June 3 - Beautiful and Weird Orchids
Nicholas Rust, RustyExotics Orchids
Nicholas will discuss over 30 different genera, including common ones like Phalaenopsis and Cattleya to the lesser-known like Porpax and Coryanthes. He will also define "what is an orchid" to explain how the vast and bizarre variation of flowers could all possibly be orchids. Lastly, there is loads of cultural information and some "tips and tricks" to becoming an award-winning orchid grower.
Nicholas operates a small orchid nursery based in Georgia, selling uncommon orchids such as Habenaria, jewel orchids, and Bulbophyllum as well as other unique plants like Amorphophallus. His background in biochemistry and molecular biology led to an interest in the entire growth cycle of orchids and the start of his own hybridization program. He uses rarely cultivated species and distinct variations of common species to create truly exceptional shapes and colors that will pave new directions for unique hybrids.
When: June 3, 6:30 to 9 pm
Where: Memorial Lutheran Church
Drive around to the back entrance
3375 US 1 South, St. Aug 32086
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SAOS News and Activities
Questions? Call or text Sue at 904-501-0805 or email info@StAugOrchidSociety.org.Click to join the St. Aug Orchid Society.
May 22 - Virtual Show Table. Courtney Hackney will zoom into cyberspace at 7 pm to tell us about the orchid pictures sent in last month for the virtual show table. An invitation will be sent to your email address. If you want to share images of your beauties in bloom, send high res pictures by the 26th to info@StAugOrchidSociety.org. Here's a link to Courtney's April Virtual Show Table presentation.
When: Saturday, June 7, 10 am - noon
Where: Southeast Branch Library
6670 US 1 N, St Aug 32086
Monthly Meetings
Photo of the Month. Our May selection is Cattleya mossiae var. semialba 'C-227-1' grown and photographed by Courtney Hackney. This mossiae is one of the more modern forms with more upright petals. This species tends to lend its floriferous nature to its hybrids.Monthly Meetings. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month. The meeting begins at 6:30 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!
Where: Memorial Lutheran Church
3375 US 1 South, St. Aug 32086
When: First Tuesday of Month, 6:30 til 9 pm
Cultural Tips for Orchid Growers
Bob Scully's Month by Month Orchid Growing:
May in St. Augustine. Summer is right around the corner. Now is the time to maximize growth and develop the plant strength and food reserves needed for good flower production... read moreDr. Courtney Hackney Tips, Redux:
Orchid Pests in Large Collections The final part of this series addresses pesticide application and products for those with large collections in greenhouses or growers that ... read moreSpring Watering and Fertilizing. Theoretically, it is spring, although outside temperatures argue otherwise. Your orchids know the date and are responding with new growth and roots... read more
Dr. Martin Motes Notes:
Progress of the Season. This April has been exceptionally dry. The drought which is punishing our landscapes is a blessing to our orchids. All the world’s a greenhouse when... read moreOrchids in May. May is a month of transition in South Florida. Early in the month we can expect the driest weather of the year. Because of the clarity of the air and lack of... read more
Culture Article by Sue Bottom:
Bifoliate Cattleyas - C. tigrina. If your orchids do not bloom much during the heat of the summer, you might consider adding some bifoliate cattleyas to your collection. There are small... read moreTrust, But Verify. Everybody’s got an opinion, and orchid growers are no different. When you read or hear orchid cultural advice, you can assume that the recommendations... read more
Join or Renew Your Membership
The St. Augustine Orchid Society is a dynamic group of orchid growers having all levels of experience, from those who just brought their first orchid home to those with overflowing greenhouses. All members have one thing in common. We love to share our experiences, our knowledge and our orchid divisions with other orchid growers. Come to one of our meetings so we can get to know each other. If you would like to join, you can complete this interactive form.Join the Club or Pay Your Dues
The dues are $20 for an individual or $30 for a family if paid by Zelle or Venmo (904-501-0805) or check (mail c/o Linda Stewart, 1812 Diana Drive, Palatka 32177). For an extra dollar use the PayPal links below.Individual Membership
Family Membership
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