i'm a sucker for a succulent.

Photos from my iPhone.

touring an orchid farm

I had the opportunity to take an impromptu tour of Plainview Growers which specializes in 'Pure Beauty Orchids' or potted phalaenopsis orchids. There are rows upon rows of gorgeous Taiwanese breeds of orchids in different stages of bloom in massive greenhouses. 13 acres to be precise. It was a breathtaking rainbow of beauty to behold.

baby orchids just starting:

 

waiting to bloom:

 

classic white phalaenopsis in bloom:

 

and the varieties of colors they offer:

 The vibrant blue variety above is done by 'colorfuze'. A process in which the literally infuse the color into the orchid. I was able to watch the infuzors at work. They literally put color dye into the little plastic vessels below with the die solution in that plastic bucket below and directly insert it into the bottom of a classic white phaleanopsis orchid. The orchid then soaks up the dye and brightly shows the vibrant hues.

 Plainview Grower's 'Colorfuzed' orchids are one of two licensed growers in the US that offer the unique process, so chances are if you have seen these, they are from this grower in Plainview New Jersey! 

The variety of hues of colorfuzed orchids they offer:

 Orchids potted and getting ready to ship:

 ready to go:

 I was at the grocery store a few days ago and saw a few of the orchids above for sale. I was like a little kid, giddy and excited that I have seen how they grow and where they come from.

flower ID: Abutilon

Abutilon, commonly known as Flowering Maple or Chinese Bellflower and pronounced ah-BEW- tih-lon. Even though they carry the common name, flowering maple, they are not in fact maples at all. The name derived from the maple leaf shape they have. The delicate orange/red blossoms attract hummingbirds and butterflies. They will thrive both in indoor or outdoor settings (in milder climates) and bloom from spring until frost and occasionally in the winter. For many reasonably priced varieties, go here.

my hidden abandoned greenhouse adventure

I had the most intriguing adventure I've had in a very long time. I loved it so much that I could not fall asleep that evening because of all the different things I saw flashing through my memory. I heard about a few abandoned greenhouses in my neighborhood, Summit, NJ, and was shocked that they were so very close to where I lived for 5 years. Just the words old and greenhouse struck my fancy and I had to get there asap! My good friend Abby, who grew up across the street from the hidden greenhouses, was my tour guide and we were standing inside the massive structure a few hours after I found out about it.

a football field sized greenhouse almost completely hidden from sight:

me!

my cute tour guide abby :) ps- a shot out to amazing abby who is leaving in 10 days to become a missionary for our church for a year and a half in Brazil !!

Massive. The main greenhouse was the size of a football field. It was rather windy out and all kinds of freaky noises and groans surrounded us. We quickly got used to the loud random bangs and odd sounds. Broken glass crunched under our every step from the original greenhouse window panes that have since fallen and litter the grounds.

I found a brick on the wall that dated 1926. After only being able to find a tiny bit of information about it, via old wooden boards we found around with the logo 'Carl Greenhouses, Summit, NJ' I believe that the greenhouses were used in growing houseplants, poinsettias, spring bulbs and other plants for distribution into New York City from 1930 through the 70's when it was abandoned.

Such a strange feeling I had while I was there. It felt like I was in the tv show LOST. Like there should have been DARMA logos around. I was waiting to hear the black smoke appear. Old 70's soda can's, 70's coffee cans and plastic plant pots were about all that has weathered the years without much change.

a large turkey vulture watched our every move. It was quite freaky, until I looked in the corner of the living quarters and saw her two huge unhatched eggs.we quickly left that area.

greenhouse after greenhouse, how expansive this place is!

I enjoyed peaking in the large decayed and musty walk-in coolers used for "wintering" bulbs and also seeing plastic drip irrigation still up in a few areas.

I picture it how it was... almost 85 years ago. Full of color, foliage, humidity and the smell of dirt. The hum of large fans and the warmth of the sun shining through the glass in the spring. This time of year there would have been potted hydrangeas, Easter lilies, arrays of potted tulips and hyacinth being shipped off to shops for Easter and Mother's Day. My these greenhouses must have smelled delightful.

I am going to go back. I have to.
It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. All this time it was right in my own stomping ground.
Some residents who live near these greenhouses are trying to take initiative to have them all torn down. What a shame that would be.


for more greenhouse love, check out my ever growing greenhouse board on pinterest