Please feel free to forward this newsletter to friends who might be interested in knowing about Five Cities Orchid Society and encourage them to subscribe at www.fcos.org | |
A message from the President’s potting bench…..
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Dear Fellow Orchid Enthusiasts,
Welcome, FCOS members and fellow orchid enthusiasts, to another edition of the FCOS newsletter. As we bid farewell to winter's chill and embrace the warmth of spring, I'm thrilled to see our orchids responding in full bloom to the changing seasons. It's like a symphony of colors and fragrances right in my own backyard!
Orchids, with the right blend of care and curiosity, can turn any garden or patio into a spectacular showcase of nature’s artistry. From selecting the perfect spot with dappled light to understanding the delicate balance of watering, each step in caring for your orchids is a step towards a flourishing garden.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
April Business Meeting: Mark your calendars for April 9, 2024, from 7 pm to 8 pm. We'll be holding our monthly business meeting via Zoom to discuss upcoming events, educational projects, and more. This is a great opportunity to get involved in the planning process and contribute your ideas.
Orchidtalk with Peter Lin: Don’t miss out on this month’s Orchidtalk on April 11 at 7 pm, featuring Peter Lin from Diamond Orchids. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain insights from a renowned orchid expert.
Workshop Alert: Join us on April 13, 2024, at 1 pm at the Planted Parlour in Grover Beach for an engaging workshop focused on Getting to Know Your Orchid Roots. We’ll explore various orchid roots and share some handy repotting techniques. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of orchid care. Register here.
Field Trip to Joe Ambriz Kingdom of Plants: We’re thrilled to announce a field trip to Joe Ambritz’s nursery in Carpinteria. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting opportunity to see a wide variety of orchids up close and learn from a seasoned grower. Click HERE for more information on the Events webpage.
Volunteering with FCOS: Our society thrives on the active participation and volunteer efforts of our members. Whether you’re interested in helping out with our educational programs, planning field trips, giving talks, or assisting at events, your involvement is what makes our community vibrant and enriching for all.
The Five City Orchid Society (FCOS) thrives on collaboration and camaraderie, so I encourage all members to share with us pictures of your orchids, no matter where you are in the world. Let's turn our newsletter into a gallery of global orchid beauty!
FCOS Merchandise: Don’t forget to check out the new orchid shirts and other merchandise available in the FCOS Store. Sporting our logo on hats, shirts, sweaters, mugs, and tote bags is a great way to show your orchid pride and support our society.
As we continue to blossom and grow as a society, let's keep the spirit of community alive and thriving. Together, we can cultivate a rich tapestry of orchid knowledge and friendship.
Happy orchid-ing, dear members!
Jeff Parham
President, FCOS
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Epidendrum radioferrans.
Common Name: the Rayed Lip Epidendrum.
This plant is about 3.5 ft tall in a 10 inch pot planted with bark. The plant has exposed roots with large velamen and is grown protected by a fence in my front yard in Los Osos,CA.
The plant has been forming terminal flowers for the last 6 weeks and has now flowered with large flowers about 1.4" [3.5 cm].
Epidendrum radioferrens is endemic to Chiapas state of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras and is found in seasonally dry oak forests to evergreen cloud forests at elevations of 1,350 to 2,300 meters as a large to giant sized, cool to cold growing, reedstem epiphyte or lithophyte.
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This year, my orchid haven is brimming with the elegant beauty of Epidendrums, the graceful charm of flowering Cymbidiums, the exotic allure of Australian Dendrobiums, the delicate poise of Bletilla, and the intriguing complexity of Zygopetalums. Ah, yes, Zygopetalum—a new addition to my outdoor orchid family, bringing both joy and the occasional challenge. Learning to navigate their needs has been an adventure of successes and, well, let's call them "learning opportunities." | Dendrobium Aussie Bounty (Bardo Rose x D. falcorostrum) | |
Orchids Alfresco - Outdoor Orchid Growing in Temperate Areas
Thursday, April 11, 2024
7:00 PM 8:00 PM
Peter Lin, owner of Diamond Orchids will discuss outdoor orchid growing for temperate locations including the Central California Coast.
Peter started growing orchids over 40 years ago, but then stopped due to school and starting a career. It wasn't until about 18 years ago that the orchid "bug" came back and he is now heavily involved once again! He is an accredited judge with the American Orchid Society, and a hybridizer of mini-catts. He enjoys meeting with other orchid enthusiasts, and can often be found at various orchid shows and societies around the country.
