Mary Ann, just before I read your post, and after reading Tom's, I was thinking to myself, "this weather has me in such a cruddy mood..." You're not alone. I keep reminding myself all those bulbs I planted are getting the winter chill they need, the frozen ground is discouraging digging pests, and I'm thankful not to live in Buffalo, where I would truly be losing my mind! LOL
Last year when it seemed winter would never end, I started picking up Orchid plants from sale wracks. It was a desperate measure, as I've killed a few Orchids in the past, and hadn't really considered getting into growing them. Ended up with 3 Phaeleanopsis and 3 Cymbidiums. Those blooms lasted through winter and perked me up a lot. And all the plants have done well, and I just discovered my first stem of re-bloom emerging! ....I will be buying more Orchids, I can feel it already.
Jan, on that note of other hybridizers, I'm curious about hybridizers from the past that any of you consider pioneers in the field. Those who gave rise to modern hybridizing. Old House Gardens shares stories about hybridizers through history that I find very interesting.
