April 14, 2009

Orchid love.

I'm not a trendy person. So I don't much care if the orchid trend is over. I love orchids, and am proud of it.

So when I stumbled onto Neptune,
New Jersey's, Silva Orchids last year (via the Union Square Farmers' Market in NYC), I was immediately smitten. Brothers Joe and Tony Silva run the business their father Augusto started in 1957, bringing, "the dedication to quality and a love of the business learned from our founder and hope that some of this passion helps to inspire the awe of the beauty and majesty of these horticultural treasures of God’s creation."

Last week, with blog post in my mind and camera in my hand (and orchid in need of triage), I went back for a visit. I also figured that the cheery flowers would distract me from the 30-degree "spring" temperatures in our neck of the world.

Down a winding suburban road just a handful of miles from the shore house lies this tropical paradise. The greenhouse is filled with varietals an amateur like myself can't even wrap her head around.


But along with the amazingly knowledgeable brothers are helpful signs to guide you along your journey...



And they are everywhere you turn...


Don't forget to look up...More roots than Britney Spears' hairline!


And the COLORS. The day I went to Silva the sun was barely poking from behind the
cumulonimbus, and yet the flowers were still stunning. Even the man of the shore house was impressed. And usually he falls asleep in the nearest chair when I take him places like this.




In fact he was so infatuated, he picked one out for me. All by himself! Here she is, back at home...


(Note: I could have taken the power drill and dog bone out of the background, but it is shore house chic after all.)

I bought an orchid at Silva about this time last year that is (somewhat shockingly, even though I showered it with love all year) about to bloom again. Yay! It was just looking a little...well, sad...so I brought it back to get a professional opinion. Not only was Tony helpful in assessing and recommending (tweezers to pull out any nasty bits around the base of the foliage, followed up by a gentle peroxide mist at the leaf base to prevent infection), he actually did all this for me and tucked Penelope (seems like a good orchid name) into a bag and back in my car.

June 5th and 6th will be the opportune time to visit for their annual Silva Orchids Culture Day and Sale. More info is coming soon on their web site, but if I remember the flier from last year it's an open house with potting and growing seminars, a hands-on culture planting tutorial, and a BBQ. Visit their web site at silvaorchids.com for more information as it becomes available.

25 comments:

Blondie's Journal said...

Very, very cool place, Laura. Penelope is one beautiful orchid. I think the reason I love them so much is that I so rarely see them. I have also heard horror stories about caring for and losing these precious plants so I've never taken the chance to get one.

The husband had a beautiful white orchid in his office. It was doing wonderfully until his personal secretary left to take another position. It "mysteriously" died.

Have a warm week!

xoxo
Jane

Unknown said...

I've always thought that orchids would be really hard to grow...I haven't tried to do it!

You've done great if you have one about to bloom after one year!

They are beautiful!
:) Diane

Purple Flowers said...

I love orchids! The shapes and colors are elegant, and always bringing me back for more.

Tina said...

Orchids are sooo beautiful and what a great place. I've never given it a try to grow them, but they are so precious.
T

Joyce said...

Orchids are a beautiful and elegant flower. Because of the black thumb plaque I prefer to admire from afar so not to damage the beauty of such a flower. This was so nice of the gent to give Penelope a gentle facelift she needed. Enjoy! xoxo

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

The orchids you show in Silva's greenhouses are all so beautiful Laura. Your love picked out a beautiful one for you! I love the delicate pink color.

I have house plants that are probably older than you are, but I never attempted to grow an orchid fearing that I would not have good luck with it. You must have good vibes to have Penelope about to bloom again!

please sir said...

Orchid farms must be all over the place - lovely!!

Keetha Broyles said...

I still love orchids too - - - and that shockingly raspberry pink one is awesome.

You said cumulonimbus!!!! Yes you did!!! I'm so PROUD of you.

N said...

So sweet. Because they're not endemic to this area, they are such a treat to see. Thank you for sharing the gorgeous shots!

Kwana said...

What a great post. I'm with you about not caring if the trend is over. I love orchids. I don't have one. Too afraid to kill it. But they are so beautiful. The roots pic cracked me up. I keep hinting at the DH to buy me one.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, how neat, Laura! I love orchids. You are not alone, my friend! They are really, really neat plants. I have a friend who grows them, and I am always in awe. This looks like such a fun place. And Penelope is lovely!

XO,

Sheila :-)

desiree said...

I love orchids too! Great photos. We have a spot out here where you can get an orchid for a great price. I can never get mine to re-bloom, lots of new leaves...Oh well. I keep buying them anyway.

Mary-Laure said...

My mum adores orchids and my sister and I often buy her some for special celebrations...
Your first picture is amazing, like being in a green tunnel!

Rue said...

Thanks so much for this post! I love orchids, but am never very good at plant care. But, I am tempted to visit the Silva's!!!

Maureen said...

The trend can't be over because I have yet to work up the nerve to buy one.

Those pictures... those colors... just eye-candy.

tam said...

What a great place to visit! Gorgeous flowers too Laura! Thanks for sharing that with us! ~Tam :)

Local Girl said...

Laura, that's a beautiful place thanks for sharing! I'm going to put it in my link love post this week :) x

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Laura, You really captured the essence of Silva Orchids. I have only been there 3 times, but each time was like walking into a serene, tropical haven. It isn't easy to walk out with just one...is it? Good luck with the new one, and congratulations on Penelope blooming.
♥, Susan

Maya said...

From what I see and read..., gorgeous sensible princesses!

Ms. Tee said...

How sweet of Mr. Shorehouse to pick out one for you. They're beautiful and they'll be in still forever in my book, too. :)
Have a great week!

Ms. Tee said...

oops...I meant "in style", not in "still". ;)

Fifi Flowers said...

They are beautiful... however I cannot grown them... sigh!

Leciawp said...

beautiful!

heidi said...

Beautiful!!!! Funny that the shore dude usually falls asleep in the chair. Does he sleep in the chair, holding your pocketbook? ;-) Have a faboo weekend! xoh

Sue said...

I saw this guy at the street fair in Princeton last weekend...beautiful flowers...