February 4 - Restoring Native Orchids
Mike Sands, Tangled Roots Nursery
Mike will speak about the repopulation of native orchids and other epiphytes in Palm Beach County. In the past, native orchids were ripped from trees by the thousands, this along with habitat loss, brought the native orchid population to dangerously low numbers. Mike and his partners are passionately invested in bringing them back to healthy numbers and restoring the orchid paradise that once graced Florida’s wild spaces – who knows, maybe you can help by growing native orchids in your own yard!
Originally from New York, Mike moved to Wellington when he was 17 months old- making him almost a native Floridian! He currently resides in Loxahatchee Groves with his wife Ashley and daughters Fallon and Lily. His residence is home to a wide variety of plants, including his collection of orchids that number around 700. Mike grows his orchids in both pots and mounted. He said his friends say he has his own “private nursery” that includes-among other things- bonsai, houseplants, terrariums, and vegetables.
Mike is the current President of the Tropical Orchid Society. Together with his colleague Will Gurney, they have started a project to re-establish native orchids in the Village of Wellington, a project the Tropical Orchid Society is helping to support.
When: February 4, 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.
2025 Dues. Want to join or renew your membership? It's that time of year! 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 these PayPal links.
Individual Membership Family Membership February 1 Repotting Clinic. We're repotting at the Southeast Branch Library. On the first Saturday of the month from 10 am til noon, February through October, St. Augustine Orchid Society members are available to talk with you, answer questions and help you repot orchids.
When: Saturday, February 1, 10 am - noon
Where: Southeast Branch Library
6670 US 1 N, St Aug 32086
Monthly Meetings
Photo of the Month. Our January selection is Lc. (syn. C.) Lilac Dream grown by Sue Bottom and photographed by Terry Bottom. This beauty is a hybrid with the famous Lc. Irene Finney crossed onto loddigessi, blooming with 9 flower spikes in a 10 inch pot.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:
January in St. Augustine. Plants will continue to manufacture food during the winter, albeit at a reduced rate. Everything will occur at a slower pace until spring arrives so the need for water and fertilizer is reduced.... read moreDr. Courtney Hackney Tips, Redux:
Orchid Potting Media Given the popularity of orchids, it is hard to believe that one of the biggest issues for orchid hobbyists today is obtaining media. Most of the difficulties... read moreWinter Care. “Happy Winter Solstice”! That means the shortest day of the year arrives this month and after that, lengthening days. Unfortunately, there remain many cold... read more
Dr. Martin Motes Notes:
Progress of the Season. An exceptionally dry December has come to an end in a deluge. Dry is always good for our orchids and particularly so in the short days of winter... read moreOrchids in January. January is somewhat like December but in reverse, with each succeeding day bringing longer hours of sunlight until days are long enough that... read more
Culture Article by Sue Bottom:
Trust, 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 moreBuying Seedling Orchids. Some people only buy orchids in bloom so they can choose which orchid flower they like the best. These plants are usually older and so are more expensive ... 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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