Oh my do I have a feast for the eyes today!
Today our garden club visited Hilltop Orchids owned by Dick and Sandy Wells in Cloverdale, Indiana.
http://www.hilltoporchids.com/shop/home.php
We were honored to be given a tour by Dick Wells, who is a legend in the Orchid field. 
He told us today that he has bred over 150 orchid varieties…. many named after his family members and friends.
I really must say I was not very knowledgeable about these plants, but he was so informative…. he makes it all look easy.
And look at all the lovely plants he has in bloom!
I think he said he had over 60,000 orchids, most were in bloom during out visit.
There was just dazzling color everywhere you looked.
Such beauty for us “Spring Hungry” Indiana Gardeners!
The colors were so vivid.
Of course I am always drawn to the pinks….
Each one more fantastic than the last.
There were just so many to choose from, it was mind blowing.
He let us tour the entire greenhouse, and get close and touch the blooms.
I was almost afraid too, they were too beautiful…. and delicate.
I am sorry, I do not know all the names, there were far too many to keep track.
We stayed there for over two hours enjoying the over a quarter an acre of greenhouses.
We also got to see his breeding building, a sterile environment like a chemistry lab.
This bunch were getting ready to be shipped out.
But I must say if you are ever near I70, in Cloverdale, Indiana…..
Especially in December thru Early Spring when they have the best blooms……
Stop in and visit with Dick at Hilltop Orchids.
To me it really did feel like a once in a lifetime experience.
And yes, I did bring one home…. it is called a “Montclair”. Mine is not in bloom yet, but it looks like the one above. The reason I chose it is because it has a very spicy scent. I think it is much prettier in person, but this photo is from his website….here is more about the plant.
http://www.hilltoporchids.com/shop/product.php?productid=16180&cat=290&page=1
Sorry it is such a long post today, but how could I leave out such lovely pictures!
I couldn’t decide what ones to not use, so I used them all!
This is a video from where I was today….. cool huh?
Happy Gardening……Brooke
And thank you Dick for a very nice visit today!!
I have never tried to grow Orchids, always admired them though. What great place to spend a few hours..
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful tour! I have a few orchids outside, and this tour and video were very informative. Did you buy an orchid while there? It would be hard to pick just one I'd think. Thanks for sharing this wonderful little trip.
ReplyDeleteFlowerLady
Hi Brooke. I am a little intimidated by orchids. I have only one at it is surviving barely. LOL! How gorgeous are all of those. They ave such wonderful blooms. Thanks for sharing your tour.
ReplyDeleteHi Brooke~~ The most delicious eye candy. Thank you for the fabulous tour.
ReplyDelete