August Meeting with Englewood at VAOS

Wednesday, August 3 at 7:00 p.m. Speaker Alan Koch will speak on “Miniature Cattleyas for a Warm Climate.”

Alan Koch owns and operates Gold Country Orchids where he specializes in miniature and compact Cattleya’s. Alan started growing orchids in 1969 with 3 Cymbidiums given to him by an aunt. While in college he became interested in other orchids and discovered many would grow outdoors in Southern California. He has moved five times as his orchid obsession has led to the need for more growing space. With the last move, he purchased 10 acres of land in Lincoln, California for his 300,000 orchids. He is recognized as an expert in the Brazilian Cattleya alliance and a trend setter in miniature Cattleya breeding. Alan has been published in the Orchid Digest, and the American Orchid Society magazines. He has also been published in the proceedings of the World Orchid Conference. He is an internationally known speaker. He is a past member of the AOS Judging Committee, and the Research Committee, as well as an Accredited Judge and is Vice-chair and Training Coordinator for the California Sierra Nevada Judging Center. Alan also served two terms on the Orchid Digest Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and is one of the current directors, as well as a Trustee for the AOS.

July Meeting is at Englewood Area Orchid Society

VAOS is joining with EAOS for the two meetings of July and August and the July meeting is at Englewood. It will be on Monday July 11th at 7:00 p.m. at Englewood’s regular meeting place, Christ Lutheran Church, 701 N. Indiana Ave.


Englewood’s speaker is none other than Michael Sinn. Michael’s topic is “Tokyo Dome Orchid Show” also known as the Japan Grand Prix International Orchid Festival. His presentation will include many photos showing the gargantuan and amazing orchid displays at the show. He will also speak of the interesting new hybrids that are coming out of Asia into the international scene.

Englewood will have a Silent Auction, Plant Raffle and Refreshments.