Hello - My name is Chuck and I live in Duluth, MN (the Siberia of the USA). I've had a life long passion for unusual plants and am actually most interested in plant structure over beauty. Although, structure and beauty go hand in hand. About six years ago, I took my interest in plants to a higher level and began a small internet based mail order nursery. For a couple of years it was fairly lucrative, however, as soon as the economy began to waiver, my business went belly up. I slipped into a rather dark period and lost most of my remaining inventory to neglect. I did however, managed to salvage my most cherished plants. They never looked well, and probably added to my depression.
During this time, I managed to become a large fish in a small pond. I was able to add a carnivorous plant display to The Great Lakes Aquarium here in Duluth, lectured for the Master Gardeners, scored a full two page article in our local paper and even got a few stores to carry the plants. I think I only sold one plant locally, but that was not my objective. I simply wanted to get them out there for people to see and experience...like a fine work of art.
In the end, I discovered I was a diehard plant lover, not a business person.
About a month ago, the aquarium hunted me down and pulled me out from under my rock to install another exhibit. This one more permanent. While doing research, I stumbled upon alot of plants that I had only dreamed of growing. Looking online for information, I stumbled across this forum, and I am happy I did. It has already provided me with a ton of useful information, and reinvigorated my interest in growing carnivores again.
So, hopefully I can become an active member, and I'm happy I found you guys. Thanks!
During this time, I managed to become a large fish in a small pond. I was able to add a carnivorous plant display to The Great Lakes Aquarium here in Duluth, lectured for the Master Gardeners, scored a full two page article in our local paper and even got a few stores to carry the plants. I think I only sold one plant locally, but that was not my objective. I simply wanted to get them out there for people to see and experience...like a fine work of art.
In the end, I discovered I was a diehard plant lover, not a business person.
About a month ago, the aquarium hunted me down and pulled me out from under my rock to install another exhibit. This one more permanent. While doing research, I stumbled upon alot of plants that I had only dreamed of growing. Looking online for information, I stumbled across this forum, and I am happy I did. It has already provided me with a ton of useful information, and reinvigorated my interest in growing carnivores again.
So, hopefully I can become an active member, and I'm happy I found you guys. Thanks!