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.

2015 Orchid Show – Venice Community Center – Feb. 7&8

Posted on by

Orchid Show Poster 2015 FINAL

The Venice Area Orchid Society will present their 49th annual show and sale at the Venice Community Center in Venice, FL on February 7-8, 2015. Eighteen vendors will exhibit and sell 1000’s of blooming orchid plants as well as orchid floral arrangements, artwork, jewelry, accessories and supplies. Widely regarded as the most popular orchid show on Florida’s west coast, our theme this year is:

Love of Orchids

This major community event is expected to draw up to 4000 attendees from the tri-county area. Nationally recognized growers from as far away as Hawaii will exhibit and sell orchids. They include: Art Stone Orchids, Carmela Orchids, Florida SunCoast Orchids, Krull-Smith, Odom’s Orchids, Palmer’s Orchids, Phelps Orchids, EFG Orchids, Mac’s Orchids and Plantio La Orquidea. More than 20 American Orchid Society (AOS) accredited judges travel from around the country to judge our showcase event. Cash awards and trophies are awarded to the best exhibits and plants in each class.

The Venice Area Orchid Society is one of the largest and most active orchid societies in the U.S. with more than 300 members. Our annual show is our major fund raising event and is always held the first full weekend in February at the Venice Community Center in downtown Venice. The VCC provides the perfect venue for displaying the orchid exhibits and sales areas. Please plan to join us!

Contact Carol Wood at ShowChair@vaos.org for more information.