PaphioDePaphio (Jason - Brooklyn NY)
Jade in GR (Grand Rapids MI)
Steve in Adirondacks
Tolumnia_Matt_Ventura,_CA
John in Arcadia (CA)
marylois (northwest Louisiana)
Andy_NVA (northern VA)
sparkysteve (Boca Raton FL)
Zeynep (Wilmington NC)
Carol_Holdren (Boca Raton FL)
janetteh ("Mayberry country" NC)
peeteilis (Tom - Algonquin KY)
LeslieV1 (help! Please confirm location)
Harold (Farmers Branch TX)
Evlyn (northwest Louisiana)
Josh (Iowa)
Clare_in_Arcadia (CA)
Jose41822 (Toronto Ont Canada)
Gail_(From_Boca_Raton) (FL)
Jerry_No._CA
Susan-from-Oregon
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney"Mayberry country" NC)
Hello to everyone out there. We really enjoyed being here the last time. Hope we can keep up with all you hard-liners in tonight's discussion. Have any of you had a change to visit any of the Lowe's stores and see the Orchiditas? What did you think?
Tolumnia_Matt_Ventura,_CA
I'll ask the first question, Who came up with name "Orchidita"?
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Actually, Mary Jo thought up the name. With the name Orchidita we were trying to have a name that was non-threatening to the general public because it seems that they sometimes are terrified by the idea of trying to grow an orchid.
Carol_Holdren
I've heard about it, but don't know if it's in Florida yet? How is it doing so far, Steve?
Jade-in-GR
A catchy name and definitely non threatening. Good idea!
Barbara,_N._CA
Mary Jo, this is not fair, we Californians have no Lowe's, what can we do?
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
They are in Florida. Actually if you will check out the Orchidita website - www.orchidita.com -- all the stores that received a shipment are listed, as well as the names of the plants which were sent out. Unfortunately, we cannot tell you which plants went to each store.
Tolumnia_Matt_Ventura,_CA
I heard that Lowes are now in California, but I'm at their website now and they only show Eagle Hardware here.
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Those in California, hopefully, may see them in a Lowe's in the near future in the fact that Lowe's will be here next year. It is our understanding that they are buying the Eagle stores, as well as building new stores. As far as how they are doing, we have talked with numerous customers who have bought them and they seem to be very pleased. Others have emailed us for information, and again are very pleased. We feel they are a great value and should do well. For those that don't have a Lowe's near you, but have bought from us recently, we are in the process of sending out a new Fall 1999 Quik Piks. The first batch of them should be in the mail tomorrow, or our website should be updated with it in the next few days.
Evlyn
Will they really last 4 weeks in the box?
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
We have kept the Orchiditas on my desk for over a month, and they have come out in really pretty good shape, which is why we chose Cattleyas.
Evlyn
Just wondering, as I found them the day after they came in--very nice plants.
Clare_in_Arcadia
Steve, what is the pot size?
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
The Orchiditas are in 3" pots. Most of them should bloom within 12-18 months.
janetteh
That soon???
Carol_Holdren
Steve and Mary Jo, what great packaging!
Tolumnia_Matt_Ventura,_CA
Steve, What is next for Stewart Orchids? Are you going to expand the wholesale side of the business or emphaze retail sales?
Clare_in_Arcadia
Steve, I received several plants from Don Herman's estate. One of which may be a Stewart's cross. Can you tell offhand? Its Blc. Halltris x L. September Song.
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Yes, that is a Stewart orchid cross. We have another Halltris cross (with Jinn) which for the most part is coming out red. Don's loss will certainly
be felt throughout the orchid world.
Clare_in_Arcadia
Thanks, Steve. I agree. His family offered several of the local society's some of his plants. Besides yours I received Epc. Don Herman, and C. Lulu 'Hot Pink'. A lovely way to remember him and the generosity of his family.
