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Discussion in 'Introduce Yourself' started by Mike Leone, Sep 9, 2014.

  1. Sep 9, 2014 #1
    Mike Leone

    Mike Leone Acme Orchidarium Co. acmeorchidarium.com Forum Sponsor

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    Location:
    Rockaway NJ
    I started growing orchids 30ish years ago when I was 20ish years old in a 10'x20' greenhouse.
    over the next 20 year amassed an impressive collection of over 800 plants specializing in Angreacoids on one side
    of the greenhouse and pleurothalids on the other.
    Ten years ago a massive blizzard dumped 30" of ice and snow, at 3:00am my greenhouse imploded, it was 16 degrees outside with 50 mile an hour wind gusts. I saved a handful of plants. I took a break from growing orchids.
    Now I grow orchids in two high tech orchidaruims of my own design specializing in oxiglosum dendrobiums and other cloud forest miniatures.
    I live in northern New Jersey with my partner Nora, two cats and nine chickens. P1010633 - Copy.JPG P1010636 - Copy.JPG
     
    DeafOrchidLover, Plantman, Paigar and 3 others like this.
  2. Sep 9, 2014 #2
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Location:
    Santa Rosa, CA
    Wecome to the forum. That is a sad, sad story. You've not only come back to orchids, you grow them exceptionally well.
     
  3. Sep 9, 2014 #3
    John Marvin (Joe Jo)

    John Marvin (Joe Jo) Member

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    Location:
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    Welcome, very impressive comeback!
     
  4. Sep 9, 2014 #4
    Mike Leone

    Mike Leone Acme Orchidarium Co. acmeorchidarium.com Forum Sponsor

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    Location:
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    Thanks Marni
    over the years I've developed many lasting friendships through the orchid community and it's nice to reconnect with old ones and make some new ones.
     
    Marni likes this.
  5. Sep 9, 2014 #5
    KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Location:
    Redding, California, USA
    Mike, welcome to the Forum. Those look like some amazing grow spaces you have.
     
  6. Sep 10, 2014 #6
    catsma_97504

    catsma_97504 Member

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    Location:
    Medford, OR
    What a story you have! Looking forward to hearing about your growing experiences as well as that rack you have built. Very interesting setup.
     
  7. Sep 12, 2014 #7
    Dave The Scientist

    Dave The Scientist Active Member

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    Location:
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    You have got one awesome growing space there. I am sorry to hear your disaster years ago but its good you got back into it.Did your greenhouse collapse from the weight of the snow?
     
  8. Sep 12, 2014 #8
    Mike Leone

    Mike Leone Acme Orchidarium Co. acmeorchidarium.com Forum Sponsor

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    Location:
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    Yes, when several tons of snow slid off the roof of my house onto the already snow laden greenhouse roof it was the last straw.
     
  9. Sep 13, 2014 #9
    Dave The Scientist

    Dave The Scientist Active Member

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    Location:
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    I imagine its hard to design a greenhouse to cope with several literal tons of snow on the roof.
     
  10. Sep 14, 2014 #10
    SBA

    SBA Member

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    What does not kill you, makes you stronger!!
    Congratulations
     
  11. Oct 4, 2014 #11
    Plantman

    Plantman Member

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    Location:
    NYC, NY USA Fajardo, Puerto Rico
    Hi Mike, Michael Morales from Manhattan Orchid Society. I've retired and been in Puerto Rico most of the last 4 years taking care of my mom who suffers with Alzheimer's. I'm in NYC packing most of my Orchid Books and Electronic equipment to move most of the things I've left to PR. My email is [email protected] and my cell is 917 280-9381. Your son must be a teenager now! I think I last saw you was at a GNYOS Orchid Show at Rockefeller Center about 15 years ago! Great to know you still have that magic touch! Use my email address to go to my FaceBook photo's to see my growing Area in PR. Please keep in touch!