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May 2024 Newsletter

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…..



Hello Orchid Lovers!


Spring has arrived with a warm embrace, and our orchids are reveling in the season's energy, bursting forth with exuberant growth and anticipation! Witnessing fresh roots unfurling on my plants brings me immense joy. Moreover, the numerous spikes on my Sarcochilus orchids are reaching upward, eagerly awaiting their May blossoms. I am anticipating the breathtaking spectacle they will present!


Reflecting on April


Last month was bustling with activities at the Five Cities Orchid Society (FCOS). We had the pleasure of helping Cal Coast Orchids at the CCGA scholarship event at Nipomo High School. It was a fantastic opportunity to talk orchids and meet many new people.


Our virtual meeting was a highlight, with Peter Lin enlightening us about the best plants for outdoor growth here on the California coast. Additionally, our workshop at the Planted Parlour, "Discover Your Roots," was a success. Special thanks to Michelle Ralston, Chris Howard, and Lisa Caesar for their expert guidance. To all our new members, welcome! I’m thrilled you’ve joined our vibrant community.


Upcoming Events and Opportunities:


We’re thrilled to announce a field trip to Joe Ambritz’s Kingdom of Plants on May 4, 2024. We will travel to his nursery in Carpinteria. Joe has a huge selection of blooming orchids, succulents and other plants for sale. Carpooling is encouraged!


Orchidtalk with Ron Parsons: Don’t miss out on this month’s OrchidTalk on May 9, 2024 at 7 pm, featuring Ron Parsons who will speak on Orchids of Madagascar.


Join us at the Faerie festival on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024 from 10 AM to 3 PM at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens. We will be offering gifts for Mother’s Day. Come and dress up, wear your wings!


Mark Your Calendars for June


Our annual potluck and orchid auction is set for June 15, 2024, from 12:30 to 3:30 PM. Details and RSVP information can be found in the SignUp Genius link provided in the newsletter.


Friendly Reminders


Please remember to join or renew your membership if you haven't done so already. Your dues help us keep our society thriving with these fantastic events and more.


The Five Cities Orchid Society (FCOS) thrives on collaboration and camaraderie, so I encourage all members to share with us pictures and videos of your orchids and grow areas, 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.


Stay Connected


Our newsletter remains your go-to resource for the Zoom link to our upcoming OrchidTalks, recordings of past talks, member photos, articles, videos, field trip opportunities, buying, selling and trading orchids and much more. FCOS has a strong presence on Facebook, Instagram and a Youtube Channel with videos submitted by our members. It's all about staying connected and sharing our passion for orchids.


We are excited to announce the creation of a “Members ONLY” FCOS Membership Roster that allows you to voluntarily opt into exclusive networking opportunities. This roster will provide a link accessible only to members, offering a platform for connecting and expanding your network within the FCOS community. Join us in taking advantage of this valuable resource to enhance your professional relationships and collaborations.


So let’s keep our spirits high and our orchids thriving. Here's to another month of growth, learning, and community!


Stay rooted in joy and keep blossoming!


Jeff Parham

President, FCOS

Sign up for the FCOS Membership Roster

Ron Parsons


Orchids of Madagascar


Thursday, May 9, 2024

7:00 PM 8:00 PM


Join Ron on an orchid exploration of Madagascar. Ron always provides amazing photographs and lively commentary wherever he journeys in the world to photograph orchids.


Ron Parsons is considered by many to be one of the finest flower photographers in the United States. His photography and encyclopedic knowledge of orchids is known both nationally and internationally. He has been photographing orchids, wildflowers, and almost every other kind of plant for over 25 years, and he has taken thousands of photos of orchids, wildflowers and other rare plants. Visit Ron's Picasa photography site for a more complete collection of his photographs.