Due to limited growing space, Peter likes to specialize in miniature orchids, both species and hybrids, and has received numerous AOS awards. His interests in orchids include Dendrobiums, Angraecoids, and Neofinetias. He is also known as "Mr Sophronitis" as he has a passion for growing and collecting them. He maintains a collection of a several thousand orchids at his home in Southern California in 3 small greenhouses, outdoors, as well as an offsite greenhouse.
Source:: Http://www.diamondorchids.com
Thursday, April 11, 2024
7:00 PM 8:30 PM
CLICK HERE: Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 823 5543 5739
Passcode: 204435
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Workshop: Getting to Know Your Roots
The Five Cities Orchid Society is excited to announce a workshop on Getting to Know your Roots and Orchid Repotting.
We will have demonstrations in repotting Epidendrums, Dendrobiums, Phalaenopsis, Cymbidiums, and Sarcochilus. This is also an opportunity for you to add some orchids to your collections.
The event will take place on April 13, 2024, at 1 pm at the Planted Parlour in Grover Beach. The worskshop is $10 for FCOS members, non members $20, registration is required due to limited space. All attendees will receive a free Orchid seedling that you can pot and grow.
We have acquired the famous Mtssa. Shelob 'Okika' named after the evil spider in JRR Tolkien’s the Lord of the Rings. (Pictured below)
We also have several seedlings of Wils. Space Mine 'Red Rendevous'. Both of these are rewarding plants to grow, requiring medium light levels. You can take your pick of either plant and we will offer any left over plants for sale.
Sign up!
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Harvey Brenneise gave a Zoom presentation to the FCOS group in March entitled “Throw out the Bark for the last time and never repot again”. Harvey has been growing orchids for about 60 years and has found that the “Secret to great orchids is in the roots”. Healthy roots are critical to good orchid health. Plus getting the water and air in the media is critical. Roots tailor themselves to the media they are growing in and generally do not like new media. Thus, it is necessary to time transplanting to when new roots are forming. Harvey then talked about other media types that can be used instead of bark. Semi-hydroponics discussed by Ray Barkalow (FirstRays.com) suggested using a Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA) for your orchid media. You do not need to throw out the media when transplanting just pull the orchid out of its current pot and place it into larger pot and add more LECA in the open space. If the roots have been growing well they will hold the LECA material together. Thus, there is little if any root disturbance. There is a more or less even moisture distribution in LECA filled containers. He suggested using a container with no holes at the bottom and then drilling two (2) ¼ inch holes about 1 inch from the bottom of the container. Then when you water or fertilizer any excess liquid will drain out of the pot but there will still be water at the bottom reservoir of the container. LECA has good capillary action and allows for good air and gas exchange. (Chris checked with Sweet Harvest Garden Supply at 1041 Grande Ave in Arroyo Grande - phone (805) 473-0004-, and they generally have 10- and 45-liter bags of LECA for sale). Harvey also said folks have grown orchids in other media including diatomaceous rocks, marbles, granite rocks, and ground up tires. He suggested using good quality water and adding enough water each time to flush out old fertilizer liquid or organic materials in the pot and LECA. Harvey stated that many orchid genera will grow well in semi-hydroponic media. If your orchids are in a dry area, he suggested you add an evaporation barrier on the top of the pot to minimize evaporation. Harvey also stated that some people also grow in semi-water culture (SWC) and full water culture (FWC) setups. SWC tried to imitate what epiphytic orchids would receive in nature by soaking the roots for a couple of days and then draining them for several days and keeping them dry during that period. FWC always keeps the bottom ¼ of the roots in water with the remainder of the roots exposed to air. Problems in growing semi-hydroponically include needing good water quality, algal growth on the inside of the container, media rolling around if not packed well and transport to shows. There was a suggestion to add a mixture of Physan once per month to the container to keep algal growth down.
If you missed this meeting
You can watch it here.
