October Meeting

Posted on by

Speaker: William Hill

Topic: Growing Oncidiinae Intergenerics

William Hill been growing and selling orchid plants for 35 years. He has grown most of the popular genera but is currently breeding Oncidiinae, which grow fast and bloom often. He will speak on “Growing Oncidiinae Intergenerics” but will answer questions on all genera.

Bill speaks at orchid societies and garden clubs. He participates in AOS-sponsored Society shows as well as others – more than 20 shows per year.

He owns and operates Orchid Island Orchids. Bill says that you can buy Oncidiinae Intergenerics from any of the “broker growers” who buy from others and then re-sell, but we specialize in them and breed them.

William Hill will bring plants for sale.

Ghost Orchid in Bloom!

Posted on by

Yesterday the Ghost Orchid opened 4 blooms at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.  You can see them off of the Boardwalk and a scope is set up.  They said you may put your camera up to the scope and take photos, as others have.

The blooms should last 10-12 days.

Driving from Venice should take about 2 hrs. The day you plan to go, dial the number below and then immediately 0 for operator — and ask if it is still blooming.

A little history on this particular ghost orchid:
http://www.corkscrew.audubon.org/Wildlife/GhostOrchid.html

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Road West, Naples, Florida 34120, (239) 348-9151 www.corkscrew.audubon.org

Directions if you don’t have GPS: http://www.corkscrew.audubon.org/Visit/map_directions.pdf

Enjoy the walk.  You might also see their resident Barred Owl (ask where he is), the Pileated Woodpecker many other species of flora and fauna.

For scientific minds, check out Prem Subrahmanyam’s website:
http://www.flnativeorchids.com/natives_gallery/dendrophylax_lindenii.htm ;
There are 150 native orchids in North America and 45 in Florida.  It’s always special to see native orchids in the wild.  Begin your quest!