Waldor Orchids Grows Business on the Web

Exhibitor News:
Waldor Orchids Grows Business on the Web

Family members and employees at Waldor Orchids include (top, from left) Debbie Off, Bill Off, William Robinson, Walt Off, Amy Off, Elizabeth Off, Angelica Mendez (center) and David Off (bottom).
The origins of Waldor Orchids reach back to the 1920s, but the family business is well-rooted in the 21st century. Walt Off, co-owner of Waldor with his brother Bill, explains that the hottest trend at the Linwood, N.J., company is its online component. The website, http://www.waldor.com/, was developed in 2005, and Internet sales have increased steadily ever since. He estimates that 10 percent of overall gross sales now come from online orders, and predicts it will reach 25 percent in the near future.“A lot of people are looking for the old-time cattleya orchids,” Off says, but Waldor’s special orchid potting mix and fertilizer are also selling well on the Web. The orders come from throughout the U.S., including a strong contingent in California, and from South America. “We have a very good customer in Chile buying our very finest.”
Sales to flower and plant stores in the Philadelphia, Wilmington and South Jersey region still make up the biggest part of the business, which was started by Walt’s father, George, in the mid-1920s. George’s father, Frank B. Off, owned the Brighton Hotel and operated the Strand Hotel in Atlantic City. George started the flower business to supply the hotels, and developed various hybrids of his beloved orchids.The Off family has been displaying orchids at the Philadelphia Flower Show since the 1930s. With three generations now taking part in the business, Waldor Orchids will create a Showcase Garden for the 2009 Flower Show theme, “Bella Italia.” Waldor is planning to interpret the ambiance of the Italian Riviera. “We’re looking at hotel lobbies,” Off says. “We’re thinking of creating a hotel interior overlooking a swimming pool on the Riviera.” They are also contemplating a trip to Italy as part of the research.
For more information about Waldor Orchids, contact:
Waldor Orchids10 E. Poplar Ave.Linwood, NJ 08221-2526609-927-4126http://www.waldor.com/

Learn more about: garden displays, individual & club entries (Learn how to enter the Show!) and judging.

lord_whimsy (lord_whimsy) wrote,@ 2007-12-08 11:58:00

Entry tags:
organicism, the greenhouse project
THE GREENHOUSE PROJECT: WALDOR ORCHIDS
The greenhouses at Waldor Orchids in Linwood, NJ (near my old hometown) are a very good example of what happens over decades to an enclosed environment when it has been casually managed (in the best possible sense), and allowed to naturalize to a certain degree. These greenhouses have been here for over six decades; their scale is modest, and they still have the old wooden doors, ribbed glass panels, a patina of algae and moss over everything--all the wonderful trappings of a classic greenhouse. The older conservatories are quite grand, but the scale of a greenhouse is more intimate, nestled.Older greenhouses are becoming increasingly rare, and are to be savored when one finds them; to my mind they're absolute treasures. The interiors of these older greenhouses don't give off that dull, milky white light like the newer plastic ones do; no--the older greenhouses give off a silvery shimmer, which gives the living things within a dreamlike aura. Greenhouses bring deep-sea shrimp to mind upon first impression, in that they have a clear carapace that displays living innards. The light, rectilinear grid of a greenhouse canopy is a lovely counterpoint to the lush, voluptuous verdure within; I absolutely love the outside appearance of greenhouses, with the condensation on the glass slightly obscuring its delicate denizens with a tantalizing green haze. The effect is even more dramatic on cold evenings, when the lights are still on inside.Now, this isn't some clinical plant factory--someone loves this little world, one might even say the Off family have lived in it for four generations (one often encounters their small children playing in the plants, the lucky little devils). It has naturalized from stone floor to glass ceiling: waterfalls and ponds of fish, stands of wild ferns and mosses growing in neglected corners, and various thriving species which have found themselves here by accident, have staked claims in any available nook and are now permanent naturalized residents. The greenhouses are so choked with vegetation in areas, that even a small person like me had a hard time getting through. At one point, an older gentleman and I startled one another in this jungle. "Livingston, I presume?" It's an absolutely enchanting place, an accidental ecosystem.After two hours of loitering and swooning, I claimed my quarry of three paphiopedilum and a large nepenthes (the Offs recently purchased a collection of incredible vanda from a gentleman who recently died, and I've inherited his nepenthes). Before leaving, I had a friendly chat with a couple members of the Off family. During the conversation, they mentioned that some tropical tree frogs had apparently hitched a ride on a couple of the orchids. Over the years, their numbers in the greenhouses have grown to the point that at night, the noise is so loud that at one point the Offs were afraid the neighbors would complain. To the best of their knowledge, none have (and I can't imagine what sort of thick churl would complain about having a glass house full of plants and frogs as a neighbor). I hope to visit the greenhouse at night on a warm evening, and hear the music of this little oasis for myself. Such are the rewards of floral flaneurie.~W

http://lord-whimsy.livejournal.com/275331.html

Holiday Sale at Waldor Orchids Shop. 20% off all plants and supplies for your holiday gift giving.

