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from the President’s Potting Bench...
Welcome to the November edition of the Five Cities Orchid Society (FCOS) newsletter! I’m thrilled to have you join us as we dive into another month filled with orchid delights and horticultural adventures.
Save the Date: Annual Meeting & Holiday Party
Mark your calendars for December 14th, because our annual meeting and holiday party at the fabulous Toucan Terrace is not to be missed! Imagine-great company, delicious food, and plenty of orchid talk (obviously).
We will be having a Show & Tell and an Orchid Auction. Yes, that’s right—you can show off your prized orchids and maybe even go home with a few new treasures. It’s the orchid event of the year!
And while we’re celebrating, we’ll also be holding elections for our Executive Board. Positions of the President, Secretary, and Board Members are up for grabs, so if you’ve been thinking about getting more involved (or know someone who’d be perfect for the role), now’s your chance. Just give Lillian Burns a shout if you’re interested in running or nominating someone. Trust me, it’s a fantastic way to be part of the action and help guide our society into an even brighter future.
Oh, and speaking of getting involved—if you’d like to help make the holiday party extra special, please reach out to Michelle Ralston. We’d love your help, and it’s a great way to connect with fellow orchid enthusiasts (plus, who can resist the charm of party planning?).
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.
Lastly, join us for our monthly business meeting via Zoom on the second Tuesday of the month, November 12th at 7 pm. We will talk about upcoming events and future plans for FCOS.
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!
Best regards,
Jeffery Parham
President, Five Cities Orchid Society
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A late blooming Sarcochilus.
Sarcochilus Kulnara Tazer ‘Oh My’ x Sarchochilus Kulnara Opus ‘Vision’
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Oncidium Heaven Scent - from a FCOS purchase in 2019 of seedlings. We offered these in FCOS auctions in the past. Really reliable bloomer. Nicely fragrant! | | |
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The holidays are near,
so let’s gather with cheer,
For the Five Cities Orchid Society’s event of the year.
On December 14th, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., *
At Toucan Terrace, we’ll meet once more.
Bring a dish or dessert, your favorite to share,
With flavors and treats filling the air.
We’ll feast and laugh, with orchids in bloom,
A celebration of joy in every room.
A Show & Tell awaits, bring orchids with pride,
Members will vote, and prizes we’ll decide.
With blooms so bright, and petals so fair,
Which one will win? The vote’s in the air!
We’ll elect new officers, to lead the way,
For the coming year and brighter days.
So cast your vote, make your voice heard,
In our orchid community, united and stirred.
And don’t forget the auction, rare orchids in store,
Donate a plant and watch the bids soar.
Raffles, games, and prizes await,
With door gifts too—it’s a festive date!
So mark the day, and join the fun,
At 955 Terry Ave, where it’s all begun.
Toucan Terrace will shine so bright,
For a holiday bash that’s pure delight!
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The Orchid Conservation Alliance - preserving orchids for future generations.
Mary E. Gerritsen, Ph.D. is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Orchid Conservation Alliance. She is the former Chief Financial Officer, Orchid Conservation Alliance. Former Chair, San Francisco. Orchid Society Conservation Committee. Former President, Peninsula Orchid Society. Board Member, Orchid Digest. Member, Orchid Specialist Group, IUCN. Consulting Professor of Vascular Surgery, Stanford. Independent consultant to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Formerly in senior management at Exelixis, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Genentech and Bayer Pharmaceuticals. Author of several orchid books (Masdevallias, Gems of the Orchid World; Compendium of Miniature Orchid Species (1st and 2nd editions), A Bay Area Guide to Orchids and Their Culture, The American Orchid Society Guide to Orchids and Their Culture) with co-author and photographer, Ron Parsons. Orchid interests: cool and intermediate growing miniature orchids, preservation of orchid habitats.