Ron Parsons has been growing orchids for more than 40 years and has been interested in and has grown species for most of that time. Ron loves to photograph orchids and other flowers whenever he can, whether it be in trips to see them in nature or in collections. Ron has nearly 60,000 digital images, most of which are orchids, and still retains a slide library that exceeds 100,000 botanical images. He has over 3,000 published photos that have appeared in magazines, periodicals, journals and books. Ron has co-authored three botanical books, all with Mary Gerritsen. The first two, published by Timber Press, are Masdevallias, Gems of the Orchid World; Calochortus, Mariposa Lilies and their Relatives. Most recently the third book, a large, luxurious 2-volume set A Compendium of Miniature Orchid Species was published by RedFern Natural History Productions. The latter has nearly 1200 pages, 1800 photographs and features more than 500 species.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82355435739?pwd=bThHazRPekw5cjhnYmNzMlpkTW96dz09

Meeting ID: 823 5543 5739

Passcode: 204435

LAST MONTHS ORCHIDTALKS



Peter Lin of Diamond Orchids gave a Zoom presentation entitled “Orchids Alfresco - Best Orchid to Grow Outside” to the FCOS group at their April meeting. Orchids that are grown outside should be both heat and/or cold tolerant (depending on where you live), wind and dry tolerant, and both sturdy and vigorous. In other words, they need to be able to withstand changing environments. Peter then presented a number of photos of species and some hybrids that can be grown outside, again depending on where you live.


The species included were at least the following:

  • Laelia anceps
  • Laelia albida
  • Laelia gouldiana
  • Laelia jongheana
  • Laelia pumila
  • Laelia purpurata
  • Cattleya intermedia
  • Cattleya aurantiaca
  • Sophronitis coccinea
  • Rhyncholaelia digbyana
  • Rhyncholaelia glauca
  • Encyclia tampensis
  • Encyclia mariae
  • Encyclia citrina
  • Epidendrum porpax
  • Epidendrum parkinsonianum
  • Encyclia cocyleta
  • Dendrobium nobile
  • Dendrobium kingianum
  • Dendrobium speciosa
  • Dendrobium tetragonum
  • Dendrobium linguiforme
  • Dendrobium cucumerinum
  • Dendrobium toressae
  • Dockrillia teretifolium
  • Neofinetia falcata
  • Vanda tricolor
  • Vanda cristata
  • Vanda coerulea
  • Sarcochilus hartmanii
  • Sarcochilus falcatus
  • Sarcochilus cecleae
  • Sobralia macrantha
  • Mystacidium capense
  • Mystacidium venosum
  • Zygopetalum mackayi


Some outdoor growing tips included:


  • Area needs lots of filtered light and Peter suggested 60-70% shade cloth
  • Provide a hard cover so you can control the amount of water that the orchids receive
  • Protect from the wind
  • Keep orchids on the dryer side during cold weather
  • Repot and divide as needed
  • Watch for pests
  • Keep plants clean of dead leaves and flowers


Peter suggested using pure water for your orchids. He uses ½ teaspoon of am MSU-type fertilizer per gallon of water.


If you missed this Aprils’ OrchidTalk, you have another opportunity to view this program


Go to our Zoom recording. This link is only available for the month of May.


https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/AQd4zVEPAMxf576woPmpRMQjbqpYgP6qs-a3uW_SXMcGVyDlLi1I-bZGeUfb9kWs.CMba2lh9TnA2GuFu


Passcode: pf3VB$h!

Join Us on Star Wars Day!


A FCOS Field Trip to Ambriz Kingdom of Plants


Saturday, May 4, 2024

10:30 AM-1;00 pm


Ambriz Kingdom of Plants

4998 Foothill Road Carpinteria, CA, 93013 United States (for a map please click here or go to the FCOS.org Events page.)


Join us for a fun filled day in Carpenteria. Joe Ambriz always has an amazing collection of orchids, succulents and air plants, all at very reasonable prices.


Joe is preparing for our arrival and will have plants from Sunset Valley Orchids, a special seedling sale, divisions of Dendrobium speciosum and many other orchids, succulents and plants to choose from.


Lunch will undoubtedly be at the Padaro Grill followed by a visit to one or more additional orchid growers in the area.


RSVP

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094BA8A822A6FCC52-49015236-field


May the 4th

Be With Us!

Greetings from the Glasshouses,


The Cal Poly Plant Conservatory is having a HUGE clearance sale in preparation for summer. We have massive houseplants, overgrown specimens, and lots and lots of random plants to choose from. Most of these plants have just gotten too big to use for the teaching collection, or we don’t have room in the greenhouses for them. Some are from classes doing propagation projects throughout the past year as well, so there are lots of different sizes to choose from.


