SONOMA COUNTY ORCHID SOCIETY July 2014 A California Non-Profit 501 (c) (3) Corporation IN THIS ISSUE 1 Bingo For Orchids 2 President s Corner Thank You 3 Board Highlights, Refreshments Classifieds 4 Membership Column 5 July Checklist 6 Dale Martin Open Greenhouse WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE JULY 8 MEETING? (Please remember, there will be no show-and-tell) WELL, IT'S BINGO FOR ORCHIDS AND AN ICE CREAM SOCIAL WHY? TO GIVE THE NEW BOARD MEMBERS A CHANCE TO EASE INTO THEIR NEW POSITIONS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: THE SOCIETY PROVIDES THE ICE CREAM THE MEMBERS BRING TOPPINGS FOR THE ICE CREAM 7 Repotting Party Pictures 8 Upcoming Events 9 BBQ & Auction Flyer 10 Flyers: D&D Flowers Open House; Speakers' Day 11 Membership Application o o o IF YOU BRING A NAMED BLOOMING ORCHID (OR NON-ORCHID) AS A BINGO PRIZE, YOU GET 2 FREE BINGO TICKETS IF YOU BRING A NAMED NON-BLOOMING PLANT AS A BINGO PRIZE, YOU GET 1 BINGO TICKET (NO "NO NAME" PLANTS PLEASE) IF YOU DON T' HAVE A PLANT TO BRING, BINGO CARDS ARE $5 EACH Please, only bring established plants in good condition something you would be proud to give and to receive BESIDES THE PLANTS FROM MEMBERS, THE SOCIETY IS PURCHASING PLANTS FROM DALE MARTIN! Come and have fun! Page 1
President s Corner Have fun in the Summertime! The warmer weather brings optimal growth to our beautiful orchids. They are happily growing and storing energy to have strong healthy pseudobulbs and leaves in order to bloom properly. SCOS is starting out the new fiscal year July 1 st. Let s keep SCOS growing! This is your Society. Bring your energy and ideas to my attention. I would love to hear from you! There are fun activities planned for this year! July starts off with our Annual Ice Cream Social and Bingo! Play bingo and win orchids for prizes while eating yummy ice cream! July is National Ice Cream Month! Let s help celebrate! Our SCOS Annual BBQ and Auction is officially set for Saturday, September 13 st. Save the date and mark your calendars for this fun day! It s time to renew your membership as of July 1 st. Our membership chair, Jeanne Van Blarcom will happily take money for membership dues. Please send it to Jeanne in the mail or bring it to our July meeting. I would love everyone to support SCOS! The California Sierra Nevada Judging Center is hosting a Speaker s Day on Saturday, August 2 nd in Sacramento. There are a number of SCOS members driving the short hour and a half to the fun filled day. Please join us to see how AOS judging is done and talk to the featured speakers. They are Past President of the American Orchid Society Carlos Fighetti, Theresa Hill of Hillsview Gardens in Portland Oregon, and Jim Rose of Cal Orchid. One of the main characters in this fun day is Alan Koch of Gold Country Orchids. Alan is a great supporter of SCOS so let s show him our support back by attending Speaker s Day. Be in touch with any board member if you would like to arrange to carpool. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!!! See you on the 8 th for Ice Cream and Bingo! Susan Anderson A huge thank you to Jeanne van Blarcom for hosting the Repotting Party. She did such a great job! The perfect hostess! Thanks to all of the new and not so new members that repotted and shared orchids and brought delicious snacks to share! It was a fun, productive day! Thank you to Kathie Hile and Gerry Smith for doing not one but two orchid talks for the Sonoma Garden Club and for Home Depot. Great job! Thank you to Angelique Fry for ordering, storing, and distributing the Orchiata bark! It is a lot of work and SCOS really appreciates it! Thank you to Karen Wofford for coming to the Board meeting and participating as a Member At Large. We also want to thank our members who bring plants for the Show-And-Tell Table. This is a great way for all of us to see a plant we might like to grow or to ask questions about the growing conditions of a particular plant. Remember that if you have an unnamed blooming plant, you can bring it to the Show-And-Tell table and ask members if anyone knows what the plant might be. Once you know the genus and species of a particular plant, there is a wealth of information on the internet for growing. Remember too that your Society has a large orchid library. New members can familiarize themselves with common and uncommon orchid genera by thumbing through orchid books, many of which have loads of color pictures. Finally, if you bring a plant for the Show-And-Tell Table, fill out a card for the three-month drawing. You may win first choice off the opportunity table. Page 2