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Recently, we received confirmation back from our recent registration of Blc. Mem. Don Herman, which is a cross of Blc. Ralph Placentia 'Toreador' and Blc. Royal Reason. Ernest Hetherington chose this cross to be named for Don.
Tolumnia_Matt_Ventura,_CA
I got to see some of those plants that were named after Don, Ernest picked an excellent dark hybrid.
Clare_in_Arcadia
Steve, does Ernest still keep his fingers in at Stewarts?
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Ernie continues to come up to the nursery on a regular basis. He and Don certainly have been valuable resources to have. In addtion, Leo and Irene Holguin also stop by regularly.
What's the general feeling about the orchids in the various chain stores?
LeslieV1
I have to say that generally I've been pretty happy with the orchids I've bought in a "bag".
Tolumnia_Matt_Ventura,_CA
Robert J. Chrisman who is the founder of Santa Barbara Orchid Estate, bought his first orchid, a Laelia anceps from a Thrifty Drug Store.
Harold
Have not purchased anything from Lowes, Yet. Have several nice plants from Home Depot. Found that if you can get plants from Home Depot before they kill or really demolish them, you can get some nice plants. Some of the HD plants I have originated at Stewarts. ( traced the numbers back.)
janetteh
Steve and Mary Jo, I think that the general feeling about plants at large stores like Lowes is that if you get them straight off of the truck, you can get a good deal. The folks who work there generally don't know how to take care of them and after about a week or so, the plants are goners.
marylois
And the price is right! Some plants were 8 inches plus in height, full - and they are all $9.95 each!
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Harold, which crosses showed up at HD? Also, when did you get them? One of the reasons we developed the concept of an orchid in a box was for the very reason several of you mentioned. By being in a box, hopefully they will not get over-watered and won't end up victims of the chain store massacre.
Zeynep
Can we get Orchidita directly from Stewarts?
janetteh
I told a friend (who isn't on the internet) about Orchiditas and he bought 40 of them. Catts are about all he grows.
Tolumnia_Matt_Ventura,_CA
That would be neat to see someone with a shopping basket full of those Orchidita boxes. Ha Ha
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
It's interesting to hear the different reactions from very positive to not so positive, but it cannot be denied that a lot more people are being exposed to orchids than ever before. It certainly has and will continue to impact the traditional orchid world.
Barbara,_N._CA
You are right Steve, our society have so many new members; more of my friends are also getting their toes wet by getting into orchids.
Evlyn
The more really good orchids at reasonalbe prices-- the more addicts, think the Orchiditas do this.
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Orchiditas, the packaging, and everything was developed as a promotional program exclusively for the chain stores. However, there are always great values here at the nursery and in some of the specials we offer in our Quik Piks. For example, some of the new nodosa and Goldenzelle crosses will be in our upcoming issue. Perhaps some of you read the article on nodosas in Orchid Digest. Thanks for referring your friend to Lowe's. Which store was it?
janetteh
He lives in Salisbury, NC so I am assuming that is where he went. Most of the plants that I saw were un-named crosses. Is this generally the case with
these plants?
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
If you are referring to the Orchiditas, many were un-named crosses, although there were a number of meristems that went out as well. Just for fun, two stores, and we do not know which ones, received 4 remakes of Goldenzelle--using the same cultivars that produced Lemon Chiffon, Orange Pumpkin, Passion, etc.
janetteh
We didn't dig through every box in the display, but there seemed to be only 4 or 5 different crosses at the store where we checked. I just bought one that I was familiar with the two parents.
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
I am surprised to hear that there were only 3 or 4 crosses in the display. We intentionally tried to give an assortment of different things to different stores.
Evlyn
There was not enuf variety in our Lowe's collection-4 or 5 different crosses, if there were was a wider choice everyone would by more. Sun Bulb sent Catts last year and there were only 2 or 3 of each cross--bought a dozen.
janetteh
Will check again on the crosses, but that is all that we saw. We didn't pull everyone out and check behind it so if there is a larger variety, they must be hiding in the rear. :-)
Tolumnia_Matt_Ventura,_CA
Steve, In the last Quik Pics, you had specials on white catts that I know a lot of people took advantage of, will there be anything like that in this issue?
