Our first program of the new year will be on “Laelia anceps”, presented by Society member and American Orchid Society Associate Judge Tim Carr. Tim moved to Texas 26 years ago and has retired from the Dept. of Defense after 34 years. He has been growing orchids for only the last seven years, now growing in a greenhouse since spring of 2017. He will be serving the Society as Vice-President for 2019.

Laelia anceps, a native of Mexico, is one of the most common, yet one of the most satisfying orchids to grow, being very cold hardy as well.  It’s ease of care makes it an ideal plant for the beginner as well as the expert. Come at 2:30pm to hear from Tim how to grow and enjoy this beautiful species!

Orchids 101 will be in the greenhouse at 2pm.  Kathi will be leading the discussion.

This is the time of year to look over your orchids and figure out if there’s some you want to clear away to make room for new ones!  Our semi-annual orchid auction is coming and it’s lots of fun!  Clean up and bring any orchids you’d like to replace, then prepare to bid!  Funds raised help pay for our Spring Orchid Show on March 8-9, 2019.

Also, plan on bringing some food to share – we enjoy a meal together before the auction begins.  So bring some food, bring some orchids, and bring some cash!

Because of the auction, there is no raffle, table judging, or Orchids 101.

Fall is here and winter’s on the way – does that make a difference in how I treat my orchids?  Do I keep fertilizing?  Do I stop watering?  If you’re wondering about any of these questions, Karl Varian has answers for you!  Karl is a long-time society member and a student judge with the Dallas Judging Center.  And, he’s been growing orchids since 1960!  After his program, there will a raffle and table judging of orchids brought by members.  Come join us!

At 2pm, Orchids 101 will meet in the greenhouse.

Are you curious about what SWROGA is and what it does?  Society member Charles Hess will explain what SWROGA (Southwest Regional Orchid Growers Assn.) is, what it does, and who are members, etc.  Charles has been a GNTOS member for 18 years, and has been raising orchids since the 1980’s.  Since retiring from Texas Instruments in 1999, he has produced over 50 watercolors of favorite orchids, and is raising funds for conservation through sales of his limited edition orchid prints.  As usual, there will be table judging for members bringing orchids to show, and a raffle open to all who come.  Join us!

Orchids 101 will be at 2pm and led by Kathi in the greenhouse.

The September program on “Growing Bulbophyllum Orchids in North Texas” will be presented by Dr. Judy Cook of Gunter, TX.  She has been a member of the Society since 2005, an accredited American Orchid Society Judge since 2002, and growing orchids for over 30 years, currently growing in her 2100 square foot greenhouse.  Bulbos are known for their “dirty socks” scent and look very different from other orchids.  Come and learn how to grow them!

Orchids 101 begins at 2pm in the greenhouse – Lorna will be talking about mini orchids and bringing orchids back inside in the Fall.