I had a very good time at this meeting, and am already looking forward to my next one.
As a newbie to CP's the panel discussion on soils was quite interesting, although I would have liked to have heard more about soils for bogs. This pretty much focused on container-based cp's. It was quite enlightening for me, but as with many things, the more you learn, the more questions you have. There was definitely alot of food for thought for me.
I also got some plants as I had hoped for. (Too bad - I would like to post a photo of what I got, but it seems that the forum gallery is down...or has it gone away completely? I read somewhere that it might happen) In any case, I purchased a couple of plants from Don Elkins, who I found to be a really nice laid back guy. Had a real good time talking to him to learn about how to care for the plants I bought from him. So I got a Capensis red ($8) and a Nepenthes ventricosa (was $20...he let me have it for $13 at the end of the show). I also won a Sarracenia in the raffle, even though I only purchased 2 tickets ($2). So all told, I spent $23 plus $3 for parking - for 3 really nice plants, alot of learning, and seeing some really cool plants displayed - pretty darn good day.
There are a couple of things I regret. One is that I missed out on a great Saracenia from Don. He was asking $15 for it...it is such a beautiful plant. Someone bought it from right under my nose. I got to the meeting at around 12:30...later than what I wanted. If only I'd gotten there 2 minutes sooner...shucks. Well, I will ask Don to bring me one next time he comes
Also, I talked to a number of people there, but didn't get any names (except Don). It would have been nice to meet Spec, and others from this forum (based on Slizarus' post, I think I know who he is). Well, I guess that will come with time.
Were any of the panelists or people that spoke members of this forum?
The only real bad part was coming home, some idiot lady cut in front of me with her car. I had to slam on the brakes and my plants in front all tipped over (I had them on the floor)
Although the Sarrs and Capensis stayed in their pots, Nepenthes fell out along with a bunch of soil
I still can't believe I bought a Nepenthes. I hope I havn't got myself in over my head... I just couldn't resist.
Warren