The Silva Orchids Difference

 

Silva Orchids was founded in 1957 by August Silva. "Gus" started growing orchids in 1934 and became known for his superb orchid culture. In 1977 his sons, Anthony and Joseph took over the business after Gus' passing and have continued the tradition of producing only quality orchids.

 

At Silva Orchids, we do not "move" orchids, (that is buy them from somewhere else and re-sell them), we grow them! Just as it was when we opened our doors in March of 1957, our 20,000 square feet of greenhouses are dedicated entirely to orchids. We grow "old" style, using fir bark and certain types of fertilizers only to produce strong, healthy, well-rooted plants. This method produces strong plants the "go-looking" for moisture and nutrients, as opposed to plants in other media, such as sphagnum moss. Because of this, our orchids have become known for their vigour and ease of bloom and culture. Indeed many of our customers have reported plants blooming repeatedly year after year, and many months at a time.

 

Here at Silva Orchids, we enjoy sharing our plants and orchid knowledge with our customers, many of whom have become close friends. So please, feel free to stop by our sales booth at the Union Square Green Market or visit us at our greenhouses to enjoy the "unique" orchid experience.

 

History

 

Silva Orchids was founded by our father Augusto Silva in 1957. Gus came to this country as a young man in 1926 from Portugal and brought with him the knowledge gleaned from working on his families farm. His managerial experience in this country included the running of the Jewell estate in New Rochelle N.Y. also known as Orchidwood, before he was tabbed to run Shore Orchid Growers in Neptune N.J. in 1939. Silva Orchids was founded in 1957 and Joseph and Anthony have run the nursery since 1977 after Gus's death.

 

We bring to the business the dedication to quality and a love of the business learned from our founder and hope that some of this passion helps to inspire the awe of the beauty and majesty of these horticultural treasures of God's creation.