The Zoom link for Mary Gerrirsen’s presentation at 7PM Pacific Standard Time on Thursday, November 14th is:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82355435739?pwd=bThHazRPekw5cjhnYmNzMlpkTW96dz09
Meeting ID: 823 5543 5739
Passcode: 204435
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Last Month’s Panel Discussion: Growing Tips and Techniques
Last month’s presentation featured a panel discussion by Chris Ehrler, Jeff Parham, Michael Jenne and Chris Howard. Topics included potting media, light, fertilizer, watering and pest control. Indoor orchid growing on windowsills and under lights was discussed along with growing orchids outdoors and under greenhouse conditions. There were a great many useful recommendations made by the panel and if you were unable to attend you should definitely watch the recording or read the transcript.
To view a recording of this discussion:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/0zbL6uvnlgsi_WI4kFIlEnkVvpF7HuislCjIDmOvM4IvmMtCLY2i2S2KAkx5Jph-.1KOerpYVqCx46dNS
Passcode: !Ny+n+4@
A new feature is a transcript of this discussion:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/Ju_W-pPzIXlJRRr0XyemR54ebiHyGDg1am-CJRNpMgOzkAe_R952Sxtx5uDy7onc.gQERbxN_j8i-N1EW
Passcode: !Ny+n+4@
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2025 Events
The 2025 “Events” page has been updated on the FCOS website. Exciting year ahead with 2 in-person meetings, 2 parties, 11 monthly Zoom speakers and Orchid Fest 2025 in June. Click here for details.
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To enhance your understanding of orchids that require a dry winter rest, consider the following infographic:
Title: Orchids Requiring a Dry Winter Rest
1. Understanding Dry Winter Rest:
• Definition: A period during which certain orchids enter dormancy, requiring minimal to no watering to mimic their natural habitat’s dry season.
• Purpose: Supports healthy growth and encourages blooming in the subsequent season.
2. Orchid Species That Need a Dry Winter Rest:
• Dendrobium Species:
• Dendrobium nobile
• Dendrobium bigibbum
• Catasetinae Group:
• Catasetum
• Clowesia
• Cycnoches
• Mormodes
3. Care Guidelines During Dormancy:
• Watering:
• Significantly reduce or cease watering.
• If pseudobulbs or canes begin to shrivel, provide a light misting.
• Fertilization:
• Suspend fertilization during the rest period.
• Lighting:
• Maintain bright, indirect light exposure.
• Temperature:
• Provide cooler nighttime temperatures to simulate natural conditions.
4. Resuming Care Post-Rest:
• Gradually reintroduce watering as new growth appears.
• Resume fertilization to support active growth phases.
For a comprehensive guide on managing dry winter rest for orchids, refer to Ed Lysek’s article, Understanding Dry Winter Rest, available here.
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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.
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What’s Blooming Now - a few photos from our members and friends | |
Laelia perrinii. Grown by Michael Jenné, photographed by Chris Howard. Laelia perrinii is found in Brazil. It is common in the coastal rain forests of Espirito Sactu and Rio de Janiero where it grows on trees and cliff faces between 700 to 900 meters above sea level. It is found growing in the Serra do Mar and in the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains. It likes intermediate temperatures and bright light with good air flow. Blooming occurs in late summer through winter and the flowers are long lasting. | | |
Caulocattleya ‘City Ethyle Paradise’ is a vibrant, eye-catching orchid with bright pinks, purples, and a hint of lime green. Its blooms have ruffled edges, adding just the right amount of flair without being too over-the-top. This hybrid thrives in bright indirect light and warm conditions, making it both beautiful and easygoing. Perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of paradise to their orchid collection! Grown by Ron Hardy, Gig Harbor, WA. | | |
Brassavola ‘Little Stars’ Grown by Ron Hardy, Gig Harbor, WA | | |
Brassovola nodosa ‘Little Stars’ is an easy to grow and bloom orchid. It is highly fragrant at night hence the nickname “Lady of the Night”. It has been used for numerous hybrids and the spade shaped lip is very characteristic of hybrids with B. nodosa in their background. | | |