Board Highlights June 17, 2014 Held at Kathie Hile s home, 5 Board members present, plus 2 newly elected board members. July meeting features bingo and ice cream with Dale Martin providing purchased plants to fill in. August speaker is Ron Parsons on his trip to Crete. September is no regular meeting, it will be the BBQ/Auction at the Jackson s home on Sept. 13th. 2 new members joined at the Repotting Party, thanks to Jeanne VanBlarcom for hosting it. 5 members joined at the June regular meeting! Renew your membership which expires July 1 st. Send your renewal to Jeanne VanBlarcom. Angelique Fry has been selling and doing a great job delivering Orchiata bark to members, with a small profit going to SCOS. There s still some bags available, please contact her. Holiday Dinner will be at Legends restaurant on Dec. 9 th. Mark your calendar, it s the regular meeting night, and at the same restaurant we ve visited for many years. 2015 Spring Show is on March 27, 28, and 29 th. Lynne Murrell will again be Show Chair!! We are looking for a sponsor to host an educational/speaker s room during the show so the talks can be in a separate room, rather than in the main show auditorium. If you have ideas or want to donate, see Lynne or Susan Anderson. Next Board meeting at Susan Anderson s home for the outgoing and incoming board members on July 27 th. August Board meeting at Ann Possinger s home, 6:30 pm. Submitted by Becky Jackson, Secretary Refreshments We are asking members to bring snacks to the monthly meetings. Please check the following list to find out what month you are asked to participate. Members with last names beginning with the letters: T Z January, 2013 A B February C De March Di Fo April Fr H May J Le June Ice Cream Social July Li M August Bar-B-Q & Auction September-No Meeting N - R October S November Holiday Dinner December (In Lieu of Meeting) Thank you CLASSIFIEDS It s still a good time to Repot! You can get the following orchid supplies from Kris and Jim Foster foster@sonic.net or 707-762-7124 Small and medium Rexius bark; Perlite; Sphagnum Moss; Orchid Labels; Stakes; Charcoal Orchiata bark is being sold by the Society at a great price, $17. Email Angelique at bfry@pon.net to order and arrange for pick-up. The bark sizes are as follows: Classic #9 Power #5 Power #5a Super #7 1//4" 3/8" chips 3/8" 1/2" chips 1/2" 3/4" chips 3/4" 1" chips Anyone have an item for sale? Plants for sale? You may post it here, free, with a picture. Email newsletter@sonomaorchids.com Page 3
MEMBERSHIP COLUMN HELLO NEW MEMBERS. THANK YOU FOR JOINING. The Board wants you to know that we are all here to help. Don t hesitate to ask a question of any board or society member. We have many expert growers! Wear Your Name Badge Our members are looking forward to Cindy Hill's presentation Wear your name badge and sign the list at the Membership Table. At each meeting, one name will be drawn and that person will receive a free strip of 3 raffle tickets. REMINDER: MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE DUE for the July 1 through June 30, 2015 year. Please pay at the July meeting if you haven't already done so. The membership form is on page 11. Even if you have filled out the form in the past, please do so again. It is our way to keep current on phone, email or address changes. Cattleya intermedia var. oculata, shown by Earl Rathbun Change of address? Send all address and e-mail changes to: membership@sonomaorchids.com Blooming in July Jumella major, shown by Linda Tripp Ascda. Peggy Foo 'Pink' x Vas. Than Yuen Mae, Shown by Susan Anderson Page 4 Terrestrial orchid commonly known as Chinese ground orchid: Bletilla striata