Come by to browse through and buy succulents, orchids, tropicals, outdoor landscape plants, and more. All proceeds go directly to supporting the conservatory and its students as well, so you can purchase with a confidence that your money is well-spent.


The plants are priced to SELL! Show up expecting to walk away with some great, unique plants at bargain prices.


The display greenhouses will be open for you to wander through if you need a break from all the good deals!


Saturday and Sunday, May 4 & 5, 10-2pm!


Parking is free during the weekend, and the best spots to park are in the H4 lots. More info on parking locations can be found at Cal Poly Parking Just scroll to find the H-4 lots, which are at the corner of Village Dr. and N. Perimeter Rd.

What’s Blooming Now - a few photos from our members and friends

Dendrobium Aussie Bounty (Bardo Rose x falcorostrum). Growing in bark outside in Los Osos, CA. Grown by Jeff Parham.

Zga Kudos ‘Purity’ x Zga Balis Mist ‘Grassy’. I have been growing this plant outside in full sun and it has formed an inflorescence with multiple flowers. It’s pleasantly fragrant. I got this at our orchid show on Feb 3 and it’s blooming 2 months later. Grown by Jeff Parham.

Sarcochilus Kulnura Intensity x Sarcochilus Kulnura Drive 4 Black.

It’s Sarcochilus season and most of my plants are throwing out spikes. Many plants have multiple spikes and have a few weeks yet to mature before they are fully open. Growing in bark in a netted pot with a wick and placed a closed outer ceramic pot. These are growing year around, outside, in Los Osos, CA. Grown by Jeff Parham.

Dendrobium Victorian Jazz.

1st time blooming seedling from Sunset Vallry Orchids. Grown under lights in a shade house in Los Osos by Jeff Parham.

SVO 7466. Eplc. Magic Wand (Lc. Trick or Treat 'SVO' 4n x Epc. Kyoguchi 'Peter's Pick’). This is a great hybrid, and the robust plants grow and bloom well under any conditions. The yellow to gold flowers have red-striped lips, and the inflorescences are branched with many 1.25” blooms. Best of all, these are fragrant - yes, fragrant flowers! This is a great non-traditional hybrid. Flower color ranges from yellow to orange, with red-striped lips. Growing in hanging wood backet, lined with coconut fiber and filled with bark. For a short YouTube video about this orchid please click HERE.

Epidendrum porphyreum (The Purple Epidendrum). Found in Colombia and Ecuador in very wet montane forests at elevations of 1800 to 3900 meters as a medium to large sized, cool to cold growing epiphyte or terrestrial on steep embankments. The plant does well in full sun in Los Osos, it has 3 new leads with developing terminal flowers and should be quite showy in the next few months. Grown by Jeff Parham.

Zygopetalum Fandango. I purchased this at OrchidFest 2023 at the SLO botanical gardens. It was in full flower and had six spikes. I have grown it outside in the front yard in full sun here in Los Osos. It bloomed with six spikes and many blooms. It’s a fantastic plant!

Epidendrum parviflorum is a small-flowered reed-stemmed Epidendrum orchid found in the montane tropical wet forests of Bolivia (including Cochabamba), Ecuador, and Amazonas, Peru.

Grown under LED lights by Jeff Parham.

Cymbidium Lillian Fujimoto 'New Horizon' x Memoria Amelia Earhart 'Elizabeth Hatfield'. Grown outside in a plastic pot filled with a mixture of bark and lava rock. Hangs under a wood lath shade cover. Had 14 spikes this year. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Cymbidium Pia Borg 'Flash' spike.

Cymbidium Lillian Fujimoto 'New Horizon' x Memoria Amelia Earhart 'Elizabeth Hatfield'

Cymbidium Pia Borg 'Flash'. Grown outside in a plastic pot filled with a mixture of bark and lava rock. Pot is under a wood lath shade cover. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Closeup of Cymbidium Sydney Harbor 'Sunrise' x C. devonianum 'Coburg' flower. Grown outside in a plastic pot filled with a mixture of bark and lava rock. Hangs under a wood lath shade cover. Had 7 spikes this year.Grown by Chris Ehrler.

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. The pot is hanging in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Cymbidium Sydney Harbor 'Sunrise' x C. devonianum 'Coburg'.

