My mother has taken up orchid growing to add colour without petal dropping in their conservatory. She has almost filled up the windowsill space there with orchids (but hasn't been paying full shop prices). If anyone is near Spalding, there is a plant grower/supplier called Butters not too far from Springfields - she was paying £2.50 - £7 for orchids (the £7 ones would be worth about £35 in shops!) The factory shop is open Thursday to Saturday - the only bad thing is that children are not allowed on the premises (and that includes the car park).
http://www.butters.co.uk/
funny I have never heard of children being banned?
I wish your mum well with her orchids they are beautiful plants.
I think children are banned because it is a "factory" shop with perhaps forklifts and stuff ferrying from the warehouse/factory to the shop.
Orchids are doing well - after the initial flower stems, she has managed to get a few more flowers off them. She is a lot happier not having to tidy up all the petals (my dad liked to grow geraniums).
What a pity they dont sell on line.
Do you fancy any then Mimi? Next time I am there, shall try and get there and get some orchids.