Orchids for floral design with Joan Bateman of Orchidaceae (Episode 222)
December 2nd, 2015
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White phalaenopsis from Orchidaceae paired with red ilex from Charles Little & Co., designed by Chad Burnworth of Seattle-based Blue Hummingbird Botanical Studio.
Joan Bateman of Orchidaceae
It’s not yet officially winter, but orchid season is upon us. And today’s guest will tell us all about growing orchids for floral design.
Please meet Joan Bateman, who with her husband Mark Srull own Orchidaceae.
Joan and I have served together on the board of the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market for two years, and we work closely together on the market’s marketing committee.
I’ve wanted to feature an orchid episode for quite some time!
Joan and I finally sat down a few weeks ago, surrounded by the beautiful plants she and Mark grow, to record this conversation and share it with you.
Here’s a little more about Orchidacead:
Inside the greenhouses at Orchidaceae in Walla Walla, (eastern) Washington
A gorgeous Cattleya
Based in Walla Walla, Washington, Orchidaceae is an award-winning Northwest grower exclusively dedicated to quality orchids.
With over 30 years of experience, Mark and Joan grow and supply orchids for weddings, special events, interior plantscaping, floral arrangements and to collectors around the country in search of esoteric orchid varieties.
In 2002, the couple moved their nursery from Seattle to Walla Walla and embarked on a rural, flower farming lifestyle.
They brought with them extensive experience in graphic design and marketing, and Mark’s enthusiasm for growing orchids, originally as a hobby that’s earned him numerous awards from the American Orchid Society.
Orchidaceae has a reputation for having the most interesting new orchid hybrids. Its breeding program that includes Paphiopedilums, Zygopetalums, Angraecums, Cattleyas and a variety of unique species. The Phalaenopsis are selected to give floral stylists a distinct design edge with stunning color, interesting patterns and unique styles.
Why Walla Walla? “Even though our major markets are in Seattle and Portland, the growing conditions are very positive here, because of the light,” Joan says. “We’re excited to be a part of the market and have such a broad variety of our orchids available to Seattle buyers.”
Here is the rare 1940s-era lady slipper ‘Clare de Lune’, that Joan and I discussed.
If you want to learn more about orchid growing and how to have success with orchids, check out the link to Orchidaceae’s answers to the most common questions for orchid care. In the Pacific Northwest you can find Joan and Mark’s beautiful plants at the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market and at the Portland Flower Market.
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