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/CuVMvc2H_c43eqPaCAyo27G6xJVGwc7SzbTG8kfTTBvnGRqIf7VwK8TX0G_yvZiw.6WZb7KNZ9hkjtEno
Passcode: 7Y.Fq4UT
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What’s Blooming Now - a few photos from our members and friends | |
Cymbidium (Mighty Tracey x Wallacia) x C. devonianum. Inflorescense. Growing in plastic pot filled with a mixture of bark and perlite. Growing outside a lath shade structure. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | Cymbidium erythraeum plant and inflorescence. | |
Closeup of Cymbidium (Mighty Tracey x Wallacia) x C. devonianum flower. | Closeup of Cymbidium erythraeum flower. Grows as a cool to cold epiphyte or lithophye in India, eastern Himalayas, Nepal, Bhutan, western Himalayas, Myanmar, China and Vietnam at elevations of 1000 to 2400 meters. This orchid is growing in plastic pot filled with a mixture of bark and perlite. Growing outside under a lath shade structure. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | |
Cymbidium Girl Crazy 'Mardi Gras' Feathered. Growing in plastic pot filled with a mixture of bark and perlite. Growing outside under a lath shade structure. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | Cymbidium Lillian Fujimoto x Memoria Amelia Earhart flowers. | Cymbidium Gladio 'Hatfields' x Cindy Lou 'Geyerlands' . Growing in plastic pot filled with a mixture of bark and perlite. Growing outside under a lath shade structure. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | |
Cymbidium Lillian Fujimoto x Memoria Amelia Earhart. Growing in plastic pot filled with a mixture of bark and perlite. Growing outside under a lath shade structure. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | Closeup of Cymbidium Lillian Fujimoto x Memoria Amelia Earhart flower. | Closeup of Cymbidium Gladio 'Hatfields' x Cindy Lou 'Geyerlands' flower. | |
Cymbidium Lotza Spotz 101 x devonianum 'Grant'. Growing in plastic pot filled with a mixture of bark and perlite. Growing outside under a lath shade structure. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | Cymbidium schroederi inflorescence. | |
Closeup of Cymbidium Lotza Spotz 101 x devonianum 'Grant' flower.
| Closeup of Cymbidium schroederi flower. A cool growing humus at elevations of 1350 to 1700 meters. This orchid is growing in plastic pot filled with a mixture of bark and perlite. Growing outside under a lath shade structure. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | |
Dracula janetiae. A cool growing epip[hyte found in Peru and possibly in Ecuador at elevations around 1,700 meters. This orchid is growing in a mesh pot filled with sphagnum moss that is hanging in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | Closeup of Dracula janetiae flower. | Closeup of Dracula barrowii 'Kathy' AM/AOS flower. | Masdevallia bennettii. The literature states this is a warm growing epiphtye found in central Peru at elevations around 780 meters. But this plant is growing well in a cool greenhouse where winter night temperatures can be as low at 40F. Growing in both a clay pot filled with sphagnum moss and mounted with moss on the root. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | Closeup of Masdevallia bennettii flower. | Masdevallia Cinnamon Twist 'Golden Gate' HCC/AOS. |
Masdevallia Fraseri. This is primary hybrid between Masdevallia ignea 'Beau' x Masdevallia coccinea alba 'Snowbird'. Growing in both a clay pot filled with sphagnum moss and mounted with moss on the root. Growing in a cool greenhouse and outside under a lath structure. Grown by Chris Ehrler.
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Pleurothallis restrepioides.
Growing outside in a plastic pot filled with sphagnum moss. Growing outside under a lath shade structure. Grown by Chris Ehrler.
| Scaphosepalum beluosum. Grows as a cool to cold epiphyte in at elevations from 1,500 to 2,200 meters. Is growing in a plastic mesh pot filled with sphagnum moss which is hanging in a cool greenhouse. This has flowers open all year long. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | Scaphosepalum odontochilon. A cool to cold growing epiphyte growing in Colombia at elevations of 1,750 to 2,400 meters. Growing in both a clay pot filled with sphagnum moss and mounted with moss on the root. Grown by Chris Ehrler in a cool greenhouse. | Xylobium leontoglossum. A cool to cold growing epiphyte and occasional terrestrial found in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru at elevations around 2,000 meters. This orchid is growing in a clay pot filled with a bark and lava rock mixture which is placed in a cool greenhouse. Leaves are about 3 feet tall. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | Closeup of Xylobium leontoglossum lip. | Blc. Burdekin Wonder ‘Lakeland’ This is such a lovely, pristine lady. The splash of vibrant yellow is just enough to make it a show stopper. This is a first bloom on a division we made a few years ago. It lives in our greenhouse and gets watered and fed with all the other orchids. Judy & Chuck Scheithauer | |
Side view of Dracula janetiae flower. | Dracula barrowii 'Kathy' AM/AOS. A cool to cold growing epiphyte which was grown and described from a plant in England that came from Peru, although this species has not been found again in Peru. This orchid is growing in a cool greenhouse in a mesh pot filled with sphagnum moss. This orchid is growing in a mesh pot filled with sphagnum moss. The pot is hanging in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | Side view of Dracula barrowii 'Kathy' AM/AOS flower. | Lepanthes gargoyla. A warm to cool growing epiphyte growing in Ecuador in at elevations around 900 to 1,300 meters. This orchid is growing on a piece of wood with some sphagnum moss on the roots. The mount is hanging in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | Closeup of Lepanthes gargoyla flower. | Closeup of Masdevallia Cinnamon Twist 'Golden Gate' HCC/AOS flower. This is a primary hybrid between Masdevallia ayabacana and Masdevallia goliath. This orchid is growing in a clay pot filled with a bark and lava rock mixture. The pot in in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | Side view of Masdevallia Fraseri (M. ignea 'Beau' x M. coccinea alba 'Snowbird' flower. | Closeup of Pleurothallis restrepioides flowers. Is a cold to warm growing epiphyte or terrestrial growing in in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru at elevations of 800 to 2,900 meters. | Side view of Scaphosepalum beluosum flowers. | Side view of Scaphosepalum beluosum flowers.
