Category Archives: Meetings

Meeting THURSDAY, March 5, 2015 – 7:30 pm

Posted on by

Speaker: Michael Polen

Topic: “Repotting Orchids Without Pots”Michael Polen photo

We’re fortunate to have Michael Polen, the owner of Art Stone Orchids in St. Petersburg, a premium supplier of orchids and potting supplies since 1986, back to speak on one of his favorite topics. He has twice been past president of the West Coast Orchid Society and speaks at many societies. He continues to participate in numerous orchid shows, including several appearances at our Venice Show. Art Stone Orchids/Palmer Orchids have previously won many AOS and society show trophies for their outstanding displays and orchids.

Michael will be discussing and demonstrating various techniques for repotting orchids without pots, including baskets, tree fern columns, cypress slabs and various other unusual mounts. He always has yet a few more tricks up his sleeves and the show is one you don’t want to miss.

Michael will have supplies, mounts and orchids for sale and will be happy to answer your questions.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Meeting Feb. 4, 2015, Venice Community Center – 7:00 pm

Posted on by

Why Orchids Have so Many Species?

Speaker: Dr. David Benzing
DR BENZING JPG
Dr. David Benzing has a Ph.D. in botany and was a professor at Oberlin College for more than 40 years. He spends his winters in Sarasota and is the Jessie B.Cox Chair of Tropical Biology at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and has written a number of books about epiphytes and tropical plants. He practices what he preaches and has been an avid orchid hybridizer and grower for a number of years. He’s a wine grower and co-owner of Vermilion Valley Vineyards (sorry, no samples) and will share his love of orchids and epiphytes.
He’ll be speaking about the many factors that play a role in determining why orchids have so many distinct species, and will be happy to take questions from the audience.
He’ll lead us through the fascinating evolution of orchids and will have copies of his books for sale and Jeff Higel, Honey Bee Nursery, will have orchids for sale.

Meeting January 7, 2015

Posted on by

Next Meeting: Wednesday January 7th at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Venice Community Center

Speaker: Roy Krueger

Topic: Show Preparation

Roy moved down here about twelve years ago, bought a house, and inherited three orchids from the previous owner. He soon discovered that orchids multiply faster than rab- bits and he now has over 500, with his favorites being Cat- tleyas and unusual Dendrobiums. Roy grows his orchids in a pool cage, on trees, under arbors, on wind chime holder racks and along his fence out of the reach of squirrels.

He’s neither a born orchidist nor a commercial grower, just an extremely talented hobbyist and his experience and knowledge are displayed at the many classes he teaches at various societies. He served five years as the President of the Manatee Orchid Society and four years in various po- sitions with the Sarasota Orchid Society, writing a monthly article called “Orchids We Should Grow”.

Roy has spoken at many clubs and societies over the years on many orchid topics and is well known for his how-to classes and hands-on approach. Bring your questions and be prepared to learn and have a great time at the January meeting.