Category Archives: Newsletter

May’s Speaker – Ted Kellogg

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Topic – “Orchid Oddities”

Ted began growing orchids in the 1960’s in Miami and Tallahassee. He
moved his orchid collection to Rhode Island in 1970 to two custom
greenhouses. A decade later, “one too many” greenhouse problems
caused Ted to shift to growing Rhododendrons.
A move back to Florida in 2001 might have been the end of the story.
But, Ted and Marty attended the Englewood and Venice orchid society
meetings. They then visited Everglades Orchids and other vendors and, soon, were growing
orchids on their lanai.
From his first growing days Ted has been intrigued by the diversity of of orchids. Ted will
share his experiences and knowledge about orchids and the strange things these orchids are
known for. Ted’s talk ‘Orchid Oddities’ will include examples from a wide variety species
and hybrids that have been successes or failures in leading to the the orchids we grow today.
[Ed. note: VAOS is most grateful for Ted generously sharing his expertise – see the Plant
Table article and Notes on Names on page 3. He is currently chairman of the Information
Management Committee of the American Orchid Society.]

Members Greenhouse tour

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Member’s Home Greenhouse Tours
Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.* **
Three VAOS members have generously offered to open their orchid-growing venues on
Saturday, May 7th, for the benefit of other members. It is always interesting to see the
various environments and the techniques that other society members utilize to grow their
beautiful plants.
Please be careful of parking at each site, making sure you are respectful of their
neighbors’ properties. The day may be hot, so be sure to bring some water with you.
Carol & John Liddy
845 Van Gogh Road, Englewood 34223
Orchids mainly in the pool cage- no greenhouse! There is an orchard area, banana grove,
mixed shrubs, borders with perennials and annuals, a ginger shade garden and vegetable
patches. There is seating under the large oaks behind the house–you may spot the pair
of bald eagles flying overhead, as they nest close by at Lemon Bay Park.
From Venice:
Go South on 776 to Old Englewood Road. Turn Right.
Follow Old Englewood Road past large left curve at Roman Catholic Church
Left on Artist Avenue.
Go to the 2nd street and turn left onto Van Gogh.
After 1 block macadam turns to shell–go slow very bumpy- Immediately when
macadam starts again, #845 is on the right.
Park in the drive or on right side of Van Gogh or on grass perpendicular to drive;
Please do not park on the left (mailbox) side.
From Englewood:
Go north on 776. Past Dearborn, past Tower Plaza look for HUGE American flag on
right, lawyers blue and white sign on left.
Artist Avenue is right before boatyard after lawyers bldg. (across from where
Englewood OS meets)
Turn right across traffic (center turning lane)
Go to Van Gogh and turn right. (You will see Olive on the left, Van Gogh is next
road; sign is somewhat hidden.)
Follow directions above once on Van Gogh.
Ted Kellogg
895 Clear Lake Drive, Englewood 34223
From I-75:
Take River Road exit (191) and go south about 14 miles to Pine Street light;
Turn left to the next light and left onto Medical Blvd.
Enter at first gate on right (Stillwater); use keypad to call the house if necessary.
Go to end of road, turn right, and go to end to straight road
#895 Clear Lake at corner, left side, semi-circular driveway.
From 776 north:
Turn on Dearborn and go to Pine Street, right turn and follow above.
From south on 776 to Pine Street
Turn right to light at Medical Blvd, turn right, and enter first gate on right.
* 9 a.m. till Noon only, please.
Monroe Kokin
19780 Cobblestone Circle, Venice 34292
Take Venice Ave. East to Lee Road on the right (one block past Keystone Road
where Fenders Orchids and Venice Orchids are located)
Make a right into Stonewalk subdivision.
Go less than halfway around circle to #19780.
** 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., please

Aprill 2011 – A Message from Your President:

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A Message from Your President:

What a delightful presentation we had at our last meeting by Bill and Susan Fender, entitled, “Orchids have Parents Too!” For those who

missed the event, I will mention some great one-liners and insights that Bill shared.

“The pollination of orchid plants can be very erotic – read about it.” To this end, I picked up the March 2011 issue of the American

Orchid Society (AOS) monthly magazine. They have a fascinating article on the “wonder of windows” – how the phragmipedium

forcing them to move throughout the orchid (prolonged foreplay?) – so they, indeed, pick up the pollen on their heads

and go out the “window” of the orchid. He also said, “Orchids definitely have their kinky side. Some orchids can be great mothers

especially when they use three different men. Others are sometimes the mother of a plant – and at the same time, a father of another plant!” This was Bill’s way to emphasize that certain orchids have a reputation of being excellent partners in creating some of the gorgeous new hybrids that he and others invent.

His last insight: “But, most surprising, it takes 25 years to see if the parent is a good parent – creating a family of kids, and grandkids that are sturdy and long lasting.” Then Bill and Susan showed us some of their inventions–strong, stocky plants with many flowers–which, indeed, have

become most desired for many orchid hobbyists. On another note, I’ve recently telephoned many of our new members. I’m

so glad that many of you have enjoyed our Monthly Growers Meeting, a week after our regular meeting, to talk

to Jeff Higel, a local expert, to improve your growing techniques. Many of you have also visited our website (www.vaos.org)

to learn more and to keep up with our society. We also have planned many upcoming events to help you be a success — so

mark your calendar. We’ll have a Silent Auction (May 4), a special bus trip to the fantastic Redland Orchid Festival (May

14), and hopefully a local tour of members gardens and growing.  Our presenter at the April 6th meeting, Phillip Hamilton

is an expert on “Phalaenopsis”. If you are a snowbird this is a great plant. You can hang it under a tree when you leave and when

you return, it will bloom for your entire stay in Venice. For many new growers, this is the easiest plant to grow, so you

may want to empty your piggy bank before you come to this meeting!

–Cynthia Vance