>From: "Eric Muehlbauer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: [OGD] snails.....and orchid popularity >To: <[email protected]> >Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; > reply-type=original > ...Orchids have >become commonplace, and even are regarded by many buyers as "throwaway" >plants...and, instead of generating interest in them, they are just regarded >as a common and available addition to the home...just another nice plant. >Instead of generating widespread interest, they have generated widespread >acceptance...and apathy. Take care, Eric Muehlbauer in Queens NY...Maudiae >"The Queen:" in bloom along with Ascda and Lycaste "aromatica".... >
I'm not sure that we can lay the woes of typical orchid nurseries so firmly on the shoulders of big box stores or the nurseries that cater to price points. Rather, I see societal changes as the driving force behind the demise of fine orchidists such as Hoosiers and others that have closed doors in the past 5-10 years. This trend was occurring long before the current economic situation. Many societies, both professional and hobby, have seen significant downturns in membership. People seem so focused on building a 'nest egg' for retirement that they have no plans for what they'll do when they retire. I know several people who've lost the ability to relax or just enjoy the wonders of nature. Friendships have been replaced by 'networks.' Quality has become a catch word instead of a goal. Personally, I'm sick of big white phals - particularly those with heavy mid ribs, inflorescences that go straight up, and poor presentation. Some breeders will cross anything that grows fast and sells well. I'm happy that most of these get tossed when the blooms fall. My big concern is that as a planet we seem to be breeding for the same qualities - a population of flat, apathetic, disposable people. And so I look for the 'beauties' among the weeds and nurture those I find. My collection may be small, but it's very satisfying... David Janvrin _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