Closeup of Dracula barrowii 'Kathy' AM-AOS flower.

Masdevallia caudata. A cool to cold growing epiphyte found in Colombia and western Venezuela at altitudes of 1,800 to 3,300 meters. This orchid is growing in a cool greenhouse in a clay pot filled with sphagnum moss.

Masdevallia Golden Monarch. Is a hybrid between Masdevallia Golden Angel x Masdevallia Monarch. It was registered by Golden Gate in 2000. Which means that it consists of Masdevallia veichiana (50%) + Masdevallia macrua (25%) + Masdevallia caudata (13%) + Masdevallia triangularis (13%). Growing in a cool greenhouse in a clay pot filled with a mixture of bark and lava rock. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of Masdevallia caudata flower.

Closeup of Masdevallia caudata flower.

Side view of Masdevallia Golden Monarch. flower.

Front view of Masdevallia lappifera flower.

Front view of Masdevallia Red Wing flower. Is a primary hybrid between Masdevallia infracta and Masdevallia coccinea. M. infracta is a cool growing epiphyte found in Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru, while M. coccinea is a cold growing terrestrial found in Colombia at elevation of 2,400 to 3,000 meters. Growing in a cool greenhouse in a clay pot filled with a sphagnum moss. Grown by Chris Ehrler.


Closeup of Maxillaria minuta flower.

Closeup of Sarcochilus hartmanii flowers. Grows natively in eastern Australia as a cool to hot lithophytic and sometimes epiphytic species found at elevations up to 1000 meters. This orchid grows year round outside under lath covered area. When this plant needs repotting, I have just added a larger pot to capture the aerial roots that were growing outside the pot it is outgrowing. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Closeup of Sarchochilus Kulnura Sweetie 'Em Style' x S. (Cherrie Dawn x Kulnura Ripple) 'Tipped'. flower. There is some variation in the amount of spotting on the flowers as you can see by comparing this flower with those on the photo on the right of an inflorescence.

Encyclia edithiana (grown in greenhouse). Grown in Guadalupe, CA by Michael Jenné, photograph by Chris Howard.

Paphiopedilum callosum var. thailandicum (greenhouse grown).

Grown in Guadalupe, CA by Michael Jenné, photograph by Chris Howard.

Paphiopedilum sukhakulii. (greenhouse grown). Grown in Guadalupe, CA by Michael Jenné, photograph by Chris Howard.

Cymbidium /NOID. Grown in Guadalupe, CA by Michael Jenné, photograph by Chris Howard.

Vanda lameliata (greenhouse grown). Grown in Guadalupe, CA by Michael Jenné, photograph by Chris Howard.

Cattleya skinneri var. coerulescens 'Orchidglade' (greenhouse grown). Grown in Guadalupe, CA by Michael Jenné, photograph by Chris Howard.

Closeup of Masdevallia Golden Monarch flower.

Side view of Masdevallia lappifera flower. Grows natively in Ecuador as a cool growing epiphyte at an elevation of 1,200 meters. Growing in a cool greenhouse in a clay pot filled with a sphagnum moss. Grown by Chris Ehrler.


Side view of Masdevallia Red Wing.

Maxillaria minuta. Orchids.org currently accepted name is M. pumilla. M. pumila is described in orchidspecies.com as a hot growing epiphyte occurring in Brazil and Guianas. But the orchid in the photo is growing and flowering well in a cool greenhouse. Mounted on a piece of cork oak with some moss on the roots. Grown by Chris Ehrler.


Miltoniopsis hybrid. Growing in a plastic pot filled with sphagnum moss. Pot is in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

This Sarcochilus hartmanii plant had 41 spikes this year.

Sarchochilus Kulnura Sweetie 'Em Style' x S. (Cherrie Dawn x Kulnura Ripple) 'Tipped'. Growing outside under wood lath shade cover. Planted in a plastic pot filled with a bark and lava rock mixture. Orchid purchased a number of years ago from Sunset Valley Orchids. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Renanthera matutina (greenhouse grown - plant from Santa Barbara Orchid Estate). Grown in Guadalupe, CA by Michael Jenné, photograph by Chris Howard.

Dendrobium farmeri. Greenhouse grown in Guadalupe, CA by Michael Jenné, photograph by Chris Howard.