Holiday Sale
December 14th & 15th
Hours: 9: am - 6:00 pm

20% off all plants and supplies
Choose from a great selection of all different genera for your holiday gift giving. Christmas cookies and light refreshments will be available for all our guests.

Philly Show

3/2/20082008 Philadelphia Flower Show
http://www.theflowershow.com

The 2008 Philadelphia Flower Show“Jazz It Up ”
From the French Quarter to Rue Bourbon, images of New Orleans provide a scintillating backdrop for the 2008 Philadelphia Flower Show. "Jazz It Up" will celebrate the birthplace of jazz and much more, as Show officials challenge exhibitors to take gardening to the next level with pumped-up versions of New Orleans walled courtyards, cast iron balconies, fountains and canals, along with toe tapping vibes of the great Jazz legends. You won’t want to miss "Jazz It Up," March 2 - 9, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Great Ticket Value!
Your ticket gets you:
Great Gardens
Parades
Floral Showcase
Live Entertainment
Fabulous Shopping
Show proceeds, including tickets and sponsorship contributions, support The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, including its acclaimed urban greening program, Philadelphia Green. Thank you for your support!
Dates:
Sunday, March 2 - Sunday, March 9
Place:
Pennsylvania Convention Center12th & Arch StreetsPhiladelphia, PA 19107-2299
Hours:
Sundays, March 2 & March 9: 8 am to 6 pmMonday, March 3- Friday, March 7: 10 am to 9:30 pmSaturday, March 8: 8 am to 9:30 pm(Best viewing hours are after 4 pm)
Box Office closes one hour before Show closing on all days.
Producer:

Show revenues support The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's outreach efforts, including its acclaimed greening program, Philadelphia Green.
Show revenues support The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's outreach efforts, including its acclaimed greening program, Philadelphia Green.
PresentingSponsor:

PremierSponsors:

Show Information:
215-988-8899 (recorded information)
WheelchairInformation:
Rentals are available for $10 a day on a first-come, first-serve basis. The rental booth is located on the Show Level Concourse outside of B Hall.

Tickets / Reservations
Tickets for the 2008 Flower Show are not yet available online. Plan to visit this site in November, 2007.
Show revenues, including your Flower Show ticket and sponsorship contributions, support the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), a non-profit organization.
PHS’s Philadelphia Green program helps community groups and public/private agencies transform vacant land and public landscapes into vibrant green spaces. Philadelphia Green is the country’s largest comprehensive urban greening program.
About the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society motivates people to improve the quality of life and create a sense of community through horticulture.
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is a not-for-profit membership organization founded in 1827. Under the leadership of Jane G. Pepper, PHS provides great events, activities and publications for novice gardeners, experienced horticulturists, and flower lovers of all ages.
PHS mural, located at 13th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA. Copyright © 1998 PDR Mural Arts Program and David McShane
PHS also produces and manages a variety of shows, competitions, and programs, including:
The Philadelphia Flower Show, the largest indoor flower show in the world.
Proceeds from the Philadelphia Flower Show support PHS's programs, including neighborhood and public landscape greening projects through Philadelphia Green.
PHS offers many services, including garden tours and publications.
Kids Grow Expo
City Gardens Contest
Visiting InformationPHS headquarters is located at 20th & Arch Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Inside are administrative offices, as well as the our library, which houses the most extensive collection of horticultural books in the Greater Philadelphia Region. Click here for directions.
For more information about PHS:
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society 100 N. 20th Street5th FloorPhiladelphia, PA 19103-1495
or call 215-988-8800

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Fall Sale at Waldor Orchids

Dear Friends,


Fall is finally here and the change in the weather brings the beautiful autumn colors in the trees. The Eagles are off to a slow start, but the Phillies are in a battle for the pennant.
There has been some confusion regarding the demolition of Brighton Orchids next door to us. We would like everyone know that Waldor Orchids is here to stay with the same service that our customers have grown accustomed to since 1925.

