Marie Selby Botanial Gardens Plant Show

[cdayinflorida]

Maura, I have to ask...did you all not love the large greenhouse with the waterfall. That is an amazing place.

[yvonni]

How do you start a bonsai tree anyway ? I have a really nice young bougainvillea plant would be interesting to try

[mauraec]

Maura, I have to ask...did you all not love the large greenhouse with the waterfall. That is an amazing place.

Cathy - I hate to admit it, but we hardly got inside at all - there was a band playing and vendors outside and we were running out of time - hence the few photos and several orchids coming home with us - but we had a blast and WILL be back, sooner rather than later, I hope. Did you know that Selby was the orchid conservatory involved in the big Phrag. kovachii scandal around 2000??? Slipper orchid intrigues abound.....

[mauraec]

How do you start a bonsai tree anyway ? I have a really nice young bougainvillea plant would be interesting to try

When I find out, I'll be glad to share with you! Bonsai, from what I've learned takes far more patience than orchid-growing, and is highly structured and disciplined. Since I am neither of those things, this will be interesting....

[yvonni]

yeah.........sounds like I should pass on this one

[cdayinflorida]

Oh, yes on the orchid scandal. That was big news, here. Tampabay: Dealer sentenced in orchid scandal

[Susie11]

Oh, yes on the orchid scandal. That was big news, here. Tampabay: Dealer sentenced in orchid scandal

Might not be known as a Kovachii for long then? so much for CITES.

[mauraec]

Might not be known as a Kovachii for long then? so much for CITES.

Well, it looks like the kovachii name is staying - it's been nearly a decade since this started, and lab/nursery-raised kovachiis, as well as kovachii hybrids are now fairly easily available - but not cheap! I have a hybrid (kovachii x Eric Young) that I absolutely love and paid an arm and a leg for - it was one of the earlier ones let out of Peru and the tag bears its CITES number. Guess I'll hold onto that tag carefully!

[yvonni]

If you don't mind me asking , whats CITES

[Emilyclane]

Maura,

Glad you enjoyed it. I work at the Gardens, and it's lovely to see other people's reactions. Next time you're in Sarasota, let me know - perhaps I could give you a personal tour! We have some amazing orchids--and of course lots of other beautiful plants.

---------- Post added at 04:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:23 PM ----------

Oh, and Yvanni - I don't know where you live but there's a wonderful bonsai society that meets here, and they give great classes. Perhaps there's a society in your area!