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I hope that isn't a reference to "all" poms but to
"just the poms with pretensions". I imagine that there are some Aussies too with
pretensions (after all, most of 'em are descendents from here aren't
they?)
However, I have sympathy with your reaction; I have
to say that it struck me as odd to be claiming a 'private collection' to be
large with only 1500 plants! We have a postage-stamp sized garden with a 6x2.5m
greenhouse (or maybe I should be calling it an Orchid House!). We don't often
count the plants but were stimulated into doing so by the pompous reference
under discussion. If we could aspire tothree or four times the greenhouse
size we have I'm sure we'd beat that 'record'. Funny though; we
never think of ours as "A Private Collection" so much as the consequence of an
interest. Anyway, does size or quantity really matter? We can only fit the small
ones that squeeze between the larger pots now!
Of course, I don't know the gentleman in
question. For all I know it may be the pomposity of his PR company who think
it'll impress the visitors. He, himself may be the most modest of orchid experts
or he may be unaware that he has such a collection. He could be caught up
in the accountancy of running an inherited estate. After all, we can't choose
our ancestors! And I guess I'd be prepared to boast a private orchid collection
if it'd get me a well needed inheritance!
As for titles; well, it keeps 'em off the streets!
And American tourists love 'em.
John (I'm sorry to say not Lord!) Stanley of Crewe,
UK.
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