Meeting: February 5th, Speaker: Mike Owens Topic: Orchids of the Fakahatchee

Mike Owen has been Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park biologist since 1994. His primary focus is collecting data relating to the survival, distribution and reproductive habits of the native and exotic animals, as well as plants like the ferns, orchids, peperomia and bromeliads (some, such as the ghost orchid, which are extremely rare).  Mike will be sharing his experiences and insights as well as photos of this beautiful and unique environment.

With help from park staff and other supporters, he documents and studies fluctuations of water levels, fire and weather events, the effects of exotic species invasions, topography and the importance of maintaining the biological diversity of this area, which includes the greater Everglades and Big Cypress ecosystems. He continues to contribute greatly to the scientific knowledge of the area, most of which had never been documented before. He offers visitors an introduction to the many wonders of the region and is famous for his guided swamp walks which delight visitors from around the world. Mike Owen photo

Meeting: Wednesday January 8th at 7:00pm

Jim Roberts - Suncoast OrchidsSpeaker: Jim Roberts

Topic: “A Few Encyclias to Enjoy”

  Jim Roberts is probably well known to many of our members, as he’s been our presenter twice before, each time being so well received that members clamored for his return. Jim is the owner of Florida Suncoast Orchids, located near Myakka City where he grows Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, Vanda and Encyclia orchids in in his three greenhouses encompassing 10,000 square feet. The greenhouses are open only by appointment, but Jim exhibits at numerous shows throughout the state and his plants can be found at local markets in our area. He specializes in Cattleya and Encyclia hybrids, most in 4-inch and 6-inch pots and baskets, with both larger and smaller sizes usually available. Jim always strives to grow and sell the best quality orchids for his customers and to build a lasting reputation in the industry as one of the very best. Once again, his presentation will be enjoyed by both beginner and intermediate/advanced growers. Jim will bring a great selection of his best orchids for sale and you should check out his website, www.floridasuncoastorchids.com, for lots of information, beautiful photos and ordering plants online. Jim will be accepting email preorders for orchids on his website which he will then bring to the January meeting and is offering a 10% discount on all purchases.  Don’t wait too long!! Deadline for preorders is Jan. 2, 2014. This is a great opportunity to support one of our few remaining local growers!

Growers Meeting December 12th, 2013

Thursday, December 12th  Growers Clinic:   7:00 PM at the Venice Community Center (room in back of bldg).

Orchid Growing Made Easy – Open discussion about your concerns – watering, light, fertilizer, repotting, pests.

Bring a plant that concerns you for advice from “Dr. Jimmy”.