We want to kick this fall off by inviting you our first annual Fall Sale on Friday, October 5th, and Saturday, October 6th, 2007. We will be offering a 20% discount on all plants and supplies. This is a wonderful opportunity to save on plants for around the home or to save on bags of potting mix and other orchid related supplies.

We currently have a great selection of Phalaenopsis and Cattleyas, as well as nice Paphiopedilums, Dendrobiums and Oncidium. You will also find exceptional fall savings on out of bloom plants such as Stanhopea, Bulbophyllums, Coelogyne, and other orchid genera. Apple cider and light refreshments will be available to all of our guests.

Our sale takes place at our Linwood location and is for our retail customers only. Internet sales are not included in the sale. Sale days are Friday, October 5th and Saturday, October 6th, 2007 only. We are sorry, but we are not able to re-pot or decorate plants during this busy time.

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Up Coming Events

9/27/2007 Greater Philadelphia Orchid SocietyGPOS Auction read full story...

9/27/2007 Sandpiper Orchid SocietyANNUAL ORCHID AUCTION read full story...

9/30/2007 Deep Cut Orchid SocietyDCOS Auction read full story...

11/9/2007 - 11/10/2007 Third Annual Merritt Huntington Memorial SymposiumMerritt Huntington Symposium read full story...

12/7/2007 - 12/8/2007 Waldor SaleHoliday Sale at Waldor Orchids Shop. 20% off all plants and supplies for your holiday gift giving. read full story...

1/23/2008 - 1/27/2008 19th World Orchid Conference"Orchids- Nature's Masterpiece"read full story...

3/2/2008 - 3/9/2008 2008 Philadelphia Flower ShowPlease join us March 02 - 09 at the 2007 Philadelphia Flower Show, read full story...

3/28/2008 - 3/30/2008 Longwood Gardens Orchid Show read full story...

5/10/2008 DVOC Speaker's Day Forum read full story...

Local Societies

Joining a local orchid society is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about these fascinating plants. You will meet many interesting people from all walks of life that share the same passion and enthusiasm for growing orchids. On hand will be many seasoned growers who are willing to share their cultural knowledge and advice on these beautiful, but sometimes challenging plants. Local society membership often includes a monthly newsletter, workshops, auctions, greenhouse tours, and an orchid book and video library. The monthly meetings are very informative and usually include a guest speaker, a show table, a raffle and a time for socializing and refreshments. Below is a list of the societies in our region. It includes their meeting location and starting time along with their contact information. Select the state below to find the orchid society nearest to you. If you are unable to locate a group in your area, please go to the affiliated society page on the American Orchid Society website at http://www.orchidweb.org/.

NEW JERSEY
Central Jersey Orchid SocietyMercer County Library, Lawrenceville(4th Wednesday, monthly, except July & August, 7:30pm)http://www.centraljerseyorchids.org/

Deep Cut Orchid SocietyMonmouth Reform Temple, Tinton Falls (2nd Tuesday, monthly, except July & August, 7:30pm)http://www.deepcutorchids.com/

North Jersey Orchid SocietyThe Hanover Manor, East Hanover(2nd Thursday, monthly, 8:00pm)http://www.njorchids.org/

Pinelands Orchid SocietyWoodlawn Fire Company, Cherry Hill(1st Tuesday, monthly, except July & August, 7:30pm)http://www.pinelandsorchidsociety.org/

Ramapo Orchid SocietyFlat Brook Nature Center, Engelwood(3rd Thursday, monthly, except July & August, 7:00pm)http://www.ramapoorchid.org/

Sandpiper Orchid SocietyAtlantic County Library, Mays Landing(4th Thursday, monthly, 3rd Thursday, November, 2nd Thursday, December, 7:30pm)http://www.sandpiperorchidsociety.com/

South Jersey Orchid SocietyWenonah Methodist Church, Wenonah(3rd Sunday, monthly, 1:00pm)http://www.geocities.com/sjosusback to top

Delaware

Delaware Orchid SocietyEmmanual Presbyterian Church, Wilmington(2nd Tuesday, monthly, except July & August, 7:30pm)http://www.delawareorchidsociety.org/

Orchid Hobbyists of DelmarvaEpiscopal Church, Delmar(3rd Sunday, monthly, except July & August, 2:00pm)Email: itlew@dmv.com, Phone: 302-226-9318

Pennsylvania
Berks County Orchid SocietyBerks County Ag Center, Wyomissing(1st or 2nd Sunday (please call), monthly, except August, 2:00pm)Email: patgolem@aol.com, Phone: 610-678-1217Bucks County Orchid SocietyChurchville Nature Center, Churchville(3rd Thursday, monthly, 7:30pm)http://www.buckscountyorchidsociety.org/

