Happy New Year!
2011 was the best year yet in the greenhouse. We have a great crew on board and they have done a terrific job both here and in Portland. Growing orchids is such a pleasure but it demands incredible attention to the everyday care of tens of thousands of plants.

Great New Paphs and Species
Our Paphiopedilum breeding program saw great results. We were pleased with the flower color and size, spike height and vigor of our Maudiaes and Complex Ladyslippers. Our Norito Hasegawa cross is spiking now and the plants and flowers are beautiful. Several of our species ladyslippers bloomed this year including spicerianum, gratrixianum, wardii, urbanianum, and venustum with great form and color.

In addition to the Paphs, we have a selection of Laelia and Cattleya species and hybrids. Laelia alaorii has been super popular. The flowers are large relative to the small size of the plants – perfect for the window sill grower. Our Slc. Circle of Life cross with Blc. Chia Lin has produced beautiful sunset to red colored flowers named Rlc. Memoria Frank Fordyce after the father of the Circle of Life breeding line.

Spring
Even though it is the middle of winter, I feel spring on the horizon. We have had the sunniest winter ever and the plants show it. We look seeing the next round of Phalaenopsis in bloom. The harlequin style Phalaenopsis have become more beautiful every year and we are excited to see Chian Xen Super Idol, Black Valentine and I-Hsin Mirage open up in the next several weeks. Another one to keep your eye on is I-Hsin Picture. It has one of the nicest red flowers we have seen.

Gratitude
Thank you for the fantastic support you have shown us. We look forward to growing plants that surprise and delight you in 2012. Best wishes for a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.