Cymbidium Pauwelsii 'Kessander'

1992: North Andover, Massachusetts

Sue diligently followed the instructions provided by the garden shop, carefully planting the backbulb in a 2.5-inch pot. However, it wasn't until a year later that it finally produced a single small new growth.

December 8, 1995: North Andover, Massachusetts

For many years, it prospered in Jerry and Sue's snug upstairs bathroom, occupying a space measuring roughly 4 feet by 11 feet. From mid-November to early April, it thrived indoors, sheltered from the severe winters, while for the rest of the year, it resided outdoors.

2011: Boylston, Massachusetts

In 2011, Jerry and Sue presented their orchid for evaluation by the American Orchid Society, where it was awarded an 84-point Certificate of Cultural Merit. With an impressive display of 187 flowers across 7 inflorescences, Jerry Kessler and Sue Anderson jointly named the cultivar 'Kessander' to commemorate their collaborative achievement.

2013: Boylston, Massachusetts

Jerry and Sue once more presented their orchid for assessment by the American Orchid Society. This time, it was elevated to an 86-point Certificate of Cultural Merit. The blossoming showcased a remarkable count of 199 flowers spread across 10 inflorescences.

2016: North Andover, Massachusetts

Due to its size, continuing to grow this orchid in the upstairs bathroom became impractical as it no longer fit through the doorway. Consequently, Jerry and Sue opted to renovate the cellar to accommodate a new residence for Cymbidium Pauwelsii 'Kessander'. In October of 2016, 'Kessander' was introduced to its newly prepared habitat.

April 2018: North Andover, Massachusetts

With a firm resolve, Jerry and Sue aimed to achieve a superior score for a Certificate of Cultural Merit from the American Orchid Society. In its relocated habitat within the cellar, the orchid experienced a remarkable surge, with the number of flowers quadrupling and the number of inflorescences tripling. To facilitate transportation, they retrofitted a horse trailer and embarked on a journey to Boylston, Massachusetts, anticipating that this would mark their final judging.

Apr 07, 2018: Boylston, Massachusetts

Once more, Jerry and Sue presented their orchid for evaluation by the American Orchid Society. This time, it received an impressive upgrade to a Certificate of Cultural Excellence, boasting a remarkable 96 points. The blooming showcased an astonishing count of 801 flowers spread across 31 inflorescences.

January 2022: North Andover, Massachusetts

Both Jerry and Sue reached the conclusion that they could no longer accommodate 'Kessander' in the cellar of their home, as it had surpassed the available space. During its final blooming under their care, the orchid boasted an astonishing 1,170 flowers on 43 inflorescences, while the plant itself measured 7 feet in diameter and 8 feet in height.

February 2022: North Andover, Massachusetts

Jerry reached the decision that he needed to part ways with 'Kessander' and find it a new home. He reached out to the orchid curators of five botanical gardens across the United States, all of whom expressed eagerness to include 'Kessander' in their collections. However, Jerry faced the task of selecting the recipient and new permanent home for 'Kessander'. After careful consideration, he chose to donate 'Kessander' to The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California.

May 2022: North Andover, Massachusetts

Jerry and Sue rented a 12 foot by 6.5 foot Penske truck, reserved lodging along their planned route, booked a one-way return ticket home from California to Massachusetts, applied for a phytosanitary certificate, and loaded up 'Kessander' and they were off on their 3,021 miles cross country.

June 1, 2022: Needles, California

Jerry and Sue arrived at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Needles Border Protection Station where they provided the Phytosanitary Certificate for 'Kessander' to enter the state.