Hello from South Louisiana

[virgil]

I am just getting back into orchids, I grew them for 12 years and had to get rid of my collection of over 400, I was able to get a friend to keep 35 for me, I have just finished a 10' X 12' green house, I don't plan getting to the point I was before, I want maybe 70 or 80 at most , I can handle that many and still be able to pay individual attention to them, The wife and I do a lot of RV travel, We have a 10 yr old grandaughter that lives next door thats really wants to learn about them and helps with their care,
Virg

[Sharyn]

Welcome to the forum Virgil. Looks like you already have a bit of experience and you've come to the right place for advice and friendship. We have a great bunch of orchidgeeks. I'm sure you'll enjoy our company. You might want to update your profile to show your location, as this is an International forum and everyone's growing conditions are different.

That new greenhouse will be filled up in no time (especially with the "enablers" here). We also LOVE pictures. Post when you can. Again, Welcome!

[kid a]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

[cassier]

Welcome to the forum. What area are you from?

[solay]

Sounds like you're going to have to have a lot of willpower. There's so many beautiful orchids to choose. I wonder which ones you'll end up with. I can't wait to see them. I'm just finishing up on my 8' x 8' g/h too.

Anyway, welcome to the forum and looking forward to seeing pics. and learning from you.

[myorchid]

Great to have another orchidgeek on board! What type of orchids do you have? We love pics.
Tell us about your greenhouse. I am thinking about one in the future.

Looking forward to seeing what you have and learning from your experience.

[patticake]

- It's good to have you with us! Give your grandaughter a big welcome for us, too!

[arleneg]

Hi & welcome to the forum, Virgil.

I know what you mean about wanting to handle and pay attention to the individual needs of orchids. I have just over 100 and am thinking of cutting down the number. For one, I don't have a greenhouse and grow most of my orchids indoors. Another reason is that I've narrowed down to a few types of orchids (mainly mini/small ones) I like to grow and know will thrive in my environment.

That's wonderful your grand-daughter is interested in orchids. If your collection grows again, you know who will assist you in caring for them.

[PhalPal]

Welcome to the forum Virgil!!! The best thing about having had numerous orchids before is that you will know where you want to concentrate your efforts. You are so fortunate to have family living next door, especially when you travel.
Traveling the country in an RV - it must be wonderful. I must be getting old; it used to be a tent and sleeping bag were just fine after a 15 mile hike. We have graduated to a blow up mattress and a tent but the mornings are getting harder and harder on the body. With the price of gas right now it might be a good idea to go bargain hunting for that RV........Hmmmm......now you've caused trouble!

Welcome Anyway!!!!

[Rocinante]

Hello Virg, and welcome to our forum! We're glad you found us and sure your previous experiences will provide much orchid wisdom! 70 or 80 orchids sounds like a good number. Tell us, what type are you most successful with?

[virgil]

these are photos of my green house still under construction. It is a 10 x 12 and I have about 35 plants now

[cassier]

Virgil,
The g/h looks great. What angles of sun do you get? Is the roof solid or does it let sun in? Are you going to use shadecloth?
Sorry for the questions, we like to know what you are working with.
Also, what types do you grow best?
thanks

[virgil]

Cassier.
The top is fiberglass just like the upper sides, I had a couple plants to close to the glass door and they got sun burned so will have to add shade cloth to the clear glass of the door. The door faces to the south so I get most of the days sun, I plan on putting about 6'' of gravel on the floor, I grow catts the best , but with that said the only plant I ever had awarded was a Paph, Virgils Lady "Ruth" it was supersuk x alwine.
Virg

[cassier]

Virgil,
I get all day sun. I had to put up curtains all the way around. Then when the summer came I had to put shade cloth on the roof. I had built the g/h in oct of 2005, babies are not getting burned any more. My g/h is about the size of yours with a cement chainwall and 6 inches of peat gravel. I really wanted the river rocks but my husband forgot when her got to the cement place. It works well, I wet them down several times a day.

[jay]

Hello and welcome to the forum. It is great to have you here and back with orchids. I look forward to updates on your greenhouse and to see what you add to your greenhouse.

[solay]

Very nice. I like how neat it is too inside. I'm just getting mine going. Also I'd like to know what kind of heating and cooling both you and Cassie are using? Thanks.

[virgil]

I use only a box fan to circulate air, In winter I will use an electric space heater. Winters are not real cold here on an average.

[charleyismydog]

Welcome! I am jealous of your greenhouse! I am growing in an apartment. They are taking over!!! :-)