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Instead of offering specials on whites this winter, what we did was have group offerings on the nodosa crosses and the goldenzelle crosses.
Zeynep
I enjoyed the nodosa article at OD, also I love nodosa crosses.
marylois
Yep! Marianne Matthews really knows nodosa. Is this offer on your Stewart webpage?
LeslieV1
When will the Nodosa crosses be available?
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
The nodosa crosses are available now. They are in 2" pots, good sized plants and established. They will be on the webpage, hopefully sometime this weekend, listed under the Fall 1999 Quik Piks. Additionally, we have more in the cooker.
marylois
nodosa crosses are great growers nearly everywhere...perfect for the newbie. ...have a cut spray of Golden Tang on my kitchen counter now...
Evlyn
They didn't come here!!!
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Evlyn, what didn't come to Shreveport? The Orchiditas are in a free standing display stand in individual boxes. They were shipped to Shreveport. Maybe Lois can tell you where they have them placed.
Evlyn
I am talking about the 4 Goldenzelle.
Tolumnia_Matt_Ventura,_CA
Steve, Alan Bachrach told me that he bought 3 of the C. labiata sib crosses at Lowe's.
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Yes, Matt, we understand that he did get a few of the labiatas. In addition, there is a special in the Quik Piks for purchases over $75. The special is a free, bare-root labiata, near blooming size.
Jose41822
I'm from Toronto, Ontario. I haven't tried ordering from the States. I'm interested to know how difficult and what's the cost involved if I were to order some plants from you? Do you have any outlets in Ontario?
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
We do ship to Canada. There is a cost of $22.00 for us to obtain a state phytosanitary certificate. That's really the only difference, other than the freight charges may be higher. We normally ship FedEx, but can ship any way the customer requests.
Jose41822
How about Cites?
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Oops!! You're correct. $15.00 for CITES.
Clare_in_Arcadia
Orchidita may be the only way that I can get a Goldenzelle cross at a reasonable price.
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Clare, this is not true. You can buy 4 Goldenzelle crosses out of our upcoming Quik Piks. They are in 2" pots, with a price of $12.50 each. But, if you purchase all 4, you only pay a total of $40.00. Shippng and handling is added separately.
Clare_in_Arcadia
So, Steve, any more exciting secrets you're going to let out tonight? Steve, 2 inch pots worry me. Can you babysit after I buy and I'll pick up at
6 inches? lol
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Clare, we have other Goldenzelle crosses in 4" pots. These are priced at $25.00. Actually, one is a real killer - Blc. Goat Castle (name pending).
Tolumnia_Matt_Ventura,_CA
Goat Castle? HA HA
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Has anyone here tonight ever been to Natchez, Mississippi, and heard some of the tales of city? Goat Castle was a lovely old mansion that literally had goats, chickens, and other critters wandering through at will. The owner was charged with a murder of one of his neighbors, but later acquitted. The "castle" no longer exists.
Carol_Holdren
But still, Goat Castle?
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Things in Natchez are dear to us. When we have a particular cross we are fond of, we will probably be doing more references to Natchez locations. Although, there can only be one Goat Castle. Don't you think we ought to have some fun sometime along the way? We also have one we recently named Rebel Yell, which is a cross between Blc. Oconee 'Mendenhall' AM/AOS and Lc.
Ovation.
Carol_Holdren
We won't forget the name!
Tolumnia_Matt_Ventura,_CA
Steve, do you have the cross number of Rebel Yell? I think my dad got some of those.
Clare_in_Arcadia
Similar to the secret garden of good and evil story. I bet the goats ate the evidence.
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Thanks, Carol. That's the intent.
janetteh
I have that cross and it recently bloomed.
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
The cross for Rebel Yell is 19330. Actually, Clare, Natchez has its share of "stories" too.
