The VAOS is one of the largest and most active orchid societies on the west coast of Florida with close to 300 members. Membership is open to anyone interested in orchids. Membership benefits include:
Monthly Meetings: Join us for our regular monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm at the Venice Community Center. We start with a brief business meeting and announcements of upcoming events, following by the speaker presentation, refreshments, plant table presentation and raffle. Bring your blooming plants for judging and ribbon awards. The speaker will often bring plants for sale at our meetings.
VAOS Growers Clinic: In addition to our monthly meetings VAOS hosts the popular Growers Clinic on the second Thursday of each month, 7pm, at the Venice Community Center. Led by one of our most experienced members, Jim Thomas, the clinic provides an excellent opportunity for new growers to learn the basics of orchid growing culture in our area. Members bring in plants to get cultural advice or to get help with problem plants. Monthly topics include repotting demonstrations, mounting demonstrations, pests and diseases, wintertime preparations, internet website resources, and other topics suggested by participants.
VAOS Mentor Program: New members may sign up for the VAOS Mentor Program that pairs beginner growers with experienced growers to learn basic orchid growing skills such as watering, potting, sun exposure, pest control and fertilization. Mentors typically discuss growing techniques, answer questions, provide resources for printed and internet information and offer support and encouragement.
VAOS Newsletter: Members receive our newsletter “VAOS News” eleven times a year via email. This professionally produced full color newsletter is packed with useful information including orchid culture supplements.
New members receive the VAOS Orchid Resource Guide and 6 free raffle tickets when they attend their first meeting. Join us for our annual bus trip to the Redlands Orchid Festival, our annual holiday party, orchid plant sales and auctions and participate at our annual show and sale.
Membership is $20.00 per household per year. Complete the Membership Application and mail with your check to:
VAOS, P.O. Box 443, Venice, FL 34284
For more information contact our Membership Director at memb@vaos.org