Eplc. Tiny Magic x Lc. Button Top 'Tomiko' x Epc. Kyoguchi 'M. Sauno' 4n Mutation. I have a number of Sunset Valley Orchids crosses using Epc. Kyoguchi as one of the parents. All have a spicy fragrance and sprays of yellow to orange flowers. This cross is unique in having white sepals and petals and a purple lip. Growing in small bark in a slotted net pot and hanging in a bright area of my greenhouse. For a short video of Epc. Kyoguchi hybrids please click here. Grown by Ed Lysek. | | |
Ctsm. ‘Frilly Doris’ x Ctsm. pilatum ‘Big Boy’ is a Sunset Valley Orchids hybrid. It will begin its leafless dry winter rest at Thanksgiving and watering will resume when new roots are 3 inches long, usually in late April. Lots of water and fertilizer Spring and Summer. Growing in a hanging net pot with medium bark. Grown by Ed Lysek. A division of a plant originally grown by Dan Stocks. | | |
Bulbophyllum guttulatum is an easy to grow Bulbophyllum with good tolerance to winter temperatures in the low 40’sF to summer highs over 90F. Kept constantly moist in a net pot with medium bark in a saucer kept filled with rainwater. Grown by Ed Lysek. | | |
A close up of the intricate flower pattern and subtle coloration of Bulbophyllum guttulatum. Thankfully this Bulbophyllum does not have the characteristic pungent fragrance (odor?) of some of the fly attracting members of this genus. An altogether fun orchid to grow. Grown by Ed Lysek and photographed by Chris Ehrler. | | |
Cattleya (Guarianthe) bowringiana is one of the easiest cattleyas to grow and flower according to Cattleya expert Arthur Chadwick. For an excellent article on how to grow this Central American orchid please click here. Growing in a clay pot filled with medium bark in a bright area of my greenhouse. Grown by Ed Lysek. | | |
If you like C. bowringiana (see previous photo) but would like larger flowers here is a cross of Cattleya bowringiana var. coeruela x Cattleya labiata var. ‘Amena Fonleia’. The plant and flowers are twice the size of its parents. This plant was purchased from Santa Barbara Orchid Estate in 2003 and it has grown into a very large specimen. Growing in a plastic net basket with medium bark. Grown by Ed Lysek. | | |
Cattleya maxima var. semi-alba striata grows on the Pacific side of the Andes mountains of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela. There is a shorter highland type and a taller lowland type according to Arthur Chadwick. For a history and cultural recommendations detailing how to grow this orchid please click here. Grown by Ed Lysek. | | |
Ctsm. Louise Clarke Ctsm. Donna Wise 'Kathleen' AM/AOS Ctsm. Susan Fuchs 'Burgundy Chips' FCC/AOS is another SVO hybrid. These plants become more impressive over the years as pseudobulbs increase in size and number. This is a young plant with a single pseudobulb but still managed to produce a flower spike with 4 amazing flowers. If you sign up for the SVO mailing list you will receive helpful instructions for growing these unusual orchids. Grown by Ed Lysek. | | |
Cattleya bicolor x Cattleya dormaniana. Grown by Michael Jenné, photographed by Chris Howard. | | |
Dryadella simula. Native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru in the lower cloud forests with a pronounced dry season in the summer and fall at 2000 to 3,100 meters in elevation. Grown in a cool greenhouse in a clay pot filled with sphagnum moss. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | | |
Dendrochilum magnum. Grows in the Philippines as a cool growing epiphyte at elevations of 1600 to 2000 meters. Grown in a cool greenhouse in a plastic container filled with a bark and lava rock mixture. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | | |
Close up of Dendrochilum magnum flowers. | | |
Pleurothallis pubescens. Grows in a wide number of countries including the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, French Guiana, Surinam, Venezuela, Santander department of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. This warm to cool growing epiphytic species is found in dense humid forests, at altitudes of 500 to 1900 meters. This orchid is growing in a cool greenhouse in a plastic pot filled with a mixture of bark and lava rock. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | | |
Close up of Pleurothallis pubescens flowers. | | |
Pleurothallis stricta. A cool to cold growing epiphyte found in Colombia and Ecuador at elevations of 1800 to 2500 meters. This orchid is growing mounted to a piece of wood with some sphagnum moss on the roots. It is also being successfully growing in a clay pot filled with a mixture of bark and lava rock. It is growing in a cool greenhouse. This orchid blooms many times each year. Grown by Chris Ehrler. | | |
