Orchid dreams come true in Colorado - Fantasy Orchids - Louisville, Colorado - Brief Article

* For all their exotic beauty; orchids have a reputation for being such persnickety plants that only pros can grow them. Stan Gordon, owner of Fantasy Orchids in Louisville, Colorado, hopes to change that misconception. In a 10,000-square-foot greenhouse, he stocks almost 130,000 orchids suitable for growing indoors.

The collection includes cattleyas (familiar corsage orchids); miltonias (pansy orchids), with teardrop patterns in the center of the flowers; phalaenopsis (moth orchids); and oncidiums (what florists call spray orchids). The most popular plant that Fantasy Orchids sells is an oncidium, Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance', with dark red and white flowers. Its delicious perfume is often compared to chocolate, vanilla, or cookies.

You can shop for plants directly at the greenhouse in Louisville, between Denver and Boulder, Mondays through Saturdays between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M. From U.S. 36, take the Louisville/Superior exit and drive north on McCaslin Boulevard; at the second stoplight, turn east on Cherry Street and go two blocks to the greenhouse at 830 West Cherry. Free classes on growing orchids are offered periodically on Saturday mornings.

Fantasy Orchids' website (www.fantasyorchids.com) lists most of the entire collection of about 500 varieties. Or call (303) 666-5432 to request a free catalog that lists 125 varieties. Plants cost $10 to $45 each, plus $7 for shipping and handling.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Sunset Publishing Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group