[rXpX]

I love going to orchid shows and greenhouses -- sensory overload! I've learned to take my plant list along because if I don't, I invariably buy something I already have.

The first time I was exposed to orchids was at a friend's house. She had beautiful Cattleyas blooming in an area she had cordoned off in her basement, surrounded in plastic with artificial lighting, humidity control, etc. I was impressed but said to myself I'd never want to grow plants if I had to grow them in my basement, enclosed in plastic, etc.! So here I am with a basement "greenhouse," surrounded with plastic, artificial lighting, humidity control...!

What hooked me was going to another friend's house. He had orchids just sitting out all over. I remember saying to him, "Those can't be orchids, they are not in a special environment!" So he gave me one -- it turned out to be Paph. Bruno which I almost killed, but still have. So I started going to the local orchid show, joined the orchid society, and started working at Porter's Orchids (the day after I retired from teaching). The rest, as they say, is history. Now I have too many plants, but can't bear the thought of getting rid of any of them. Which I should do for the sake of space...