Carol_Holdren
Janette, Give us a report!
janetteh
Carol, as best I remember, it was a beautiful deep reddish color. I know when it opened I immediately checked the name tag as the color was so striking.
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Lois, I understand that the Orchid Safari group is getting together at Shreveport? Is this so? What are the details?
marylois
Yes, Mary Jo/Steve...having an open house on Friday night of the show - sent all an invitation with RSVP...inviting OrchidSafari, ODC Exec Bd, and the folks on my Affil Soc task force. Pray it doesn't rain! *G*
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
This year, because of the close proximity to the AOS Trustees meeting in Shreveport, and a real strong desire to spend time visiting family in Natchez, I will only be judging at the East/West Show.
janetteh
Will Stewart's be in Shreveport?
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Mary Jo and I will be in Shreveport, but will not be selling. We are going to be looking for a vendor who sells orchid society pins. We recently participated in the first show for the Great Divide Orchid Society in Helena, Montana, and had a great time. They have designed a pin, which has a phragmipedium montanum superimposed on mountains and are trying to distribute it. Does anyone have any ideas for them?
marylois
Ah! Steve and Mary Jo here! Coming to the Open House - full meal...won't leave hungry. *S*
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Lois, we are going to be in Shreveport. Aren't we staying with you? Just kidding.
Steve_in_the_Adirondacks
I have been looking at the Orchidita website in my spare time. I find that there is a Lowe's store in Saratoga Springs. That's "only" 2 and a half hours away. Actualy, closer than I expected.
marylois
*LOL* Living room floor?
Susan-from-Oregon
You mean Cyp. montanum? I'm doing more small watercolors of orchids. I'd like to know if there are orchid shows that have orchid art competitions as a sideline.
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Sorry, it may be Cyp. montanum. The Great Divide show did actually have a competition for orchid art and had some wonderful items--watercolor, stained glass, needlework, and wood carving. Small show, but very nice.
Jade-in-GR
Last year Greater Lansing Orchid Society did. Their show is usually in late Feb.
janetteh
We always have an orchid art exhibit at ours, Susan. Get everything from carvings to clothing, paintings, art on plates. Is really interesting to see
what folks bring in.
marylois
Yes, Susan - think nearly all AOS-judged shows have an "orchid art" category...sometimes mixed up with other things unfortunately. Recently went to a show with a GREAT educational exhibit and it was grouped in with Collectibles AND Orchid Art! The Heisy collection got it - well done, but sure wanted the educational display to win something - didn't have a chance.
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
If anyone would like one of the new pins, they are sending us 10 to try to sell for them. We should have them next week.
Clare_in_Arcadia
Steve, what do you have in the offing for next year?
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Some of the things that you will see in the Quik Piks are previews of things to come. In addition to this, we hope finally to get our supplies listing out. We have hired a new person, who recently graduated from University of Florida in Plant Pathology, who also is very handy on a computer. He will be joining us in a couple of weeks. In addition, Andreas Kopf, who is a German foreign exchange student through the Ohio State horticultural program, has been with us since June. His father owns an orchid nursery in Germany and he will be with us until June of next year. If you're in the nursery, come and say hello to us and to the new faces.
Clare_in_Arcadia
Thanks Steve. As always it has been enjoyable. Hope you come down again to Arcadia for another slide presentation.
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Clare, it's been nice talking to you tonight. Hope to see you down at the East/West Show. If not, hope to see you soon at the nursery. Thanks to everyone for having us. Sorry to have been late getting in. It was fun, as usual.
Tolumnia_Matt_Ventura,_CA
I want to personally thank Steve and Mary Jo for hosting every month, the Santa Barbara Branch of the Cymbidium Society of America. We really appreciate it.
Mary Jo and Steve McNerney
Matt, we are glad to have the Cymbidium Society meet here. It's nice to see the folks every month and do what we can to help support local orchid activity.
marylois
Well, dear hearts - gonna call it a night. Nice being here with you. Thanks, Steve and Mary Jo!
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