"Jim Rogers and Biltmore Estate... After retiring to Asheville in June of 2007, Jim found himself involved in...
He bought his first one in 1970a huge, white, fragrant Cattleyaand from that first purchase grew an interest that has led Jim to Biltmore. Caring for the estates 400 orchids is now his job... Jims personal project is photographing each one when in bloom, then labeling and cataloging it. He hopes one day to completely document Biltmores collection. ... Grow roots instead of plants, he advised. Orchid roots need to breathe; they need oxygen... Terrestrial orchids... need good roots, so the medium should be healthy and breathable. Orchids dont want to be dry, but neither do you want them sitting in water... As for feeding... orchids favor moderation. Some facts about orchids for beginners and the fearful ... a good reference book is Home Orchid Growing by Rebecca Tyson Northen (fourth edition). ... The Production House hosts rows of orchids... Good roots, good plants, good blooms. ... The roots feed on all that surrounds themdead bugs, bird droppings, dewand they return the favor by supplying needs to their environment [could you elaborate ?]. Jims favorite orchid... Amblostoma tridactylum, describing it as tiny, lightly yellow and having a fresh fragrance... "Orchids are creatures of habit, said Jim... If we pay attention to them and understand their habits, they are easy to grow.... he said: Just startjust buy an orchid and try. Youll fall in love. " URL : http://www.mountainx.com/garden/2008/070908the_dirt photo [small] : [caption : "Jim Rogers..."] http://www.mountainx.com/images/2008/070908orchidman.jpg ************* Regards, VB _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
