In Greece the only place where orchids are exclusively cultivated is the island of Samos. There are two facilities on the island, where the climate and soil is ideal. It is exclusively cultivated in Samos not only due to the ideal conditions but also thanks to the people who had the vision of growing this beautiful flower and achieved it.

Giakoumis Amirsonis

Productionbeganin 1979 byMrAmirsonis, whouponreturningtotheislandafterhisstudiesinItalydecidedtoinvolve himself with the cultivation of orchids. He stresses that his beginning was difficult as there were many obstacles and the experts and authorities at that time discouraged him. Nontheless, hedidnotquitandmanagedtofulfill his goals. Heinititatedproductionin 1979 ina2-acre greenhouse which he managed to make according to the Law of 1976.

For 34 consecutive years he cultivates the orchids Cimbidium, Cattleya, Phalaenopsis  and Dendrobium. He has expanded and modernized his greenhouses in Kokkari and Chora Samou. Mr. AmirsonisparticipatesannuallytoflowerexhibitionsinKifissia and Varkiza and has received awards many times for his orchids.

Manolis and Nikos Garoufalis

The greenhouses of the Garoufalis brothers began their operation in 1998 in Mesokampos Samou.

The 15-acres greenhouses are of Dutch origin and construction and are in compliance with Community Directives on this issue. The operating systems are of the latest technology and a computer system controls all operations such as temperature, humidity, lighting etc. Its one of the few greenhouses with their own meteo station. 

Cimbidium Standard (large flower) and Cimbidium Mini (small mini) are the varieties that are cultivated by the Garoufalis brothers. Approximately 10.000 orchids are grown as well as 6.000-7.000 plants in pots. TheyexporttoTurkey, Cyprus, Italy, Holland.

TheAmirsonisandGaroufalisgreenhousesemploynotonlypermanentpersonnelthatisnecessaryallyearroundbutalsoextrastaffevery autumn to cover the needs of production. The extra personnel is employed until the end of April, reinforcing the local economy and fighting against the high rates of unemployment recorded in Samos.