Cymorkis unicata. Grown in Guadalupe, CA by Michael Jenné, photograph by Chris Howard.

Phaleanopsis Valley Dew. Grown in Guadalupe, CA by Michael Jenné, photograph by Chris Howard.

Dendrobium thrysifolium. Grown in Guadalupe, CA by Michael Jenné, photograph by Chris Howard.

Lc Casitas Spring ‘Linden” AM/AOS. Grown in a greenhouse in Nipomo, CA., by Eric Holenda.

Catt intermedia: native to southern Brazil, it endures heat and chilly temperatures. One of the easier Cattleya species to grow. Grown in a greenhouse in Nipomo, CA., by Eric Holenda

These Phaleanopsis were all rescued from Costco.

Grown in a greenhouse in Nipomo, CA., by Eric Holenda.

Cymbidium aloifolium: I love it — I grow it in my greenhouse. Does not require cool temps to flower, as standard Cyms do. Grown in a greenhouse in Nipomo, CA., by Eric Holenda.

C. Intermedia closeup of the flower. Grown in a greenhouse in Nipomo,CA., by Eric Holenda

Miltoniopsis no name: For success with these, they like Springlike temperatures, abundant water while growing, and FRESH POTTING MIX. Grown in a greenhouse in Nipomo, CA., by Eric Holenda.

Slc Virginia Dickey x Pot Star Fire. Grown in a greenhouse in Nipomo, CA., by Eric Holenda.

Pot Little Toshie x Lc Luminosa. Grown in a greenhouse in Nipomo, CA., by Eric Holenda.

Paph no name: A Cal-Coast Orchids left over from the 2023 Orchidfest at SLOBG. Wish I had it's name as it is a good flower. Grown in a greenhouse in Nipomo, CA., by Eric Holenda.

Catt intermedia x ( L. anceps x Lc Florence Lin). Grown in a greenhouse in Nipomo, CA., by Eric Holenda.

Dendrobium kingianum ‘Betsy’ HCC/AOS: Chris Ehrler has been sharing pieces of this choice clone. Not only is it special because of the striations in the petals, but I find each growth will produce 2 or 3 spikes at once, and the flowers last much longer than a typical kingianum. Grown in a greenhouse in Nipomo, CA., by Eric Holenda

Dracula chimaera. Grown in Guadalupe, CA by Michael Jenné, photograph by Chris Howard.

Grc. Black Comet 'Norman's Indigo’ - I always liked Prosthechea cocleata and when Norman Fang of Norman’s Orchids announced he had crossed this with G. bowringiana to produce a dark purple hybrid I had to try growing it. My two plants are flowering and they are amazing. Easy to grow and colorful. Please click on the Norman’s Orchids link for a detailed description of this hybrid. Grown by Ed Lysek.

This 'unnamed' Cymbidium is a gorgeous, pure yellow.

We picked it up at the club party a few years ago. I like to look at it from the top to see the spikes all around. There are actually 2 more little spikes poking up. It is about due for a repotting. It is fed and watered with all the other outdoors plants. Grown by Judy Scheithauer.

These 3 Phals. live together in my greenhouse. None of them have a given name. Just “Phal”. They are very easy to take care of all year. Just feed and water them with all of my other plants. Grown by Judy Scheithauer

Featured Video

Featured Articles

State of the World’s Orchids

Discover Your Roots


The velamen is a specialized structure found in the roots of orchid plants, serving crucial functions in their unique biology. Orchid roots, unlike those of many other plants, possess several distinctive features that contribute to their remarkable adaptability and survival in diverse environments.


Anatomy and Morphology of Orchid Roots:

Orchid roots typically consist of several layers, with the outermost layer being the velamen. The velamen is a spongy, highly porous tissue composed of dead cells arranged in multiple layers, resembling a protective sheath around the inner root tissues. This velamen layer plays pivotal roles in water and nutrient uptake, as well as providing mechanical support and protection against desiccation and pathogens^[1]^. Beneath the velamen lies the cortex, which contains living cells involved in nutrient storage and transport. The innermost layer of orchid roots, the stele, houses the vascular tissues responsible for transporting water, nutrients, and hormones throughout the plant^[3]^.


