A Message from Your President:

What a delightful presentation we had at our last meeting by Bill and Susan Fender, entitled, “Orchids have Parents Too!” For those who

missed the event, I will mention some great one-liners and insights that Bill shared.

“The pollination of orchid plants can be very erotic – read about it.” To this end, I picked up the March 2011 issue of the American

Orchid Society (AOS) monthly magazine. They have a fascinating article on the “wonder of windows” – how the phragmipedium

forcing them to move throughout the orchid (prolonged foreplay?) – so they, indeed, pick up the pollen on their heads

and go out the “window” of the orchid. He also said, “Orchids definitely have their kinky side. Some orchids can be great mothers

especially when they use three different men. Others are sometimes the mother of a plant – and at the same time, a father of another plant!” This was Bill’s way to emphasize that certain orchids have a reputation of being excellent partners in creating some of the gorgeous new hybrids that he and others invent.

His last insight: “But, most surprising, it takes 25 years to see if the parent is a good parent – creating a family of kids, and grandkids that are sturdy and long lasting.” Then Bill and Susan showed us some of their inventions–strong, stocky plants with many flowers–which, indeed, have

become most desired for many orchid hobbyists. On another note, I’ve recently telephoned many of our new members. I’m

so glad that many of you have enjoyed our Monthly Growers Meeting, a week after our regular meeting, to talk

to Jeff Higel, a local expert, to improve your growing techniques. Many of you have also visited our website (www.vaos.org)

to learn more and to keep up with our society. We also have planned many upcoming events to help you be a success — so

mark your calendar. We’ll have a Silent Auction (May 4), a special bus trip to the fantastic Redland Orchid Festival (May

14), and hopefully a local tour of members gardens and growing.  Our presenter at the April 6th meeting, Phillip Hamilton

is an expert on “Phalaenopsis”. If you are a snowbird this is a great plant. You can hang it under a tree when you leave and when

you return, it will bloom for your entire stay in Venice. For many new growers, this is the easiest plant to grow, so you

may want to empty your piggy bank before you come to this meeting!

–Cynthia Vance