Is this the Blc. Chinese Beauty 'Orchid Queen' AM/AOS on cedar that you got? I had mounted three of these plants on different woods and can't remember which one you got.
I don't know that anyone else does quite what I do with mounts. I believe that the mount should carry its own weight when it comes to beauty and longevity and that the orchid and flowers simply enhance the mount's esthetics.
I am equally glad your husband appreciated what I do. We guys can sometimes be sort of blind to esthetics.
when it flowers here's your treat