Next meeting: Wednesday, September 1

Speaker: Jim Roberts

Topic: Summertime and the Growin’ is Easy

Jim Roberts, owner of Florida SunCoast Orchids, is a leader in the growing orchid industry of Florida, operating throughout the state of Florida as well as supporting national market demands.

He has been growing orchids for more than 25 years, in climates ranging from cold Minnesota to hot SW Florida (Jim moved to our region in 2001). He has traveled extensively in search of orchid treasures to Hawaii, South America, and Europe, seeking the plants that will grow and bloom best for his clients.

Jim has had careers in mortgage banking, retail management, teaching, and music. He now leads Florida SunCoast Orchids in its quest to become one of the prime growers and suppliers to the retail hobbyist market for quality orchid plant selections. The company “crew” is his wife Mary and their children, who regularly help out with the daily chores of watering, cleaning, and repotting.