Our intended program speaker, a member of the Orchid Society was unfortunately in hospital on the day of our meeting. Luckily, Marjorie had the foresight to assume the worst and had assigned a number of members to research the top ten orchid species grown by amateurs. So, our program was member-driven while Marjorie added a bit more to the knowledge base, providing a board display as well as some orchids from home. She explained that she often returns to Maryland with orchids when visiting Miami.
Over the past decade, orchids have become a staple item offered at the big box stores, so many more people are growing them. For example: Phalaenopsis, the moth orchid is very easy to grow in typical indoor conditions and blooms for a long time. Dendrobiums are now .frequent additions to long lasting floral arrangements. Oncidium orchids look like their namesake, Dancing Ladies, and are fragrant. Cattleyas were also known as the corsage orchids of the 1950’s.
Our horticulture assignment was to bring in bulbs/corms that had been forced. Many had not yet flowered, but were certainly emerging from the pots. No doubt this warm spell will bring a great many into furious bloom. There were Narcissus, Hyacinths, Eranthus and Crocus as examples.
Our hostesses had decorated with a St. Patrick’s Day theme in mind and we all enjoyed the vegetable-centric table arrangements (potatoes, cabbage, greens) included.
Hostesses:
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- Hostesses-thank you Brenda for stepping in.
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- Green theme for refreshments
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- Nice job with these!
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- Two of our dear members
A dose of orchids:
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- Marjorie’s Orchid Board
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- Dancing Ladies, Phalenopsis, a miniature orchid too.
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- Many of us are trying the Moth orchids
Forced spring bulbs:
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- Lots of crocus in there
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- I beleive this was Audrey’s
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- Eranthus
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- Narcissus and Hyacinths
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- Marjorie talked with Jan
A good turnout:
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- Lovely table
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- Camaraderie
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- Barb talks to Marjorie; Sue
