Is My Orchid Good Enough for the Plant Table?

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by

Connie Bailie

     I would like to take this opportunity to answer this question by examining the reason behind the display table. In the simplest of terms the plant table serves as a "show and tell" arena. We "show" our plants because we feel good about them. There are many reasons we feel such pride. Perhaps because we simply got the darn thing to bloom. It may be a first bloom seedling, a new purchase, the first orchid we were able to bloom, or it's a particularly floriferous bloom.

     There are many valid reasons to "show off" our plants. Flower perfection can play a part in our decision to display plants and although flower perfection may be a worthy endeavor for plant breeding, it is not the only reason for displaying plants. Most of us still find any orchid we see interesting and beautiful.

     Then there is the "tell" portion of show and tell. As their plants are shown, members are encouraged to share their particular growing practices and techniques. I have gotten some excellent tips listening to others explain the way they've achieved a successful bloom. By bringing our plants in for display we create a valuable learning experience that everyone can share.

     With the help of our newsletter, we have a record of what has been in bloom throughout the years. By bringing plants for display you help with the record keeping process that other members can use when considering plant purchases.

     Having said all that I would like to mention a reason for not bringing plants to display. If you know you have a pest problem on a particular plant, please leave it at home. Even if you wipe down a plant with a toxic or nontoxic pesticide it's easy to miss immature, mobile pests that can infect other plants on the table.

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