July Checklist (Reprinted with permission of the American Orchid Society) Cattleya In general, cattleyas this month require careful attention to their watering and fertilizing needs owing to high temperatures. If you have evaporative cooling, use it. If not, care needs to be paid to proper venting to keep temperatures within reason. In the greenhouse, bottom vents in conjunction with top vents can often provide enough rising airflows to keep plants cool. Remember, though, that increased air flow lessens humidity and dries plants out more quickly, necessitating more frequent damping down and watering. Higher light and heat also call for more fertilizer. The growth your plants make now is the source of this autumn, winter and spring's blooms, so do not be stingy. Higher temperatures and humidity can also lead to fungal or bacterial-rot problems, so keep your eyes open and treat as soon as infection is seen. Pests are also at a high point this month for the same reason, not to mention their increased access through more-open growing conditions. Treat before they get out of hand. You will still need to be doing some potting, so watch out for root initiation. This and next month are possibly the only two where increased shading and humidity for recently potted plants will really pay off in decreased stress-related dehydration. Cymbidium Summer is the growing season for cymbidiums in our area. New growths sprout, send up leaves, and bulbs develop and bulk up in size. Roots fill the pots. Give your plants everything they need for optimal growth: quality fertilizer, plenty of water, additives like Epsom Salt, full morning sun, pest control; and your attention. Visit them often. Notice when the winds blow over the pots and straighten them back up. Pick off snails and slugs (a shot of 70% alcohol will kill on contact). Watch for ants (if you find ants, check your plant carefully for other pests, i.e., scale, mealy bugs. The appearance of ants in a pot often signifies that other pests are present). Repot if necessary. Treat pests the minute you spot them and they will multiply quickly in warm weather. Water every day in the morning if temperatures hit triple digits. Dendrobium Nobile type For all of you who purchased your first plants when in bloom during show season, this is the time for the plants to grow a lot. High light is a must to ensure that plants develop strong, chunky canes, which will appear yellow-green if they are receiving enough light. Again, reduce nitrogen fertilizer and remove and pot any keikis (plantlets with roots on the canes). Dendrochilum filiforme The golden-chain orchid, native to the Philippines, is one of the highlights of summer. Diminutive plants bear many upright, then sharply pendulous sprays of very small, golden-yellow flowers. Repot this species after flowering when new bulbs grow roots. Grow bright and in intermediate temperatures. This great specimen plant is fragrant, too. Odontoglossum and Masdevallia The next couple of months will be the supreme test of the cool growers' effectiveness. These plants will only just tolerate the heat, not enjoy it. Extra shade and constant ventilation will help. Do not repot now. Paphiopedilum Cooling and air circulation are especially critical in July and August to prevent stress and disease problems. Watering needs to be closely monitored to ensure that plants do not dry out. Warmer-growing hybrids will be at the peak of their blooming with attention needing to be paid to staking of spikes. Also, be on the lookout for water accumulating in growths that can cause emerging spikes to rot; water early in the day. Phalaenopsis Most, if not all, potting should be complete by now. This month and next are when these plants achieve their maximum growth and prepare to set their spikes for the coming season. The more leaves the plants grow, the better potential for spiking they will have. Growers in cooler areas, such as the Pacific coast, have the advantage this month, should they choose, of exposing the plants to cool temperatures to coax early-season spikes. Again, and as with cattleyas, lots of heat and light call for liberal applications of water and fertilizer. Vanda If there is any orchid that thrives now, it is in the vandaceous group. Hotter temperatures and high humidity pose problems, however. These durable flowers are some of the only blooms to be seen in the summer. Keep your plants well watered and continue to apply bloom-booster fertilizers. Page 5
Announcement Mark Your Calendars Please Note: Dale will have ORCHIDS FOR SALE Page 6
OUR REPOTTING PARTY WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!! Page 7
