| It is difficult to know where to begin to explain the many and varied interests that have accrued to us through the pursuit of information about the orchid species I chose to grow. We were fortunate to be able to tack on vacation time at the beginning or end of some of our working trips. Pebble Beach was one of our most special places and we had a caddy who had come to California to retire. One day he turned to us and said “now while you are still in good health and are able, go on special vacations because you never know when you won’t be able”. That was the greatest advice we had ever received. We decided that we would each chose our destination every other year. My interest in orchids dictated my choices one year and Ralph’s interest in golf sent us on lovely golfing vacations.
One year we traveled to Borneo, Java, Bali and Hong Kong. I visited orchid folks and left orders to be shipped. We trekked up and slid down slippery mountains in Java looking for native species. Borneo found us in Bau, a 17th century gold mine jealously guarded by ruthless and murderous Chinese Sects and where orchids flourished. Paphiopedilum hookerae grows there and many other endemics. It is now a national park and is supposed to be protection for the native plants and animals therein—not so well enforced. Even on the golfing trips there was always someone to look up in the orchid field. It gave us both great pleasure and we are eternally grateful to the gentleman who gave us such splendid advice, especially now when we are unable to travel.
My understanding of nature has expanded working with the orchid species from around the world and as it is often said (and quite true) the more you know, the more you enjoy and appreciate a subject. Equally important have been the people whom I would never have had the good fortune to encounter with out the commonality of interest. There is no minus to the 30 years experience other than an occasional frustration with our inadequate culture for some of the cooler or more difficult plants maybe, but we keep on trying.
I would encourage anyone to jump right in and try, also read some of the books written on the many subjects connected to the hobby. It sharpens your interest and your appreciation for the glorious flowers of the family ----ORCHID.
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