But Ikeson isn’t worried. She shuns the idea of professional help to kick her still growing habit. It’s completely harmless...almost healthy.

“I call it a hobby, but it’s turned into a bit of an obsession...a bit like dope,” said Ikeson. “You get one and you want another and then you get 10 more. It’s interesting to see them bloom, and you get a bit of a thrill out of it.”

Ikeson started growing orchids about 20 years ago — a hobby she picked up from her mother, who coaxed countless plants into bloom for more than 40 years.

“I’ve always loved gardening and got the orchids for the winter. The majority of flowers bloom in late October to the end of of May, a time when there isn’t anything outside,” said Ikeson. “They’re very fragrant so you get these gorgeous flowers mid-winter, and it lifts your spirits.”

When she bought her first orchid two decades ago, Ikeson was a “geriatric mother,” raising three young sons. It provided a “distraction” and kept her from “going nuts.”

Since then, Ikeson has become a vendor, judges orchid competitions, operates a greenhouse business, has written articles for publications geared toward orchid growers and has 1,200 plants in her personal collection.

She will be one among many vendors, growers, hobbyists and volunteers on hand Saturday, Feb. 27 from noon to 5 p. m. and Sunday, Feb. 28 from 10 a. m. to to 5 p. m. when the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Orchid Society hosts its 29th annual Orchid Show and Sale

Visitors to the RBG will see displays of thousands of beautiful blossoms and have the opportunity to meet others who will share their knowledge and love of orchids.

“It’s absolutely gorgeous,” said Ikeson of the show. “There are 500 plants, all blooming, and when you haven’t seen much in the way of flowers for five or six months, it fills your senses and is a wonderful tonic to winter.”

Along with the opportunity to view some of the 25,000 natural species of orchids and more than 150,000 hybrids grown around the world, Ikeson said the show provides a great venue to explore orchid growing as a hobby.

For the beginning grower, Ikeson recommends a phalaenopsis because it’s easy to grow, fairly cheap, naturally resistant to pests, can flourish in low light conditions and blooms in rich white, yellow, lavender, red, orange and pink.

Another “trick” to successfully growing orchids is knowing the quality of your water, said Ikeson.

“Most orchids grow on trees in the wild, with their roots hanging down the tree, with moss. They are bathed in mists and rainwater and those are pure. There are no mineral salts.”

Ikeson advises never to water orchids using spring water. If you think you have a problem, check to see if there is a white powdery substance on the top or around the edge of the pot.

In terms of sunlight, orchids like high humidity so a window over a sink or in the bathroom fits the bill.

“The rule of thumb is that if a window and sun are hot and uncomfortable for you to sit in, it’s the same for the orchid. It’s good in high winter, but not good in the summer,” said Ikeson.

Admission to the 29th annual Orchid Show and Sale of the Orchid Society is free with admission to the Royal Botanical Gardens. For more information, see www.osrbg.ca .

If the seeds of a highly addictive hobby are planted, Ikeson shrugs. No worries.

“It’s a nice, happy worthwhile thing to do. Orchids have a reputation of being fussy, but they aren’t. If you don’t want to water or fertilize, well then grow silk flowers.”