Hi, I'm Alexis
 

I just learned about this site from Marty, from whom I purchased a misting system last year. I've been poking around this board for the past few days, and I'm very impressed! What a ton of info and resources!

I live in the Redland, which is an agricultural area south and west of Miami, Florida. My husband and I have a landscape business, and we also have a 1-acre shadehouse in which we grow tropical plants. Right now, my orchids are rooming with the tropicals in the shadehouse, but that is soon to change. We are about halfway done building a 24' x 36' orchid mansion for my collection. At last count, I have a few more than 300 plants, not counting about 100+ more in seedlings.

My passions are species Bulbos and Dendrobiums - I have pro'ly around 50 species in each of these generas. I also have quite a few species Cattleyas and miscellaneous botanicals. Species rock! and I buy very few hybrids these days.

I also have an Orchidarium in my living room, which houses another 25 or so more intermediate-growing species. Some pleuros, masdies, and other super neat little miniatures.

Up until November of last year, I had a list of clients for whom I would maintain their orchid collections. Many people in Miami have large collections, but do not have the time (or knowledge) to take care of them. This was fun work, but alas, the demands of our business and nursery made it impossible to continue.

I'm very fortunate to be living in the middle of orchid paradise here in South Florida. I have about 10 different orchid nurseries within a 15 minute drive, and an annual show schedule that includes at least 5 big shows. Very hard on the budget!

I'm more of a frequent lurker on orchid forums than a frequent poster (mostly because I don't have a ton of free time!) but I wanted to take a moment to say hello so when I DO post, ya'll don't have to wonder who the heck I am!

Ok, I'm off to the nursery to begin potting about 200 Spathiglottis plicata up from 1 gallon to 3 gallon pots. (Yes, they're orchids, but they are used extensively in landscapes here.) Sunny and mid 70's today. My job don't suck! :biggrin:

:welcome: Aboard Lexis

Yo!! Terrestrial_man another Floridian !!! :banana: one this week:evil: 2 for Calif ... all kiddin' aside.

We :welcome: you Alexis, your intro was great and to know you will bring so much to our members. We are very envious of you and your element. Please take a few minutes to post some :photo:s in our gallery to share with other members. It would be so great if you could post a few of your extensive landscaping work. Personally I grow indoors 2 yrs now, love the condo lifestyle but the room is a constant battle :fight ... Thanks for joining the OB, no one on the OB is a stranger...:banana:

Welcome Alexis! Glad you made it here. Sounds like you're enjoying work and hobby on all fronts :biggrin:

Hi Alexis :)
Living in Redlands...my dream!!!
I went to the Redlands Festival for the first time last year. Our club stopped at RF Orchids for a tour and I was awestruck the entire two days!

Welcome to Orchidboard :)
We've got a great community here...information galore, pictures like you've never seen and some of the friendliest people around...from around the world! :clap:

If you have any questions, just ask :D

Welcome Alexis, I will be driving right by your place (on Hwy 1 through Homestead) headed for the Keys March 16 or 17. Any recommendations on good places for species orchids, especially minis?

Welcome Alexis!:) to THE BOARD!!:cheer:
(even if you are from Florida!!!:shock: )
Yowzie!:_( Sounds like you have the affliction really bad!!!!:drool:
Around here we are all afflicted!!!:biggrin:
Just some more than others! But after reading your post I think you are:
THE LEADER OF THE PACK! :nod:
(50S Rock n Roll anyone :banana: :banana: !!)

Thank you all for the warm welcome! Yes, I am seriously afflicted! I got it bad... And I wouldn't change that fact for anything! Nosiree.

I will definitely post some pics in the near future. Looks like it will be a snap. (Uh, no pun intended.) What a nice feature to have a whole gallery!

Ross, DUDE! you are in luck if you're going to be in this neck of the woods on that weekend, looking for species. Miller's Tropicals is, unfortunately, going out of business, and they are liquidating that weekend. They have minis and species galore. Here's a link: Welcome to Miller's Tropicals

You may spend all your vacation money, so plan accordingly! RF Orchids is also here in Redland, and they are about the only other local source for species. Not a lot of minis, unfortunately. Some, but not tons.

Thanks again for all your replies! I think I'm gonna like it here.

Can you steer me towards the shop?

:banana: Ross is goin' on a road trip :banana:

To Thaw :evil:

Here's a map
Map of 23190 Sw 157th Ave Miami, FL by MapQuest

Ahhhh the keys "paradise" enjoy and be safe. :biggrin: