What are your plans for this upcoming Orchid show season?

[lotis146]

So last year I was only just getting into this addiction and by the time it had a solid grip on me I missed all the shows, well except for the exhibition at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. This year though I think I'm ready!! I've been holding back my addiction and not buying any more - well okay I had to get a Propescapetalum b/c I've never seen one within my grasp before, and it seemed more of a rarity. I'm antsy, watching the days pass I resist all temptation. But as we get closer I'm wondering just how I should prepare myself.

First I need to take stock of my budget, and set one!

Second I need to take stock of available space (and where I can make more ).

Third I should probably set some boundaries in terms of whether or not I should get into a new genus. If I'm going to it would be in my - and the Orchid's - best interest to research those whose cultural requirements I can meet.

Fourth, know which plants I should keep away from even if they call out to me!

For now I think that's it... How about you guys, do you have plans for upcoming shows?

[AnonYMouse]

Wow, Kawamoto isn't on this years POE list.

[JDT]

BUY!!!! Got plenty of room now, I know what species I am looking for so I should be good, but if anything interesting is found it is a good chance it might make it home.

[lotis146]

Something I forgot to add is prepare myself for photography practice at the shows too!

Oh I want plenty of room! Now see I could have plenty more if I find a way to keep them safe from my birds...I will make it happen! I hope everyone shares what they find this year. I just know there will be interesting things that are going to jump all over us all and follow us home.

AnonYMOUSE, what is POE? I bet it would be great to attend a show with Kawamoto as a vendor. I can't wait...

[AnonYMouse]

POE=Pacific Orchid Expo

[katrina]

1 and 2...only you can take control of those.

3 and 4 though...talk to the vendors. I've never met a vendor that wasn't super nice. They are always very helpful in explaining what a plant needs and whether or not it's something that will work in your growing space.

Shows are a lot of fun! In the early days of collecting it was way too easy (for me!) to go crazy and I came home from some shows having spent a good deal more than I should have so I learned to take cash only. And, to be honest, it wasn't even about the money...it was that I tend to be impulsive when it comes to orchids and I ended up bringing home things that I either wished I hadn't gotten and/or weren't well suited for my space. I can't tell you how many orchids I've given away over the years simply because they were impulse buys and after the fact I didn't really want to grow them.

Anyway...so yea...now I just take a set amount...cash only...nothing extra. This ensures that I stop and think about a purchase prior to making the purchase. It also helps that I seriously have almost no space left to put another orchid. No lie...I am at a point where in order from something new to come in...something has to go.

Show season is a lot of fun and if you have a local society then get involved if you can because learning from that side is also fun. Plus, believe me...the societies always need all the extra help they can get.

[ula]

List of shows within 100km radius:check,
Budget limit: check,
Space allocation: check,
Research: check,
Shopping list:check,
First show of the season: all of the above go out the window for me . It must be a condition I have ...

[Paul]

Not really expecting any purchases though that doesn't mean there won't be any. As space has diminished, I've become more and more picky as to what I even consider bringing home.

For yourself, I would suggest checking out which vendors will be attending which shows and then checking out their websites. In this way you can see if a vendor has a particular "high priority" plant on your wishlist. (You can then ask the vendor to bring that plant to the show. You will be able to avoid shipping fees and still be able to inspect the offered plant before handing over your $.) This allows you to not only budget more easily, but can insure that you get that plant you really, really wanted before spending all your cash elsewhere.

[RandomGemini]

My plan for this year is to get there early so I can get my hands on a couple of tolumnia and neos this time. Last year, I arrived later in the day on the first day and the tolumnia and neos were gone. I got my Hisui last year on the second day, because the vendor found it hiding in the back of her van. It was the last one she had left, which was fine by me as I wanted one that wasn't white anyway. This year, I want to actually see the selection available.

I am *only* buying tolumnia, neos and other miniature plants this year. I don't have room in the collection for bigger things. Okay... ONE paph. Just ONE, to replace the mottled leaf paph I lost.

Otherwise, what worked for me last year will work again. Go to the bank, get cash. When the envelope is empty, I am done spending.

[lotis146]

Originally Posted by AnonYMouse

POE=Pacific Orchid Expo

Thanks AnonYMouse.

Originally Posted by katrina

1 and 2...only you can take control of those.

3 and 4 though...talk to the vendors. I've never met a vendor that wasn't super nice. They are always very helpful in explaining what a plant needs and whether or not it's something that will work in your growing space.

... ... ...

Thanks for the advice Katrina. I'm sure talking to vendors will not be a problem for me, problem will be for them!

Sadly, I already know what you mean about impulse buying. I have some beautiful vini Paphs that I bought on impulse from Hausermann's; it's not that I don't like them but though they're all different they're all pretty similar vinis and well...I feel the space could be given to ssomething that I really want.

Impulse control is really important for me too considering I'd like to attend more than one show. Of course that means not meeting capacity at the first one!!

Thanks again!

Originally Posted by ula

List of shows within 100km radius:check,
Budget limit: check,
Space allocation: check,
Research: check,
Shopping list:check,
First show of the season: all of the above go out the window for me . It must be a condition I have ...

Ha! That's too funny Ula. I think that condition is contagious, extremely so actually. I believe that it is air and vision-borne. That just being in the mere vicinity of an orchid you will be infected. I may have to get an "Orchid-flu" shot before I go.

Originally Posted by Paul

Not really expecting any purchases though that doesn't mean there won't be any. As space has diminished, I've become more and more picky as to what I even consider bringing home.
... ... ...

Thanks Paul! Great advice however I'm seeing that not all shows list their vendors, so I will check where I can and go blind elsewhere!

And I do hear you on the space issue, as I was agreeing with Katrina about in due time it seems we all feel differently about our impulse buys especially if you ever spend hours scouring ebay...or your local grower...or...here... But good call on requesting plants if possible.

Originally Posted by RandomGemini

My plan for this year is to get there early so I can get my hands on a couple of tolumnia and neos this time. Last year, I arrived later in the day on the first day and the tolumnia and neos were gone. I got my Hisui last year on the second day, because the vendor found it hiding in the back of her van. It was the last one she had left, which was fine by me as I wanted one that wasn't white anyway. This year, I want to actually see the selection available.

... ... ...

RandomGemini, just one Paph? You might need the antiorchidotic to protect you against all those other beauties!

I totally get sticking with minis...if only that were attainable! I look forward to seeing how we all do?

---------- Post added at 12:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:53 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Leafmite

I probably won't buy any new orchids but I will likely spend an entire day working at our show.
**Unless there are any Angraecums or Aeranthes that are on my wish list. They are a weakness.

Ha ha Leafmite, Good luck! What do you do when you help out?

Originally Posted by vjo

Funny you should ask this today, I just got off the phone with a friend, we were talking about going to the Redlands show this year. Sure would be fun.
I always spend 3 days at our own show in March, helping from setting up to tear down...so much fun!...Jean

You should go! (I'm a bad influence. ) 3 days eh? What do You do during these three days?

Originally Posted by ALToronto

I hope more people volunteer to help out with their local orchid societies' shows. And when you do, get creative about raising $$ for the society!

... ... ...

To be honest I've not joined a society as I'm kind of between two places though most of my orchids are in one. I'm not opposed to the idea, one day I plan to visit and attend a meeting. Perhaps one day do some volunteering too, would be nice to chat with other enthusiasts.




On average, how many shows do you guys attend?

Do you travel long distances to go?

Do you always try to go on the first day, early or...?

(I feel like we could just talk and talk to make the days go by and then the waits won't be so painful. )