To: Our Orchidsitting Customers

During the next several months we will be shutting down our orchidsitting service after about 13 years of activity- (eight years officially as an ?orchidsitter? and before that helping and learning with another orchid supplier.)

We are closing because of the following factors:

Economical

• The cost of propane used to heat the greenhouses has risen significantly.
• The cost of fertilizer has nearly tripled in the past three years.
• The cost of chemicals and potting materials has increased substantially.

Availability of orchids

• Orchids priced between $15 and $25 at retail outlets such as Lowe?s, Home Depot, Kroger, Fresh Market and others makes orchid sitting less attractive.
• An orchid being available year round makes it easier to purchase one whenever desired.
• Considering the above factors, raising the price of orchidsitting is not logical.

Also our desire to retire from active business and spend our time in other ways contributed to this decision.

The process of shutting down will be as follows:

• During the prime blooming season, now through May 30th, we will be conducting business as usual in that we will continue to take care of your orchids and call you when they are ready to be picked up.
• We plan to quit accepting orchids for orchidsitting effective February 15th; however, if really needed, we will accept healthy plants for the non-refundable $5 drop-off fee.
• From April 1st through June 30th you can come pick up all your orchids.
• You will be charged the normal $10 for orchids that are spiking or are in bloom.
• If they are not either spiking, or blooming there will be no charge if you paid the drop-off fee. (If you haven?t paid the drop-off fee then you will have to pay a pick-up fee of $5.)
• We will make every effort to contact you to confirm how many plants you have with us so you won?t make an unnecessary trip.
  • Please don?t make a special trip to pick up your orchids without having called us first!
  • Please notify us by E-mail or phone if you know that you don?t want to pick up your orchids.
• All orchids need to be picked up by 6/30/2009.

Some orchids, particularly the phalaenopsis, can be grown in a home environment; therefore, for those of you who want to try your hand at growing orchids the following web sites can provide great help in keeping and blooming your orchids:

• American Orchid Society at http://www.orchidweb.org
• Beautiful Orchids http://www.beautifulorchids.com

Orchid sitting service in our area may be available from the following:

• Beautiful Blooms - 1938 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh 919-743-0662
• Orchid Trail- 402 Church Street, Morrisville 919-468-3611 http://www.orchidtrail.com