Side view of a Pleurothallis pubescens flower. | | |
Restrepia cuprea. A warm to cool growing epiphyte found on Colombia’s eastern slopes of the central cordillera at elevations of 1,600 to 1,700 meters. This orchid is growing in a clay pot that is filled with sphagnum moss. It also is being grown mounted to a piece of wood with some moss covering the root. Grown in a cool greenhouse. | | |
Side view of a Restrepia cuprea flower. | | |
Vanda Pachung Blue is a complex hybrid with 63% V. coeruela in its background giving this orchid broad temperature tolerance. Growing in my greenhouse bare root with the roots dangling inside large clay pot creating a humid environment around the root zone. Originally a one foot tall plant, it is now 5 ft tall and blooms twice per year and the flowers last well over a month. Ed Lysek | | |
Miltonia clowesi is tolerant of warmer temperatures than the more familiar Miltanopsis pansy orchids which prefer cool growing conditions. Mounted on an oak branch and watered or misted daily spring and summer. Ed Lysek | | |
Phalaenopsis hainanensis, grown by Michael Jenné, photographed by Chris Howard.
Phalaenopsis hainanensis is a rare and elegant orchid species native to the island of Hainan, China. It features graceful, arching flower spikes with delicate blooms that are typically pale pink to creamy white, each adorned with a distinctive maroon to deep purple lip. The flowers exude a subtle charm with their simple, yet refined appearance. The plant has glossy, dark green leaves that form a compact rosette, adding to its overall allure. Phalaenopsis hainanensis prefers warm, humid conditions and low to moderate light, making it a stunning addition to any collection.
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Cattleya bicolor x Cattleya dormaniana is a hybrid orchid known for its striking and exotic appearance. This hybrid typically exhibits the rich colors and strong, waxy texture of Cattleya bicolor, combined with the unique shape and compact growth habit of Cattleya dormaniana. The blooms often feature a combination of earthy tones, such as deep greens or browns, highlighted with vibrant purples, maroons, or magentas on the lip. The flowers are fragrant and long-lasting, making this hybrid a beautiful and aromatic addition to any orchid enthusiast’s collection. It thrives in bright, indirect light and enjoys a warm to intermediate growing environment.
Grown by Michael Jenné, photographed by Chris Howard.
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Cymbidium tracyanum, grown by Michael Jenné, photographs by Chris Howard.
Cymbidium tracyanum, also known as the “Tiger Orchid,” is a striking, terrestrial or epiphytic orchid species from the Himalayas and surrounding regions. It features gracefully arching flower spikes adorned with large, fragrant blooms. The flowers are typically yellow to greenish with prominent dark maroon stripes, resembling a tiger’s pattern, and have a distinctive, waxy texture. The lip is adorned with ruffled, vibrant markings that add to the orchid’s intricate beauty. This species blooms in late autumn to winter, filling the air with a delightful, spicy fragrance.
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Aerangis rhodosticta, grown by Michael Jenné,
Photographed by Chris Howard.
Aerangis rhodosticta is a charming, epiphytic orchid species native to East Africa. It produces elegant, arching spikes adorned with small, star-shaped, white flowers, each accentuated by a vivid red or orange column that adds a pop of color. The blooms are arranged gracefully and release a delicate, sweet fragrance, especially in the evening. Known for its long-lasting flowers and compact growth habit, this orchid thrives in warm, humid environments with dappled light, making it a stunning choice for any orchid enthusiast’s collection.
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Halloween is a good time to remember as you bring orchids indoors from their backyard or patio summer vacation you may also bring hitch-hiking pests and diseases with them. This excellent article by Sue Bottom of the St. Augustine Orchid Society is a great reference for effective pest and disease control. Click here for Sue’s article. | |
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A Big Thank You to The Planted Parlour for a Blooming Good Time!
