Author: Lorna Kissling

Tim Brown will be discussing the beautiful Lady of the Night, where is it from, how is it used in hybridization, and how to grow it locally. Brassavola nodosa is found in most orchid grower’s collections as it is an easy grower and very fragrant at night. Tim’s interest in orchids blossomed in 1969 with his first cattleya hybrid. He has been growing orchids in various ways from windowsill to greenhouse since that time.  Taking his orchiding to the next level, Tim is now a student judge with the Dallas Judging Center.

Orchids 101 will meet in the greenhouse at 2pm. Charlie will be leading the open Q&A discussion.

FYI to all people interested in attending the Dallas Judging Center’s monthly meetings to experience what judging is all about: They meet every 2nd Saturday of the month between 11am and 4pm. Their new meeting place is First Baptist Church of Plano (3665 W. President George Bush Hwy, Plano, TX 75075). Judging training starts at 11am. After a brown bag lunch, actual judging of any orchids brought in will start about 1pm. The meeting and judging are open to all interested people!

Charles Hess will lead the October program, sharing his journey as he became passionate about conservation, beginning with learning how to grow local orchid species while living in the Philippines, painting watercolors of orchids, and then working to preserve native orchid species through conservation. Along with being a member of GNTOS for some years, he has chaired the SWROGA Conservation Committee since 2014, and most recently has helped focus orchid societies and their members’ financial support into protecting endangered orchid species in two Texas preserves.  The OrchidArtbyCharlesHess.com website, originally created by his wife, Trudy, features their shared passion for preserving the earth’s environment, as well as Charles’ original orchid art creations.

Orchids 101 will be lead by Lorna in the greenhouse. The topic will be preparing to bring orchids inside for winter.

Now is the time to begin getting ready for our Winter Auction at the December meeting. The auction helps raise funds for our annual shows and other society expenses, PLUS IT’S LOTS OF FUN! Look over your collection and see if there’s some duplicates or other orchids you want to donate. Then you’ll have room for some new orchids you’ll bid for at the auction!