Like many people, our interest in orchids started by growing a few plants for our own enjoyment.  And, like most orchid enthusiasts, we kept adding to our collection until it became necessary to commit space in our home (a small back bedroom) for the exclusive use of the orchids.

At the time (1984) we lived in Lafayette, California and joined our first orchid group, the Diablo View Orchid Society.  We met some terrific people, learned a lot about our expanding hobby, and continued to add to the collection.  We also developed an interest in the preservation of species orchids.

A job change in 1993 took us to Southern California and a home in Yorba Linda in Orange County.  Along with this change, we increased the potential of our hobby by building our first greenhouse, a 12' x 18' metal and Lexan® kit from Conley's Manufacturing in Pomona, California.

Joining the Orange County Orchid Society in Southern California expanded our exposure to more terrific people.  Among them was Norito Hasagawa of Paphanatics, from whom we bought the first of many flasks.

Retirement in 1998 brought us to Van Buren, Arkansas, where our orchids continue to prosper under Joan's talented touch in a 14' x 20' greenhouse we built behind the house.  Year-round growing temperature is maintained with a 3300 cfm evaporative cooler and a 20,000 btu gas heater.  Click on the Van Buren logo on the right  to learn more about our community, and if you'd like to read the current edition of the local newspaper click Press Argus-Courier.

Our circle of orchid friends has grown with membership in the Orchid Society of the Ozarks (OSO).  The monthly meetings in Springdale, Arkansas offer the opportunity to socialize and share our love of the many varieties of orchids.