Functions of the Velamen

  • Water Absorption: The velamen acts like a sponge, absorbing water rapidly during rainfall. This capability is crucial for epiphytic orchids which might only have intermittent access to water. Care at home should mimic these conditions, with thorough soaking and drying cycles.
  • Protection: The velamen also protects from physical damage and temperature fluctuations. Handling during repotting should be gentle to avoid damage to this layer, which can make the inner roots vulnerable to diseases.
  • Nutrient Capture: In natural settings, the velamen helps capture nutrients that wash over the roots. Home care should include the use of balanced orchid-specific fertilizers during the growth season.
  • Photosynthesis: Some orchids' velamen can perform photosynthesis, though less efficiently than leaves, providing supplementary energy if leaves are compromised.


Biology, Chemistry, and Evolution of Orchid Roots:


Orchid roots exhibit remarkable adaptations that reflect their unique biology and evolutionary history. These include forming symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi which are crucial for nutrient acquisition^[4]^, and producing various phytochemicals that contribute to their interactions with these fungi, resistance to pathogens, and environmental stressors^[5]^.

Evolutionarily, orchid roots have adapted to diverse habitats, developing specialized structures for aerial, lithophytic, or terrestrial lifestyles^[6]^.

Practical Care Tips

  • Watering: Emulate natural watering cycles—soak thoroughly and allow to dry.
  • Potting Mix: Use a well-draining mix that mimics the airy environments of epiphytic orchids.
  • Fertilization: Apply a diluted, balanced fertilizer appropriate for orchids


Conclusion

The biology, chemistry, and evolution of orchid roots exemplify the remarkable diversity and adaptability of this fascinating plant family, underscoring their importance in both natural ecosystems and horticulture.


References:

  1. Rasmussen, H. N. (1995). Terrestrial Orchids: From Seed to Mycotrophic Plant. Cambridge University Press.
  2. Arditti, J. (1992). Fundamentals of Orchid Biology. John Wiley & Sons.
  3. Lüttge, U. (2008). Plant Ecology: Life at the Green Surface. Springer Science & Business Media.
  4. Smith, S. E., & Read, D. J. (2008). Mycorrhizal Symbiosis. Academic Press.
  5. Schiestl, F. P. (2015). Ecology and Evolution of Floral Volatile-Mediated Information Transfer in Plants. New Phytologist, 206(2), 571–577.
  6. Arditti, J., & Ghani, A. K. A. (2000). Numerical and Physical Properties of Orchid Seeds and Their Biological Implications. New Phytologist, 145(3), 367–421.


Compiled by Jeffery S. Parham

RSVP HERE

Lawn Alternatives and Landscape Design

On Sunday, May 19 from 2-4 p.m., join the Los Osos Valley Garden Club for a presentation about what to plant to replace your lawn—and why you should. (It’s about more than just water use!) Olwyn Kingery will explain the basics of landscape design and how to imagine a new garden space. Kingery is a master gardener, landscape architect and horse trainer. She lives in North County with her family and is currently developing her new farm which will accommodate a therapy-based program where special needs and traumatized youth can experience and learn about animals, regenerative gardens, and themselves.

The presentation will follow a member talk on “Plant Propagation” presented by Don Shealy and Wendy McKeown.

The Los Osos Valley Garden Club is a 501c3 nonprofit. The meeting will be held at First Baptist Church of Los Osos, 1900 Los Osos Valley Road, in Los Osos (cross street Lariat Drive). There is no fee to attend, and reservations are not required. If you have any questions, email club President, Wendy McKeown at info@lovgardenclub.org .

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


  • 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.
  • Click to download a copy of the FCOS Membership Form.
  • Membership dues are $30 per year for an individual or family. $15 after July 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.

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.



I have s bunch of used PVC pipe if anyone could is use it contsct me. -Jeff

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Five Cities Orchid Society 2024 Board of Directors

(Click on name to contact by email)


Jeff Parham, President


Ed Lysek, Vice President


Eric Holenda,Treasurer


Michelle Ralston, Secretary


Chris Howard, Anne Bachmann & Lillian Burns, Directors at Large


Linda Hauss, AOS Liaison


Jeff Parham, Show Chairman



Chris Ehrler, Past President

Orchids are really great!