Orchid Obsession: The Blossoming World of Gilbert L. Campbell

November 12, 1972

On this day, dear readers, The Greenville News graced us with a most intriguing article entitled "Orchidist Finds Hobby Versatile."

Let us delve into the world of Gilbert L. Campbell, a gentleman whose passion for orchids has blossomed into a veritable obsession.

Imagine, if you will, a collection of over 300 exotic blooms, each more captivating than the last, complemented by a library brimming with orchid lore.

This, my friends, is the fruit of Campbell's six-year devotion to these most beguiling of flora.

One can almost picture the man, surrounded by his leafy charges, poring over tomes of botanical wisdom.

But how did this love affair begin? Campbell recalls with fondness, "My first orchid was a gift."

Ah, how many of us can trace our own horticultural passions to such serendipitous beginnings?

This initial encounter led our intrepid orchidist to seek out a commercial grower in Newberry, no doubt hungry for knowledge and eager to expand his collection.

Now, one might assume that orchids are merely a seasonal dalliance, but Campbell assures us otherwise.

These tropical beauties demand year-round attention, a commitment he has embraced with open arms and, more practically, with the addition of greenhouses to his domain.

On the subject of cultivation, Campbell offers this sage advice:

Some orchidologists do grow their flowers in their homes... but he advises against it.

'Growing an orchid is like being a fisherman,' he says.

'Some fishermen may be content to sit on the bank and fish, but most want to get out in a boat on the lake. It's a lot easier to grow orchids in a greenhouse.'

Can you envision it, dear readers?

The greenhouse as a vessel, carrying our intrepid orchid hunter across seas of humidity and temperature control. How poetic!

But why, you may ask, does Campbell require not one, but two of these crystal palaces?

The answer lies in the delicate nature of his charges. One greenhouse, you see, must maintain a "cool" climate for the cymbidiums, while the other provides a "medium" environment for the cattleyas.

In the arcane language of orchid enthusiasts, this translates to a mere 5-10 degree difference – a trifle to us, perhaps, but a matter of life and death for these sensitive souls.

Our orchidist goes on to explain, "A 'medium' house, he says, has a minimum temperature of 55 to 60 degrees, and a 'cool' house, a minimum of 45-50 degrees."

But let us not think these plants are coddled hothouse flowers! No, indeed.

Campbell insists on fresh air for his leafy wards, boldly moving them outdoors in summer and on those rare, balmy winter days.

"Orchids, like people, do best in a spring-like fresh-feeling atmosphere," he declares. One can almost feel the gentle breeze rustling through the greenhouse!

But what of the trials and tribulations that beset the aspiring orchidist?

Campbell identifies two primary culprits: the art of proper watering and the science of optimal placement. He notes, with the gravity of a physician, "When a plant ceases to function properly, it is vulnerable to insects and disease."

And let us not forget his perennial foe – the dreaded snail, ever lurking, ever ready to wreak havoc upon his carefully tended blooms.

Fear not, dear novices!

Our generous expert offers these pearls of wisdom for those just embarking on their orchid odyssey:

For the beginner, start with a few mature plants.

Orchids like dry roots, so they should be watered thoroughly, then allowed to dry out.

As we tend to our own modest collections, let us take a moment to appreciate the dedication of enthusiasts like Gilbert L. Campbell.

From a single gifted plant to a veritable empire of orchids, his journey reminds us of the joy and wonder to be found in the patient cultivation of beauty.

May we all approach our horticultural pursuits with such passion and perseverance!