I could never deal with Florian again, Ursula. After numerous contacts over a two-month period, by me, my installer, and my contractor, Florian would not communicate whatsoever. No returned phone calls and no email responses. Once the solarium was built, the company had absolutely no interest in answering questions or replying to concerns. They had their money (plenty) and that was that.

I am sure, if I find it necessary, I can purchase a motorized shade-cover and have my installer put it up. I assume Aluminet has something available in that regard, though I have never used that product.

Wow regarding Florian!! Perhaps I was lucky with my local representative. In the meanwhile that person is no longer in business, but when a few years ago my greenhouse needed a tune up, they send me a young fellow who was truly wonderful. I am keeping his phone nr on file for sure.

A local rep sounds like a difference-maker, Ursula. I will just have to muddle along with what (little) I have available. If it were not for my health, or lack of, I could do everything myself. Perhaps my body will once again feel pretty healthy and I can get up there and do it. Time will tell.

Ken,I had alumet for my greenhouse . I liked it quite a bit. It comes in various strengths and could probably be fitted to a rolling system, in fact I know it can as that what Busch gardens had on their greenhouse.
Ursula.. That Rojo is calling to me .. Are the flowers about the same size as Patricia?
I'm still waiting to hear back about my part time job application.. I'm studying right now


Mean while the electrical panel on my house has died.. The electricians have given me a $2300. Quote and they will be here in the morning... So Jim .. Have a great time in Apopka without me😔

Why are Electricians so darn expensive? I wish I could send you the gentleman who integrated our generator into the existing box, he was not trying to get rich overnight, but did an honest job for honest pay.
Regarding the Rojo, the blooms are a lot smaller than 'Patricia', think more like C./ Guarianthe aurantiaca, which is one of the parents.

That Margareta needs salt. And you thought I only looked at the flowers.

So Rojo makes up in quantity of blooms for what it lacks in size of blooms! It's such an awesome color!
I do have a fairly large gas fueled generator and they are going to add a transfer panel with outlets so I can safely hook it up without worrying about electrocuting some poor electric company employee ( or myself!) The panel in the house and the main shut off which is outside , will be replaced as they were deemed dangerous sometime in the 90's. Oddly, the house was built in 1983 and the panels were from the 1960's ...there are over 300 homes in my subdivision with the same antique and now illegal equipment.
Ken, I'm just trying to prevent scurvy...not create high blood pressure!

I will take my risks.

I want a Margarita . . . I'll be over in a bit, Lindsey! We wouldn't want you to study alone. I need to drown my sorrows at missing an Apopka trip this week.

But Patty came over today and gave me a cute little mounted plant of Yellow Song 'Canary' in bloom. We had fun, coffee, lots of talk and I sent her home with some plants too, but only one orchid that she insisted upon trying to rescue. (it was out in the "hospice" area aka the jungle)

Sweet plant!

Lindsey's electrical problems are forcing her to miss the Apopka trip too so I will be on my own. I hope the ladies from the east coast are not too disappointed. I'm just back from choir practice which was long and arduous. Easter is a tough season for choir singers.

Jim

Lindsey, we had our home completely re-plumbed this week because we had polybutyl pipes and you can no longer get home insurance here if you have poly pipe. Think of all the plants we could buy with what these repairs cost. BTW, that margarita looked good salt or not.

You are so right Alice! This is gonna take a HUGE chunk of my orchid allowance. I am still hoping to go to the big Redlands Show in Miami ..many of my favorite orchid growers will be there that I would otherwise have to mail-order from, and my wish list isn't getting any smaller!

Kind of slim-pickings here at the Ramsey home. Only a couple of Phal. coming into bloom.

Phal. Sogo 'Vivien'

Phal. Lemon Chiffon

Very nice, the color on the Lemon Chiffon is great!!

It bloomed last year about the same time but only had 3 flowers. She is doing better this year.

That IS great color on your lemon chiffon...love it!

I know it is often difficult if not impossible to put an accurate ID on an orchid simply by looking at pictures of its flower. In this case, I feel that this is perhaps/probably a common terrestrial sold and grown regularly in FL and S. CA. The color is pretty doggone accurate. If any of you grow this particular Spath. plicata and have it labeled, please post that name. The inflo stem is approximately 30" tall and the leaves around 24" long. I don't notice any fragrance.

All the Spaths I've bought recently have been from Lowe's and I'm lucky if they even have "Spathoglottis" on the label, let alone "plicata" or a variety.

That looks like it's a nice tall one, though.

Just a quick note to let all know that Jim was a FANTASTIC tour guide yesterday. Neither Tara nor Care had been to Apopka before & I wish I had a pic of their faces when they saw first the assortment of lovely Phals & then the the rows of Vandas, with such beautiful roots, hanging in both directions. We all had a great time & it's always a plus when you can sit & pick Jim's brain!!!!
Hoping we can get more from the west coast for the next trip.
Jim, when I got home discovered there was not 1 but 2 bloom shoots starting on my Vanda!!!!