| Xylobium leontoglossum inflorescence. | Xylobium leontoglossum flower. | BLC Oconee Mendenhall AM/AOS. Grown by Ron Hardy in a greenhouse in Gig Harbor, WA | Maxillaria tenufolia x sanguinea This plant has interesting bulbs topped with grassy leaves with a stacking growth habit. The red flowers grow around the base of the plant. In my picture you have to look very closely to see the other flowers. The flowers have a light fragrance. Very adaptable to light and temperature. Chuck & Judy S. | |
Sunset Vally Orchids SVO 7056 Orquidacea’s ‘Small Fortune’ one of several plants grown from a flask I purchased in 2017. Colors range from solid red to solid orange and some have red lips with orange sepals. Every year the plants have more spikes with a larger number of buds. A very worthwhile plant to grow. Likes bright light and very temperature tolerant. Grows equally well in bark, black volcanic rock or Hydroton. | |
SVO 7056 showing the orange sepal/red lip color form. | |
SVO 7056 showing the orange form. It seems the size of the plant is related to the flower color. The solid orange flowered plants are now over one foot tall and are very strong growers. The red flowered plants are a bit shorter and the orange sepal/red lip plants are the shortest and least vigorous. | |
Dendrobium fimbriatum is one of the Dendrobiums requiring a dry winter rest from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day. When watering resumes flower spikes quickly form. This orchid is mounted on an oak branch and is watered daily to match it’s native Monsoon conditions. Ed Lysek | |
Anselia africans is always stunning when in full bloom. When I purchased this orchid as a small plant from Dan Asbell 10 years ago I had no idea it would now be over 4 feet high with six of its 20 canes topped with flower spikes. Each spike has well over 30 flowers each. Likes bright light and lots of water and fertilizer in the warmer months. Growing on and in a large hollow oak tree stump in my greenhouse. The upward facing stiff pointed roots forn a bird nest type growth and each year I place a handful of garden compost on the roots. Ed Lysek | |
Epicattleya Kyoguchi 'Peter's Pick' x Brassolaeliacattleya Love Sound 'Dogashima' AM/AOS
grown by Michael Jenne, Photograph by Chris Howard.
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Rangaeria amaniensis - grown in a greenhouse. grown by Michael Jenne, Photograph by Chris Howard.
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Jumeliea arachnantha - grown in a greenhouse. grown by Michael Jenne, Photograph by Chris Howard.
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Salep, a traditional beverage derived from the roots of certain orchid species, holds a storied past intertwined with mythology and tradition. Dating back centuries, salep has been cherished in cultures across the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. Orchids, the source of salep, have been revered for their beauty and mystical qualities since ancient times. In Greek mythology, orchids were associated with fertility and love, while in Ottoman culture, salep was hailed for its medicinal properties and aphrodisiacal effects.
Salep is traditionally consumed as a hot beverage, prepared by grinding the dried orchid tubers into a fine powder and mixing it with hot milk or water, sweetened with sugar and flavored with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. However, salep has also found its way into modern culinary creations, including ice cream. In regions like Turkey, salep ice cream, known as dondurma, is renowned for its unique texture and flavor, imparted by the salep powder used as a thickening agent.
However, due to conservation concerns and regulations aimed at protecting orchid populations, true salep made from orchid tubers may be difficult to find outside of its native regions.
