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Dear Friends,
We have great news! We just got word that, after the big three auto makers and all of the failing banks get their money from the bailout bill, help is on the way for us! That's right, the government's so-called "Commercial Orchid Growers Bailout Stimulus" (COGBS) is on it's way to rescue us! We have a feeling that it'll be light on the COG and heavy on the BS, if you get my drift......
Anyway, while we're waiting for our big check from the new administration, we sure could use your help! And this month, we think we have made it easy for you. Liese has taken the time to pass along some tips on how to grow orchids on a budget (see her Tip of the Month below). Plus, our special of the month, the "SEEDLING STIMULUS PACKAGE," is a killer way to maximize the expansion of your collection for minimal dollars. Your choice of 20 different seedlings for as little as $3.00 each. Do orchids get any less expensive? Do I sound like a late-night infomercial again? Sorry. See the monthly special highlighted in the section below.  Cattleya aurantiaca
We hope that you are maintaining your sanity and at least part of your savings during these difficult times. Liese and I may not be buying that huge flat screen TV this year, but we will be investing more time in our hobbies-Liese will be quilting while I'll be spending more time on my bicycle (perhaps I will need to spend some time turning the spare bedroom into a quilt museum, but we'll see how that goes).  Stanhopea jenishiana
I guess the point is, when you have to tighten the purse strings, at the very least you must make time for what you are passionate about, or you risk losing your mind...and you don't want that - therapy is expensive!
We've offered you some cheap therapy this month in the way of the orchid stimulus package. We hope it helps!
Best wishes,
Greg
P.S. - Don't forget to call, fax or email to register for our March 7th class here at Oak Hill Gardens. Click the link for details...... 
P.P.S. - If you will be attending either the
Illinois Orchid Society Show on March 21-22 or the
Longwood Gardens (SEPOS) Show on March 27-29, we will be happy to bring you a pre-order of plants and save you the shipping and handling charges. |
| Monthly Special |
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 Seedling Stimulus Package!
Huntleya heteroclita
We have put together a list of 20 different seedlings which we are offering for sale this month only at special savings. You may order either 5, 10, or all 20 of these seedlings, at prices from $3.75 each to as low as $3.00 each if you order all 20 varieties. Orchid plants have never been priced this low! Check out the varieties and photos at the link below:
Orchids: Like money in the bank! |
| Growing Tip of the Month - by Liese |
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Growing Orchids on a Budget 
The economy is not good, and money is tight. Fortunately, orchid growing does not have to be an expensive hobby. Other than some fertilizer and occasionally some new potting material, we don't need to spend money on your orchids to maintain them efficiently. They simply sit on our windowsills and bloom - bringing beauty and joy to our sometimes troubled lives.
At Oak Hill Gardens we have always strived to keep our prices low, so that everyone can afford this interesting hobby. We grow many of our varieties on site in our in-house laboratory. Because we grow them here, we are able to carry many different plant sizes - seedlings on up to mature, blooming-size monsters. By buying smaller seedling plants, however, you can save money and afford a wider variety of orchid plants. All you really need is a bit of patience, since some of these seedlings can take 2-4 years to grow into a mature blooming-size plant.
The care of these seedlings is similar to the care of mature plants. However, you must keep in mind that they are "baby" orchids. They sometimes need watering more often because the pots are smaller and they dry out more quickly. They also grow best in a bit more shade. The plant tissue on seedlings is softer than mature orchids, thus it cn be damaged more easily by bright light. A bit of extra humidity is always helpful for these little guys too - but don't mist constantly. Again, plant tissue is softer and can rot easily.
The seedlings we sell are of nice size, and they do have good root growth. They are not difficult to grow, but just need to be nurture for a few extra years before they produce flowers.
If you do not have the patience for our babies, we carry many mature orchids at very reasonable prices. On our website, look for an asterisk (*) next to the plant price; this indicates a blooming size plant.
Great satisfaction can be gained by investing in small seedlings. It is fulfilling to care for them and watch them grow. The pride and sense of accomplishment when those plants finally bloom is worth the little extra time and effort put forth in bringing the process to fruition.
Happy seedling growing!
Liese
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Good luck to you for the Spring Season!
Sincerely,
Greg, Liese and Hermann |
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