June 5th at 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: Greg Allikas
Topic: Orchid Photography for the Digital Age

Greg Allikas is known the world over for his brilliant photographs of orchids, flowers and foliage. His extensive knowledge of his subject and artistic backgrounds offer a unique interpretation that is both accurate and stunningly beautiful. He has been a commercial photographer and orchid grower since 1970. He is awards photographer for the AOS West Palm Beach Judging Center, Florida-Caribbean Judging Center in Miami and numerous annual orchid shows in the U.S. and abroad. His photos are regularly seen in American Orchid Society publications including the annual calendar and ORCHIDS magazine. He has written numerous articles for both ORCHIDS magazine and Orchid Digest. His orchid articles have been published in Russia, Germany, Sweden and South America. His most recent book co-authored with Ned Nash is titled Four Seasons of Orchids. In 2005, Greg was honored to consult on, and supply photography for a United Nations postal administration endangered species stamp release featuring 12 endangered orchid species.

Recipient of the Silver Medal from the American Orchid Society, Greg is the proprietor of the popular Orchid Photo Page on the World Wide Web at www.orchidworks.com. Greg has traveled internationally to photograph orchids in their native habitats as well as to do award photography at International Shows. He will have a selection of his most beautiful photos for sale.

Thursday, May 9, 7:00 pm – Growers Clinic, “Diseases and Pests!” With the summer showers, increased humidity – those creepy crawlies are coming. Don’t wait! It’s time for prophylactic measures. Come to the clinic to learn how to prevent disease and how to get rid of particular pests that may try to attack your plants. As one grower told me, “Dendrobiums are to snails what filet mignon is to us!” Also, if you have a “problem plant”, bring it in and we’ll help you make your plant thrive.

At the Venice Community Center!

Next Meeting: Wednesday

May 1^st at 7:00 p.m.

Speakers: Barry Rossheim and Courtney Kern

(Venice High School Zoology Club)

Topic: “Celery Fields Conservation Project”

Speakers: James Thomas, Carol Wood, and Richard Amos

Topic: “Growers Clinic Live”

Barry Rossheim is the sponsor of the VHS Zoology Club and has been teaching biology and zoology since 1980.

He is a lead teacher for the Costa Rica Global Classroom Project, a co-director of the Life Science Community, a member of the National Audubon Society, and for even more fun, works in the education department at the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa. . Mr. Rossheim hopes to inspire his students to pursue their studies in science and believes he can help save the planet by teaching global conservation.

Courtney Kern is the President of the VHS Zoology Club and a member of the VHS Honor Society.

James Thomas, our Vice President, Programs, perhaps better known as “Doctor” Jim, has been growing and destroying orchids for 48 years (in his own words). He struggled with orchids for the first three years, until guided and inspired by Brooks Muse, who took him under his wing and taught him the basics he uses today. After losing several hundred orchids during the hard freeze in 1972, due to a rolling electric blackout which killed his electric heaters, he bounced back with his usual resilience and has more than 200 plants at his home in Nokomis. Initially interested in cattleyas and phalaenopsis, he’s been expanding into dendrobiums and other orchids, as evidenced by his recent Plant Table Award Ribbons.

Neither Carol Wood nor Richard Amos, Jim’s expert co-presenters, need  further introduction as both have been active members and board members for a number of years. Carol is presently Co-Chair of the Annual Show and Richard Amos is Vice President, Show Displays.

Jeff Higel of Honey Bee Nursery will be selling beautiful orchids and orchid plant supplies recommended by our Growers Clinic.