Hmmmm--looks like some homework is in order. Good approach Julie; I will feast my eyes on Hoa's pictures and get some ideas. And it does make sense to ask for spiking plants in the fall.

And Tim--I never before considered Masdevallias for myself. I have been looking around on the web since you said that, and they are really beautiful orchids. I can meet most of the conditions--certainly have altitude and cool temps and I already use rainwater when I can. High humidity would be a definite problem, and it seems they have a rep of being difficult, too.. But I'm intrigued....

Anybody grow them?