Ed Weber began growing orchids in 1999 after he inherited his grandmother's collection. Not a 'Plant Person', his curiosity got the better of him and he began reading about these marvelous exotic treasures that were now in his care. 12 plants became 20, which became 50, and so forth until his home and garage (no room for a greenhouse!) looked like a tropical rainforest! In 2001 he joined The Southeastern Pennsylvania Orchid Society (SEPOS) and soon learned that he needed to become an expert in these plants. In 2005 he began studying to become an American Orchid Society (AOS) Judge, but life got in the way, and he had to drop out. Then, in 2011, a world-famous orchid grower came to speak for SEPOS, and he got to talking. The next day Ed returned to the judging program. It takes about 6 years to become an orchid judge and Ed finally completed his studies in 2017 becoming a certified orchid judge! During those years Ed had the pleasure of travelling to Ecuador twice to see orchids in their native habitat. He even has wild Cypripedium acaule (The Pink Lady Slipper) growing on his property in Berks County, PA! What a surprise it was to find those!