Greenhouse Tour, Saturday July 21st 2007

An annual event, and a highlight of the year, is the Peninsula Greenhouse Tour. This year it was again another great adventure. The members have to thank the wonderful efforts of organizers Jackie Becker and Salma Jetha, with the outstanding help of Rex Castell on the hospitality/food venue. We left the San Mateo Garden Center about 8:30 am July 21, and set off for Doug Pulley's greenhouse in Los Gatos. Doug Pulleys Buying at Doug Pulley's Doug specializes in Cymbidiums and Stanhopeas, but he had lots of other great orchids to choose from. All of the members were awed by his beautiful garden and collection of orchids, and scooped up many bargains on the short visit. From there we were off to Soquel, to the greenhouses of Maplethorpe Orchids. Maplethorpe orchids is a family owned and operated business operated by George and Addie Stagi. George StagiGeorge started growing orchids many years ago as a hobby. He initially started with only one greenhouse, but now has 9 greenhouses containing many beautiful and exotic orchids. Species and hybrids include Paphiopedilum, Oncidiums, Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums, Cattleyas, Cymbidiums, Miltonias, Epidendrum and Odontoglossums. We enjoyed a nice visit there, and also had a wonderful picnic lunch in some well-appreciated shade. Many of our members also bought fir bark and perlite supplies here, something that Maplethorpe is well known for. The final leg of the trip was to Bay Breeze Orchids, outside of Salinas. This was an amazing orchid greenhouse operation. The owner, Taz Kuramura, initially started in the carnation business, but soon switched over to orchids, and now has one of the most largest and most productive operations in the Bay area. All of their orchids looked fat and happy, and our members had a great time selecting various plants. Bay Breeze has thousands and thousands of Cymbidiums, and members had a wonderful time finding their favorites. However, a highlight of the trip was the selection (and attractive pricing) of various Neofenetia falcata clones (also known as the Samurai orchid), and many of us came home with more than one clone. Additionally there were many Dendrobiums, Angraecums and Cattleya hybrids to choose from. We arrived back at the garden center right on time (5:30 pm). Hats off to Jackie and her team for their efforts and coordination skills. Buying Spree at Bay Breeze

Photo of Neofinetia falcata by Mary Gerritsen, others by Jackie Becker.