I find it difficult to buy orchids that arent in bloom here, I have just bought a couple of flask online but on the whole I have bought my orchids in near bloom, mainly because that was all taht was available. I have occaisionally bought one that has finished flowering if i ever manage to find one as they tend to be a bit cheaper. I love them anyway whether they are flowering or not! Its funny but you really end up getting to know your plants, with all the love and attention and care they take you are constantly looking for new little bumps, blotches, post, buds, leaves, roots etc etc etc!!!