What a weekend! The mini Orchid Show at The Planted Parlour in Grover Beach on October 19th was an absolute floral frenzy! A huge thank you goes out to everyone who brought their stunning orchids to be a part of the display. You really made the shop look like a tropical jungle (minus the mosquitoes). Extra special thanks to our orchid experts extraordinaire, Anne Bachmann, Ed Lysek and Chris Ehrler, for their endless dedication, orchid wisdom, and for talking orchids non-stop with all the curious customers. You were all blooming brilliant!
Now, before you think the orchid fun is over—guess what? They’ve still got orchids! While all the Laelias and Cattleyas have strutted out of the shop, don’t worry, they’ve still got plenty of Dendrobiums, Paphiopedilums and Oncidiums just waiting to find new homes.
The Planted Parlour isn’t just about pretty blooms—they’ve got all the orchid supplies you need to keep your beauties thriving. Let’s show them some love! Swing by, check out the orchids, grab your growing gear, and support a business that truly supports us, the Five Cities Orchid Society. They’re not just a store—they’re partners in making sure our orchids and our passion for them continue to grow!
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Cal-Orchid's Fabulous Fall Open House
November 1, 2 & 3, 2024
9 am to 4 pm, Friday & Saturday
9 am to 3 pm, Sunday
It is time again for our fabulous Fall Open House, always held the first weekend of November.
Stop by and browse our diverse inventory from exciting species to the latest hybrids. There's something for you on our benches, whether you are a novice or a seasoned grower!
No appointment needed on the sale weekend.
PARKING
Car-pooling is strongly encouraged. As always, parking is going to be tight. HOA rules are that there is NO PARKING on the main stretch of Orchid Drive. Use the side streets.
Come and have fun at our Fall Open House!!
Rio says: Don't forget Daylight Saving Time ends Nov 3, so turn your clocks back an hour Saturday night!
Questions?
Give us a call @
(805) 967-1312
or email us at
CALORCHID@cox.net
1251 Orchid Dr.
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
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Santa Barbara Orchid Estate
Fall Open House & Silent Auction
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
November 1, 2 & 3
2024
Dear Orchid Friends,
Join us this Friday - Sunday, November 1-3 for our Fall Open House or join us virtually through our Silent Auction featuring highlights from our larger collection.
Open House
Friday, November 1st - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday, November 2nd - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday (Daylight Savings Time Ends), November 3rd - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Fall is the season of Laelia anceps, Cattleyas bicolor, labiata, and pumila, Barkeria, Stenoglottis … plus their hybrids to extend their bloom time and color range. We have established divisions of many other species and hybrids - most not offered for several years.
Silent Auction
For collectors, our 2024 Silent Auction Plant List and Bidding Form with 24 items are both available as PDFs from the home page of our website: sborchid.com Bidding closes at 3:00 pm PST on Sunday, November 3, 2024. This year's Silent Auction includes 9 undivided seedlings, 2 last-plant divisions, 19 Cattleya Alliance plants, 2 Vandas, 2 flasks, 2 Australian Dendrobiums, and 3 (possibly 4) awarded plants.
Come spend a beautiful Fall day in Santa Barbara. We’re happy to recommend our favorite restaurants and local activities... or just relax in a comfy chair on our central lawn.
Santa Barbara Orchid Estate
1250 Orchid Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(From the 101 take Patterson Avenue towards the ocean.)
(805) 967-1284
sboe@sborchid.com
sborchid.com
Other Days to Visit Santa Barbara Orchid Estate
Our usual hours are:
Fridays – 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Saturdays – 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Appointments are not required but before traveling a far distance we recommend confirming our current hours and that we are open by contacting us sboe@sborchid.com / 805-967-1284 or by checking our website sborchid.com.
We look forward to seeing you this weekend or whenever you are passing through Santa Barbara on a Friday or Saturday!
Happy Growing,
Santa Barbara Orchid Estate
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Did I pay my FCOS 2024 Membership? CLICK HERE to see if your name is on our Paid Members List. Thank you for all who have paid their 2024 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! | | | | |