Central Pennsylvania Orchid SocietyHeadhouse #1, Penn State Campus, State College(2nd Sunday, monthly, except May & December 2:00pm, January-March, 1:00pm)Email: jrerian@epix.net, Phone: 570-925-6680Greater Philadelphia Orchid SocietyMerion Friends Activity Center, Narberth(4th Thursday, monthly, except July & August, 3rd Thursday, November & December 8:00pm)http://www.greaterphilaorchidsociety.org/

Lehigh Valley Orchid SocietySt. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Allentown(1st Sunday, monthly, except August, 1:30pm)http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Jungle/1216/

Northeastern Pennsylvania Orchid SocietyWest Pittston Volunteer Fire Company, Pittston Township(1st Sunday, monthly, except July & August, 1:00pm)Email: jrerian@epix.net, Phone: 570-226-9736Orchid Society of Northwestern PennsylvaniaErie Zoological Society, Erie(2nd Sunday, monthly November-March, 3:00pm, April-June, 5:00pm)http://www.erieorchids.org/Orchid Society of Western PennsylvaniaPhipps Garden Center,
Pittsburgh(3rd Sunday, monthly, except July & August, 2:15pm)

http://www.oswp.org/Southeastern Pennsylvania Orchid SocietyFreedoms Foundation, Valley Forge(2nd Wednesday, monthly, except July & August, 8:00pm)

http://www.sepos.org/Susquehanna Orchid SocietyWest Hanover Township Recreation Building, Harrisburg(3rd Sunday, monthly, 1:30pm)http://www.susquehanna-orchid.org/

2007 Philly Show

Just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year. Waldor invites you to come and check out our new web site at www.waldor.com

AOS Membership

I feel inspired to write this after Having Dinner with the new Vice Prez. of the AOS. We talk a lot about how Membership was down and how some things are changing at AOS. He sounds like they got a lot of new ideas to help raise membership and make AOS and even better society. I always love the magazine but hated the price. He told me about the cost that is involved in doing the two magazine and how they use the membership money for a lot of good causes. support of the nonprofit membership organization through dues aids so many other important areas that the Society supports year round -- orchid research, conservation, education, Affiliated Societies, and the like. His views on how to make things better for the orchid hobbyist really impressed me. We talked on topic such as judging and how we need to get the youth more involved in orchids. Most people would think who cares their membership is down. Well let me say that I'm not a member but after speaking to him I'm going to get a membership to help support AOS. Being that I'm part of a family orchid business that been operated since 1925 we see how AOS makes a difference. It educates our costumers. Instead of just wanting a Phal.now they want to be come a hobbyist and collect better things in return the suppliers and grower have to look into improve and what they grow only the best at all times. I guess you can call it the food chain. So I urge you all please go out get your Love ones a membership to AOS or send in a support to them. This is coming from someone who is not a member but was touch by the future of AOS at one dinner.

Input Need.

I'm asking you from a grower point of view what type of plants do you like to purchase? What are the important factors when buying a plant? What are some things that keep you from buying plants? Have you ever bought a plant from an online Site? These question will help me the grower to improve the way we do things to ensure we are getting people what they want.

Repotting

RepottingRepotting is the part of orchid growing that hobbyists consider most intimidating. However, with some guidance, even the novice grower will find it to be an easy and rewarding experience. First decide whether you simply want to shift your plant or divide it into several pieces. To shift your orchid, remove the plant from the pot and clean the old mix off the roots. Then choose the proper pot size allowing room for two years of growth.
When dividing cattleyas and other orchids with similar growing habits, we recommend leaving 3-5 bulbs per division. Decide what size cutting you want to make. Then use a sterile knife to cut down through the rhizome and the roots staying as close as possible to the older growth. Choose the proper pot size allowing for two years of growth.
Next consider what type of container will suit your orchid and watering schedule. Most orchids grow well in plastic pots. However, if you have a tendency to over-water, clay pots may work better for you since they are porous and will dry out faster. Clay pots, because of their extra weight, will also help top-heavy plants to remain upright. We recommend potting in a fir bark mix. This media was originally developed by our founder George Off in the1960’s. Fir bark is still used extensively by many commercial growers in various modified formulations. Orchids like good drainage, so we suggest using large bark or sytrofoam peanuts in the bottom of the pot. Place the plant with the newest growth farthest from the edge of the pot and fill in with mix. Make sure to get the right level for the potting medium. Be careful not to bury the eyes at the bottom of the bulbs and leave some room for water in the top of the pot. Note: There is some controversy as to how hard the mix should be packed. We have always tamped the mix in tightly, while others just use their fingers. The main point is to pot firmly, eliminating most of the air pockets.
If you are potting in sphagnum moss, just remove the old medium and choose the proper pot size depending on the amount of roots. Spread the roots over a cone of moss, then wrap some more moss around the root ball and place it into the new pot. Phalaenopsis should be centered in the pot, while orchids that grow like a cattleya need to be placed with the new growth farthest from the edge of the container. Be sure to cover all the roots. Moss should be spongy and should not be packed too tightly.
http://waldor.com/plantcare.asp#repotting

Orchid Links Need.

