November 6 Mtg - Become an 80 Percentile Grower
Fred Clarke, Sunset Valley Orchids
    Fred will talk about growing orchids, how 80% of your success is a result of providing the right light, water, temperature for your orchids and repotting them at the proper time. Everything else, like the fertilizer, snake oils, etc. translates into the final 20% of your success. Fred talks to our club every year or two and always brings fabulous catasetums, cattleyas and Australian dendrobiums. You can get a 10% discount on preorders from his website.
        Bring your flowering orchids to exhibit on the Show Table. We will have our normal raffle at the end of the meeting. Friends and guests are always welcome!

Date and Time:   Tuesday, November 6, 6:30 pm
Where:   Watson Realty, Conference Room by Back Parking Lot
3505 US 1 South, St. Augustine

We normally meet on the first Tuesday of each month. January and July meetings are often rescheduled to accommodate the holidays. The meeting begins with a plant sale followed by a review of the show table plants and presentation by an orchid expert. The meeting closes with a plant raffle where members can expand their collections. It's fun and informative for growers of all levels. Join us, visitors and guests are always welcome!    
Here's a video of one of our meetings!

October 21 Keiki Club - Getting Ready for Winter

It may not feel like it, but winter is coming. We'll talk about fall preparations and the minimum night time temperatures your plants can tolerate in winter. We'll also talk about those orchids that require special winter care, like the deciduous dendrobiums and the catasetinae.

Moderator:   Bob Schimmel
Where:   Bob and Yvonne Schimmel's Home
702 Wilkes Court, St. Aug 32086
When: October 21, 1 - 3 pm

The Keiki Club is for our beginning orchid growers. We begin with a short presentation on a timely orchid culture topic and then it’s a free for all to discuss any thoughts or questions you have about growing orchids. Spouses and partners welcome. We look forward to seeing you there!    
Here's a video of one of our get togethers.

Mentoring Program

The mentoring program works in tandem with our Keiki Club, pairing our novice and/or new SAOS orchid growers with an experienced grower. This program allows our mentees to get one-on-one assistance and answers to their orchid growing questions. If you are interested in learning more, email Mentoring Coordinator Susan Smith.

Plant Clinic at Ace Hardware, 9 am to noon

The first Saturday of the month from February through October, St. Augustine Orchid Society members will be available to talk with you, answer questions and help you repot orchids.    
Here's a video of a repotting clinic!

Date and Time:   Saturday, February 2, 9 am to noon
Where:   Ace Hardware on US 1 South
3050 US Highway 1 South, St. Augustine 32086

Some Cultural Tips for Orchid Growers

Bob Scully's Month by Month Orchid Growing:
October in St. Augustine. We usually receive our first cold snap around Halloween, so if you are growing outdoors, this is the time for you to make your winter preparations. Check... read more

Dr. Courtney Hackney Tips, Redux:
Cold Tolerance of Some Orchids. Cymbidiums are one of the most cold tolerant groups even though some come from warmer areas. Hybrids are almost certain to be cool tolerant... read more

Dr. Martin Motes Notes:
Progress of the Season. September has come to an exceptionally dry and pleasant end. For the first time in a lifetime one could wish for a little more rain in September. This unusual... read more
Orchids in October. October is a month of change in South Florida. If the Romans had lived here where we do, they would have named this month for their two faced god Janus. Usually... read more

Culture Article by Sue Bottom:
Fall Preparations. The welcome transition to fall is upon us, the temperatures are starting to moderate and the humidity is going down. Our orchids are responding by entering... read more

St. Augustine Orchid Society Happenings:
Gail Marshall puts together the SAOS Happenings so you can find all the orchid events around town. read SAOS Happenings