At one end of the greenhouse on the Farm at the back of Cal Expo, we have a light cart with information on growing orchids under lights, as well as different types of orchid potting mixes and fertilizers.
The greenhouse on the Farm at the California State Fair at the back of Cal Expo, next to all the corn and other crops. Right next door is the aquaculture exhibits
This lightcart, with alternated cool and warm T-8 bulbs and two levels of growing as well as storage space, with trays for catching water was put together by Scott Farrell for under $250 with everything purchased at local home improvement stores and nurseries. Based on a design by member Bev Moon.
While only a few plants are displayed, there is a sign-up sheet for the public to join our notification email list as well as informative signs.
Here's a view of the full light cart with one of the rotating digital frames. We wanted to do a computer, however the dust is so pervasive that a computer wasn't possible.
This is a wet wall - essentially a HUGE wall-sized Swamp cooler that keeps the greenhouse very cool - below 80 degrees on days that reach over 100 degrees! A pump circulates water through cardboard pleats - the air is drawn through the pleats by large exit fans on the other side of the greenhouse!
Did you know orchid trivia sprinkled with educational tips on growing orchids are found in many of the plants on display...
A cute little tolumnia orchid grown by Scott Farrell, mounted and that has two inflorescences.
A view of some of the orchids in one end of the greenhouse
An oncidium or dancing lady orchid - with a "Did you know?" sign explaining it
We want the public to be confident that anyone can grow orchids! There is lots of encouraging signs and simple easy to follow instructions.
Hard to see, but the sign in the back left reads "Are you and orchid murderer? We can help!"
That's hydroponics grown lettuce in the foreground - many other types of plants also are found in the greenhouse
Different types of orchid potting mixes along with fertilizers and common tools are on display
This is a very fragrant large cattleya - the flowers are almost eight inches across. This is its second bloom this year, and originally it had four flowers on this inflorescence, but I broke one off in moving the plant. It had four other growths with flowers earlier in May and June - flowers can stay on for up to a month! It is hanging at just about "nose level" thus to encourage people to smell it and learn that many orchids have fragrance!
