Miami Show Haul

I went to the Miami International Orchid Show yesterday, and was completely and totally disappointed in the vendor and plant selection. Historically, this has been a show where a species collector can go crazy. I left with $270, earmarked for the show, still in my pocket.

I did get a few things:
C walkeriana v albescens 'Snow White'
Den convolutum
Den bifalce
Den usitae
Pteroceras semiteretifolium
Phal violacea var coerulea, in flower
Phal violacea var alba, in flower
Bulbo arfakianum
Aerides japonica

Balogh International was there, too. I was drooling over all the books, when I spied a hardback copy of the Bakers' Orchid Species Culture Dendrobium! I figured it was going to be outrageously priced (especially since one is currently on eBay, going for $450!) but when I inquired, the woman told me she was selling it for $100! After I snatched it up, I struck up a conversation with the woman, and found out she is Pam Balogh. Many of the books she was selling were from her personal collection, including the Den book. She said she used to do a lot of orchid research, and had quite an extensive orchid library, which she was now selling along with all the new books she has in stock. She told me that Marg Baker used to do a lot of research in her (Pam's) library. She opened the Den book, and showed me an inscription, which read, "Dear Pam, without your help, this would never have happened. And it was signed by both Marg Baker, and then separately, Charlie. What a score!! I am absolutely thrilled!

I first discovered Balogh International at WOC last year, and have bought 5 or 6 books from them since. Their prices are always fair, and they often sell their display copies for up to 50% off list. In Pam's words, "I'm not into screwing people." Love her!

Check them out: http://www.balogh.com/catalogs/orchids.html

 

Save your money! The Miami show is dead. But I still recommend the Tamiami Expo and the Redland Fest! :evil: