Gubler Orchids

Funny how close things look on a map. When I was contemplating a trip out to Gubler Orchids, I didn't realize that I would have to drive 400 miles round trip!

Landers California, is an "unincorporated community" according to Wikipedia. It has long been reputed as a place where people get messages from extra-terrestrials. My initial impression of the place, is that it is ideal for folks who prefer their solitude, far away from any urban development. It was here that Hans Gubler moved his orchid growing operation from Los Angeles. Han's father, an immigrant from Switzerland, started selling orchids from the back of his station wagon. Han's children now run the operation. It makes my heart glad to see yet another example of  American entrepreneurism at work.

According to Chris Gubler, the desert sunlight is a major advantage to their growing operation. Even so, it was an overcast day when I arrived.

  

The retail sales area

Gubler supplies Lowes home center with orchid plants, and unlike other suppliers to the box stores, still labels its plants. This is mighty important to any serious orchid grower. An unlabeled or "lost label" plant cannot be used as a parent, nor entered into a judging with the American Orchid Society.

Several other visitors arrived during my stay there, including a very nice family from the San Francisco Bay area. We were part of the same tour group together through Gubler's greenhouses.

As we arrived in the first greenhouse, I noticed that the benches are arranged without walkways in between, thus maximizing growing space. Considering the booming wholesale business Gubler conducts, especially between Valentine's day and Easter, I appreciated the fact that they still allow visitors to their operation. They must employ staff just to keep the retail center open. Although I purchased a few plants for a modest fee, I didn't see that many retail sales while I was there.

Clearly, Lowe's is Gubler's retail space. They have instructional videos online for Lowe's employees to maximize retail appeal. My last visit to a Lowe's, I found a breathtaking display of color.

Gubler also hosts the Morengo Valley Orchid festival every October.

One question I got answered during my visit, was how they heat the place. They have no local piped in "gas service." The tourguide explained that they have a very large LPG tank onsite. The Phalaenopsis orchids shown here have very specific temperature requirements to induce flowering, especially in the winter months.
The desert gets quite cold, and I am sure Gubler's gas bill is a substantial part of its business costs.

Besides the heating costs, the greenhouses must be cooled during the desert's scorching summer temperatures. Gubler accomplishes this by the use of a "wet wall": a wall composed of excelsior cooler pads with recirculating water. The fans shown here are at the opposite end  of the greenhouse, and pull the humidified air through  the wet wall. The water recirculating system for the wet wall was something to behold in operation, even on a cool day.

In addition to heating and cooling, Gubler has developed induced flowering cycles to a fine art over the many years they have been growing. This is an example of their use of shading. The flowering cycles must coincide with peak retail demands; either too early or too late meaning possible loss of sales.

In addition to the many Phalaenopsis shown here, Gubler has some nice looking Cattleyas and Dendrobiums. They also specialize in Carnivorous plants, such as Nepenthes.

A visit to Gubler's is worth the trip. I also heartily recommend purchasing their plants at your nearest Lowe's.

The Santa Barbara Orchid Show

Early Sunday morning, I stepped aboard an Orange Belt bus to the Santa Barbara Orchid Show. According to Judy, the hostess that morning, their company started this excursion several years ago after I suggested it. This was my first trip on their line. Judy, a dear friend for many years, and Shelly the driver were a class act. I recommend Orange Belt Tours very highly.

We arrived at the Earl Warren Showgrounds on a very warm day. Bypassing the crowded parking lot, we were admitted to the show from a rear entrance just steps away from the main exhibit hall.

A unique local vehicle

I LOVE the new mini Reedstem Epidendrum hybrids

Norman's Orchids of Montclair, California won a prize for his display

This Bulbophyllum Phaelenopsis is an orchid grown for it's foliage as much as it's flowers.

Sunset Valley Orchids and their award-winning display.





As usual, no photo can capture the real thing adequately. Fragrance also wafted through the main exhibit hall.

One of the benefits of serious Orchid shows are the lectures and classes one may attend.

I know people who spend days at these events. I am  personally spent after a few hours. The colors and fragrances can overwhelm the senses.

After seeing the displays, I visited the plant sales area, where I renewed old acquaintances with Steve from Floralia Orchids of Brazil, and Sheldon from Carmela Orchids of Hilo, Hawaii. I also met the staff of Sunset Valley Orchids and Andy's Orchids for the first time.

Naturally, I brought a few plants home. I was especially pleased to purchase two forms of Laelia Purpurata from Floralia. This species is the national flower of Brazil. 

Sunset Valley Orchids had some lovely miniature Cattleyas in wild colors. Hybridizers today are attempting crosses that produce abundant large flowers on small plants; mighty important in today's world of high energy costs associated with the greenhouse.

After lunch at the Santa Barbara Fish house, which I highly recommend, our group headed home.

The day was thoroughly enjoyable. I plan to make it a yearly event on the bus from now on.