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Becoming an orchid grower doesn't need to be expensive, either. Blooming plants can be bought for less than $25. Seeing one plant survive and thrive can whet one's appetitie for getting others. This is what happened to the Shantzes. Although Jeannie initially learned about orchid culture from reference books, she soon realized that talking with other orchid hobbyists would be useful. She spoke to her friend Flavio da Silva, another orchid fancier, about forming a club with other people who shared the same interest. Da Silva contacted four other people, and the Central Ontario Orchid Society was the result. The club has been in operation since 1985. Its membership has grown from seven to 70 and includes serious hobbyists as well as neophytes who are interested in the subject but who don't own an orchid yet. A highlight of the club's activities last year was its invitation to hold a show at Guelph's Stone Road Mall. The weekend event drew more than a thousand visitors. The club will hold another show this year on Mother's Day, May 10, at the Albert McCormick Arena in Waterloo. In honor of the day, the show is called "The queen of flowers salutes RAY AND JEANNIE SHANTZ SEPTEMBER 1988 ORCHIDS Started growing house plants & orchids approx. 1977 -started selling in 1985 -Built Greenhouse onto house in 1978 -Another separate Greenhouse built 1983-84 for bedding plants. -Jeannie was once told orchids could not be grown in a house as a houseplant, but, she proved differntly. -Jeannie along with hubby Ray are one of the instigators of Central Ontario Orchid Society- Jeannie being Secretary for 3 years. Ray is the editor and membership person. -Theyhave a family of 3 boys and 1 girl. Mother." The nominal admission will allow visitors to see the delicate beauty of these plants which hold such fascination for their growers. The Shantzes quickly became enthusiastic about "selling" others on their hobby. They built a greenhouse, began growing orchids on a larger scale, and opened a stall at the Kitchener Farmers Market in Market Square in 1985. Every Saturday, they show and sell their beauties, as well as give out advice about the growth and care of orchids. Orchid growing is a rather contemplative hobby. As Ray points out, plants take seven years to grow from seed to blossoming plants. "You have to be so patient," he says. "You can't be in a rush at all." Jeannie says working with her orchids is soothing. "I can be angry, frustrated, mad at the world. But when I go downstairs and start working with the plants, I come away very relaxed. I always say you can care for your children and they may yell at you, but my plants respond with beauty and fragrance." She points out that the orchid's seed pods, which look like okra, contain thousands of seeds, "bits of dust, really. To think that God can take that and create such beauty!" Ray agrees. He says orchid growing is a way to "enjoy God's beauty in another way."