just wondering

[Scott Ware]

Several years ago, I was offered the remains of what had been one of the most important collections in the Pacific Northwest. It took years to nurse those plants back to a state of good health and many never recovered. The mite damage that occurs to an unattended collection of desiccated plants is absolutely sickening.

I think it's important to develop an exit strategy based on potential real-life scenarios including, for example, increasing and prohibitive energy costs, sickness or death of hobbyist, etc. and then to document and inform people of your decision. Too often the only person who cares or knows enough at all about the plants is the one who might not be around to issue the directive.

 

[JeanLux]

You are absolutely right Scott... from a realistic point of view !!!!

I have seen several collections go lost because the owners' family had (understandably) other priorities at the moment!!! Jean

 

[Leo Schordje]

Good topic

No collection is permanent, that's why as soon as is reasonable I try to distribute divisions of what I consider to be my 'important' rare or otherwise collectible species and hybrids. That way if I drop dead tomorrow, many of the best of my best are already in other people's hands. At least that is what I try to do. Unfortunately some of the neatest stuff I have has been reluctant to grow well enough to make divisions.

Succession is a big topic with the bonsai growers too, and there is no easy, one size fits all answer. Ideally one could/should look for somebody at least 20 years younger than they are to be their designated 'orchid heir' or their 'bonsai apprentice'. It would have to be someone who could come by and help out enough that they know how you do things and what is the 'good stuff', and what your wishes are for the plants should you 'exit' suddenly. They should also be close by enough to cover for you during an illness. You might have to pay them for the help, or might not.

I have given (copies to each) written instructions to a couple relatives and a friend with a list of people they should call to take care of the plants for me. (with current phone numbers) In the note I emphasize that it is better to get the whole collection into the hands of someone who can take care of it as soon as possible, rather than take a long period of time trying to sell it off in pieces, in an effort to maximize the profit.

This is all easier said than done. None of my nieces and nephews seem interested enough to become my protege, though at least 2 of them do have green thumbs. That had been a hope of mine. We will see what the future brings, but this is something I have actively thought about recently.

 

[nikv]

To be honest, I've given more thought to who should take my cat after I'm gone. I'm thinking that my Cymbidiums in my back yard would be divvied up amongst my neighbors (they all love them). The orchids in my greenhouse are another story. None of them are particularly valuable in a commercial or horticultural sense. But they mean the world to me. Probably not to anyone else, though.

 

[Scott Ware]

No collection is permanent, that's why as soon as is reasonable I try to distribute divisions of what I consider to be my 'important' rare or otherwise collectible species and hybrids.

Yes! That's another very important point! None of us as growers is infallible and accidents do happen! I try to place divisions of each of my really great plants in other collections so that when I kill the one I have, there is a good chance of having a backup.

 

[abax]

I've given instructions to my husband and a very dear friend in Chicago to give my plants to orchid people on the
two forums I attend. Seems fair to me since I've done
considerable trading and giving away over the years.