In many cases, commercial salep products may be made using artificial flavorings or alternative ingredients rather than authentic orchid tubers. These products may offer a similar taste experience without the environmental impact associated with harvesting wild orchids.
If you're interested in trying salep or incorporating it into your culinary endeavors, it's advisable to seek out reputable sources and products that adhere to sustainable and ethical practices. Additionally, exploring recipes and cultural traditions associated with salep can offer insight into its diverse uses and cultural significance.
Here's a traditional recipe for making salep, a delightful hot beverage enjoyed in various cultures, particularly in the Middle East:
Ingredients:
2 cups of milk (you can use dairy or plant-based milk like almond or oat milk)
1 tablespoon of salep flour (available in specialty stores or online)
1-2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust according to your preference)
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare Salep Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the salep flour with a small amount of cold milk to form a smooth paste. Ensure there are no lumps.
Heat Milk:
In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil.
Combine Ingredients:
Once the milk is hot, slowly pour in the salep mixture while continuously stirring to prevent clumping.
Sweeten:
Add sugar to the salep mixture and stir until it dissolves completely. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preference.
Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and let the salep simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to let it boil.
Serve:
Once the salep reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and pour it into cups or mugs.
Garnish:
Sprinkle ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the salep for added flavor and a decorative touch, if desired.
Enjoy:
Serve the salep hot and savor its creamy texture and aromatic flavors. It's perfect for warming up on cold winter days or as a comforting treat any time of the year.
Feel free to adjust the ingredients and proportions according to your taste preferences. Some variations of salep include adding a splash of rose water or orange blossom water for a floral twist. Whether enjoyed on its own or accompanied by your favorite dessert, salep is sure to delight your taste buds with its unique charm.
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Fritz Went: Observations in Orchids that changed our understanding of Plant Physiology
Fritz Went was a Dutch-American botanist born in 1903 and passed away in 1990. He is best known for his pioneering work on plant hormones. Went's most significant contribution to botany was his discovery of auxin, the first identified plant hormone.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Went conducted experiments that demonstrated the existence of a substance produced by plant cells that could stimulate growth in neighboring cells. He named this substance "auxin." This discovery revolutionized the field of plant biology, as it provided a new understanding of how plants grow and develop.
Fritz Went's story of observing oncidiums blooming in response to cold in New York is an intriguing chapter in the history of botany. While working at the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research in Yonkers, New York, Went noticed a phenomenon: oncidium orchids blooming in response to cold temperatures.
This observation sparked Went's curiosity, leading him to investigate the underlying mechanisms behind this phenomenon. He hypothesized that there must be a substance within the plants that triggered flowering in response to cold temperatures. This hypothesis was based on his earlier work on plant hormones, particularly auxin.
To test his hypothesis, Went conducted experiments in which he exposed oncidium orchids to different temperatures and observed their flowering response. Through meticulous experimentation and analysis, he discovered that cold temperatures triggered the production of a substance that promoted flowering in the orchids. This substance was later identified as a flowering hormone, which Went named "florigen.”
Fritz Went's demonstration at the World Botany Conference in 1926 is a fascinating anecdote in the history of botany. During the conference, Went performed a remarkable experiment involving coffee plants to demonstrate the effects of temperature on flowering.
In this experiment, Went took coffee plants and submerged their roots in ice water, subjecting them to a sudden and drastic temperature drop. Despite the unexpected and somewhat extreme conditions, the coffee plants responded by flowering shortly after the treatment.
This demonstration showcased the remarkable ability of plants to sense and respond to environmental cues, particularly temperature changes. Went's experiment provided compelling evidence that temperature plays a critical role in the regulation of flowering in plants, a concept that was not widely understood at the time.
Went's groundbreaking experiment at the World Botany Conference helped to shed light on the mechanisms underlying flowering in plants and sparked further research into the role of environmental factors in plant development. It also laid the groundwork for his later discoveries regarding plant hormones, including his seminal work on auxin.
Went's research laid the foundation for further studies on plant hormones and their roles in various physiological processes, including growth, development, and responses to environmental stimuli. His work has had a profound impact on agriculture, horticulture, and forestry, influencing practices such as plant propagation, tissue culture, and the development of growth regulators.