Hey Have an Orchid blog or chat board? If you put a link to my site I will give you a link on here.
http://waldor.com

What do you think of this flower.

Orchid flowers that have yellow splash in it has always been one of my favorite. We are asking you to post a picture of your favorite. Tells us why this is your favorite orchid flower and a little about the orchid.

http://Waldor.com

(Blc. Makah Gold x His Light) `Golden Glow'

http://waldororchids.blogspot.com

Pest

Pests and DiseasesBugs create a host of problems and can seriously damage a collection if left untreated. Scales, mealybugs, aphids and mites are the most common orchid pests. You will find that bugs are attracted to certain genera. For instance, mealybugs like phalaenopsis and bifoliate cattleyas, while scale prefers cattleyas and cymbidiums. Aphids are attracted to the buds and flowers of dendrobiums and oncidiums, but they do not discriminate between orchid genera. Spider mites will show up when there is a lack of humidity especially on dendrobiums, oncidiums and cymbidiums. Always keep a close eye out for bug damage. They like to hide under leaves and sheathing and, if left untreated, they will quickly spread through your collection. By removing old sheathing once it becomes loose, it will be easier to recognize the early signs of an insect problem. Scale depletes chlorophyll leaving yellow spots on the foliage. They also love to feast on the tender eyes at the base of the pseudobulbs. Aphids will leave a sticky residue on the foliage below where they are eating. Spider mites can be identified by the silvery scarring they leave under the leaves. The good news is that most orchid pests are easily exterminated. Home and garden sprays will provide a long list of bugs they will kill. We recommend spraying the plant, then manually cleaning it as much as you can with a Q-tip or toothbrush, followed by another treatment of spray. Follow up treatments after five to seven days may be necessary to fully eliminate the problem. Schultz, Bayer and Ortho all carry a good line of sprays that are available at any garden center, hardware store or home improvement warehouse. For a less toxic approach, we recommend using denatured alcohol, neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remember to always be extra careful of what you spray, especially on the flowers, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent plant and flower damage. Slugs and snails chew flowers and buds as well as the tender new roots and growths. Bait is readily available and will do a good job of ridding your collection of these pests. Ants can be a problem, especially when moving your orchids back inside in the fall. Orange Guard, a citric acid product, is a good way to eliminate these pests. However, if they are down in the mix, you will need to drench the pot with an insecticide or repot the plant. Other orchid problems, like rot and fungus, can be treated by first removing the infected area with a sterile tool, then applying a fungicide spray or powdered cinnamon, which is a good natural fungicide. Improved air circulation can help prevent a reoccurrence of this problem. Flowers that have botrytis (small dark spots) should be removed to prevent spores from spreading to others blooms. Any orchid exhibiting signs of a viral infection should be totally segregated as contact with diseased plant fluids will cause the virus to spread and may contaminate other plants. Any questionable plant should be tested and if it tests positive, it should be destroyed as there is no cure for orchid viruses. This is why it is so important to use sterile tools and equipment when handling your plants. Human contact and chewing insects are also vectors for spreading viruses. We hope these tips will help you to be successful with your orchids. There are many orchid books, magazines, periodicals and internet sites that can help you to become a better grower. We also recommend that you go to the American Orchid Society link at the top of the page for individual culture sheets for all types of orchid genera. You will find growing orchids to be an exciting hobby. However, a word of caution, orchids are extremely addicting! Once you purchase your first plant, you will be ‘hooked’ for the rest of your life!
http://Waldor.com http://waldororchids.blogspot.com

Waldor Orchids

http://Waldor.com //http://waldororchids.blogspot.com/

Search Engine Optimization and Free Submission

Waldor.com Is Finally Here.

http://www.Waldor.com

Hey after Months our new website is up and running This is just a glimpse of the site.

You will find things such as online sales, e-mailing list, and plant care. This are just a few of the things that you will find on our new website.