There has been an Oxalis Regnelli in my house since I was about 7 years old, when my fathers secretary gave him one as a gift.

My interest in the plant always remained strong. There was this large, thick, silver-purple hairy almost African Violet looking leaf Oxalis a horticultural place in Maine had when I was a kid, but it was too expensive and too large to bring home while on vacation. I never saw that Oxalis again... But I'm hopeful one day our paths will cross again.

After my last African Cichlid died, I threw out my fish tank and bought several new plants from Logees Greenhouses.

Things did get out of hand when I received 35 "rare Oxalis bulbs" from the late Michael Vassar, who had a Fund Raiser for the International Bulbs Society at a cost of $175.00. The cold frame was built and it had wall to wall Oxalis.

The hobby was always in full swing, except I began to loose plants because of some neglect, aphids and cold temperatures. I lost interest in trying to obtain new species and began to focus on the plants I had.
After I learned how to control the aphids and heat the cold frame, the plants began to perform to perfection. With a Southern exposure, on sunny days my Oxalis get a full seven hours of direct winter sun light with an added additional reflection of the sun off the Atlantic Ocean.

Lately, I obtained a few new most interesting species from Telos Rare Bulbs and through new internet friends from overseas. I now have a group of new species to look forward to growing.

While I am not directly caring for my Oxalis, I work as a Podiatrist and specialize in Podiatric Medicine, Pediatrics, Orthopedics and Surgery. Often I spend my Friday mornings at Peninsula Hospital in Far Rockaway where I am an attending physician and I teach the residents proper surgical technique and procedure of various foot and ankle pathologies. This July 2006, I will have been in private practice for 15 years.

I also collect the Silver Strike, and I am a member of their Collector's Society. The Silver Strike is a .999 sterling silver with brass rim, limited edition collector's coin which is won and dispensed by a Slot machine. Casinos in Las Vegas change the coins on a regular basis and they are a lot of fun to play for and to collect. I also am a long time member of the American Philatelic Society.

Besides being an avid New York Mets fan, I also root for the Brooklyn Cyclones, who play ball not far from my Oxalis.

I welcome you to submit any questions or comments at any time. Thank you for visiting with me. Bill Baird