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AAUW (American Association of University Women) Morro Bay Annual Garden Tour
Mark your calendars because the AAUW Garden Tour is back! The tour is scheduled for Sunday, April 28th from 12-5pm. There are four gardens featured, and we highly recommend that you visit them all, however; the tour is self-guided and can be enjoyed at the pleasure of your own pace.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Volumes of Pleasure in Los Osos, Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay, Farm Supply (locations include SLO, AG and Paso Robles), My805Tix.com and with any AAUW member. Tickets are on sale now!
We hope you’ll join us!
This is the major fundraiser for the Morro Bay Branch of the American Association of University Women. The proceeds are used for high school scholarships in Morro Bay, a nursing scholarship at Cuesta college and to send several 7th grade girls to a TECH summer camp at CSU Monterey Bay in July, to study STEM subjects.
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San Diego County Orchid Society International Spring Show and Sale
San Diego County Orchid Society hosts its large, annual international show and sale, Orchids of the Earth, in Balboa Park on the weekend before Earth Day. Enjoy hundreds of magnificent plants, free classes, and conversations with orchid conservation experts. See, learn, and shop at this grand celebration of beauty and color. Casa del Prado Room 101 and Patio A. 1800 El Prado, San Diego, CA, 92101. Free admission and parking. Event details at sdorchids.com.
Friday, April 19, 12 - 7 pm; early bird sales 10 am
Saturday, April 20, 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday, April 21, 10 am – 4 pm
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CENTRAL COAST GREENHOUSE GROWERS ASSOCIATION
Member nurseries in Nipomo and Arroyo Grande traditionally open to the public for tours every spring; usually in April. Don’t miss out on this highly anticipated plant and flower sales. Each participating nursery proudly donates a portion of that day’s sales to the CCGGA Scholarship Fund made available to Horticulture students and CCGGA Grower members’ children. Tours begin at our CCGGA Education Center located at Nipomo High School and also host a variety of activities.
Sign up to volunteer
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Kool-Logs are the result of over 30 years of experience in growing cooler climate orchids in the difficult climate of the Southeastern United States.
Kool-Logs provide several essential elements necessary for better growing of rainforest orchids.
• a better mounting surface and superior aeration of the roots
• continuous even moisture to the roots
• cooler temperatures at the roots
• decreased frequency of remounting / repotting
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Did I pay my FCOS 2023 Membership? Click HERE to see if your name is on our Paid Members List. Thank you for all who have paid their 2023 Membership dues. | |
Membership Benefits and How to Join FCOS
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The FCOS Newsletter emailed every month. Keep up to date on FCOS activities, enjoy entertaining and informative articles, and orchid culture tips. Sign up for FCOS newsletter.
- Monthly Zoom talks from local and worldwide Orchid Experts.
- Opportunities to win beautiful and quality orchids.
- Network with amateur, advanced collectors and commercial growers
- Select invitation to our Holiday Party/Summer Picnic and Auctions.
- Participation in our Annual Central California Coast Orchid Show
- Create orchid displays for The Huntington Botanical Gardens International Orchid Show/The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show.
- Invitation to exclusive FCOS Field-trips to out of town vendors and events.
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Click to download a copy of the FCOS Membership Form.
- Membership dues are $25 per year for an individual or family. $15 after June 1 for the balance of the calendar year.
- Make your check payable to Five Cities Orchid Society, PO Box 1066 Grover Beach, CA 93483.
- Please include your completed membership form with your payment.
- Thank You for becoming a member of the Five Cities Orchid Society.
Payment by Credit Card with an FCOS-BetterWorld Account
If you wish to pay for your membership by credit card, you will need to establish an account with the FCOS processing service BetterWorld. Establishing an FCOS-BetterWorld account will also enable you to participate in FCOS on-line orchid auctions as well as paying for your membership dues. Click here to create an FCOS-BetterWorld account and pay for your membership by credit card.
A Lifetime Individual Membership is available for a one-time donation of $500. Your generous donation enables FCOS to attract quality speakers, create content rich newsletters and most importantly helps finance one of the largest regional orchid shows in the western U.S. You can submit your lifetime membership payment by check using the FCOS Membership Form or by credit card by clicking this link: FCOS-BetterWorld Lifetime Membership Donation of $500.
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FCOS Garage Sale
Send an email to Jeff Parham, Chris Ehrler or Ed Lysek and include an image of your item, a description, price, and your contact info. We'll include your info in our next monthly newsletter if there is space. FCOS assumes no responsibility for payment, taxes, etc. We ask the items be orchid or plant related. FCOS is not taking a commission or participating in any other way.
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Orchids are really great! | | | | |