rhyncholaelia Digbyana
- BC Amethyst (Purpurata x Cucullata)
- BC Duh`s White Pink Pig
- Cattleya Mossiae
- Cattleya Purpurata
- Huge floofy purple flowered NOID cattleya (taiwan hybrid)
- Big flowered orange NOID cattleya
- Myrmecatavola / Recchara Frances Fox
- BLC Pink Empress
- BLC Liou Hope
- Iwanagara Appleblossom "Julia Beit"

I am a big cattleya fan. I am also partial to Miltoniopsis too.

[DeaC]

You may have limited orchid availability but such an abundance of chocolates,timepieces and exquisite beauty of landscapes. So nice to meet you!

[estación seca]

Welcome!

[Dollythehun]

Welcome! That seems like a nice collection to me! Our moderator, Camille will help you to get your Swiss orchid fix.

[rbarata]

Welcome, Petyr88

[camille1585]

Welcome to Orchidboard! You've still managed to get some nice orchids despite the limitations of living in Switzerland.

Are you sure that there is a blanket 'ban' on ordering plants from outside the country? I know that Schwerter (germany) does ship there though it costs more, and I think a few other nurseries do as well. Maybe it could be good to contact them to ask their experience with shipping to Switzerland? If I remember correctly, there's no problem ordering from outside the country as long as you have the phyto documents, which I think the nurseries supply for that higher price.

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Welcome! That seems like a nice collection to me! Our moderator, Camille will help you to get your Swiss orchid fix.

Switzerland is not in the EU, and even though it's part of the European single market, I have heard before that it can be quite difficult to order plants from outside the country because you need phyto permits if I remember correctly. One ex-OB member was lucky to live not far from the french border, so he would have package shipped to a friend on the 'right' side of the border then drive over to pick them up.

[Petyr88]

Hi all

Thanks for the warm welcome!

@Camille - thank you for the info! I will reach out to Schwerter and see what they say - I hope I dont require cites. I used to order from them when I lived in Berlin and was always happy with the products.

I have visited x3 orchid specialist nurseries so far in Switzerland - Online shops dont really exist here which is a blessing at times as I could harm my wallet/ bank account haha.

If anyone is in Switzerland for a trip/visit/holiday, I recommend they visit the Orchidarium in Nyon (French speaking region).

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Petyr88

Hi all

Thanks for the warm welcome!

@Camille - thank you for the info! I will reach out to Schwerter and see what they say - I hope I dont require cites. I used to order from them when I lived in Berlin and was always happy with the products.

I have visited x3 orchid specialist nurseries so far in Switzerland - Online shops dont really exist here which is a blessing at times as I could harm my wallet/ bank account haha.

If anyone is in Switzerland for a trip/visit/holiday, I recommend they visit the Orchidarium in Nyon (French speaking region).

I work for an organization in Nyon (though I'm based in the Netherlands) and went there last year, but sadly I couldn't go to the orchidarium. I was there just a few days, no rental car and no free time to go to Prangins...

[Dollythehun]

"Switzerland is not in the EU, and even though it's part of the European single market, I have heard before that it can be quite difficult to order plants from outside the country because you need phyto permits if I remember correctly. One ex-OB member was lucky to live not far from the french border, so he would have package shipped to a friend on the 'right' side of the border then drive over to pick them up."
I understood that but knew you'd be able to help.

[Petyr88]

@Camille - definitely a must see if you are ever in the area. Great prices & wide selection.

On another note, Schwerter replied back and thankfully I do not need a Cites permit for the Cattleya`s I want to order They advised they ship weekly to Switzerland and that they include Phytosanitary Certificate with the orders. I would however need to pay customs though...going to place a test order and see how easy it is.

Volker from Schwerter did mention that some types of Orchids do need a permit though e.g Paphs.