UPCOMING EVENTS July 7/8 SCOS MEETING. PLAY BINGO FOR ORCHIDS. DOORS OPEN AT 6:30!! 7/11 7/13 Annual Fall Santa Barbara Orchid Estate Open House, Santa Barbara. www.sborchid.com. 7/12 7/13 Hatfield Orchids' Summer Open House, Oxnard. George Hatfield (805) 901-0340 or email George@HatfieldOrchids.com,orwww.hatfieldorchids.com. 7/12 13 Cal-Orchids Open House Santa Barbara. Call (805) 967-1312 or email calorchid@cox.net, http://www.calorchid.com. 7/19 7/20 D & D Flowers Open House (an orchid greenhouse). See Flyer on page 10. 7/27 SCOS BOARD MEETING & INCOMING & OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS BBQ at home of our President, Susan Anderson. PLEASE RSVP to Susan at susanaorchids@gmail.com. August 8/2 California Sierra Nevada Judging Center's Speaker's Day, Odd Fellows Hall, 1831 Howe Ave., Sac. See flyer on page 10. Vendors are Hillsview Gardens (Paphiopedilums), Cal-Orchids (a variety of orchids), Gold Country Orchids (Mini-cattleyas that bloom 2-3 times a year), Carlos Fighetti (Phalaenopsis) and D&D Flowers (Dennis will have whatever the others do not) Call Susan Anderson for Advance $10 Ticket sale; $20 at door for AOS members; or $25 general admission. 8/2 8/3 Orchids in the Park Sale Sat - Sun 10 AM- 5 PM. San Francisco County Fair Building (Hall of Flowers) 9th Avenue & Lincoln Way, San Francisco, CA. Admission $3.00. Call 415-665-6079- or visit the website at www.orchidsanfrancisco.org for information and directions. 8/9 DALE MARTIN'S OPEN GREENHOUSE AND PLANT SALE. See flyer on page 6. 8/12 SCOS MEETING. Ron Parsons' presentation is called "Orchids and other Wildflowers of Crete" and is about his first springtime orchid trip to Europe where he saw 30 species in 10 days. Ron says Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, and is rich in terrestrial orchids, particularly the fascinating Bee Orchids of the genus Ophrys. The island is steeped in history and beautiful scenery, and habitats for its beautiful flowers, which range from the coastal beaches to the alpine reaches. 8/19 SCOS BOARD MEETING at the home of Ann Possinger. 5421 Santa Teresa Avenue, SR. Any member welcome to attend, but please RSVP early to Ann. September NOTE: KRIS & JIM FOSTER WILL HAVE AN OPEN GREENHOUSE IN SEPTEMBER. KRIS IS CLOSING A GREENHOUSE AND SELLING OFF PLANTS. DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED. 9/9 SCOS MEETING. Liz Charlton will give a hands-on orchid mounting presentation. Liz will also bring the opportunity table, which we understand is very good. 9/13 SCOS BBQ & AUCTION. A great event. A sign-up sheet will be at the July & August meetings. See flyer on the following page. NOTE: CYNTHIA BATTERSHALL WILL HAVE AN OPEN GREENHOUSE IN OCTOBER WITH PLANTS FOR SALE. DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED. Page 8
Sonoma County Orchid Society Annual BBQ & Auction Please come to the BBQ and Auction on Saturday, September 13, 2014 A fun-filled day of Orchids, Friends & Food 1451 Keiser Avenue, Santa Rosa Silent Auction, Tri-tip or Chicken BBQ, followed by Live Auction The Silent Auction Begins at 11:00 and ends when lunch is ready (between noon & 12:30) The Live Auction begins immediately after lunch Alan Koch of Gold Country Orchids, Auctioneer Extraordinaire Something for everyone Silent auction plants must arrive by 10:00 a.m. or earlier to complete all paperwork $6.00 per person covers the meat portion, bring a potluck side dish to share Friends and Family welcome Donations Appreciated Parking is available at 1411 Keiser Avenue look for signs RSVP by email to beckybeej@me.com and designate for each person a choice of either beef or chicken Page 9
D&D Flowers Grand Opening at the new location 169 First Avenue Daly City, CA 94014 July 19 & 20, 2014 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (D & D FLOWERS IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC EXCEPT DURING THE OPEN HOUSE) Directions 280 South from San Francisco: Take the Eastmoore Avenue exit and veer to the left onto Sullivan Avenue. At the stop light, make a right onto Washington Street, go over the freeway to San Pedro (Catholic church at the intersection). Make a right onto San Pedro and continue through Misson Street between Bank of America and Wendy s Burger. At the stop sign, make a left onto First Avenue. Greenhouse is on the left hand side of the 3 rd house with the red garage and a sign reading Demattei Nursery. Enter the gate of the chain link fence with red lattice to the left hand side of the red garage. Limited street parking so please car pool. Do not park within the chain link fence. Mahalo for your cooperation!!!!!!! Presents California Sierra Nevada Speaker s Day Saturday, August 2, 2014 9am to 5pm Odd Fellows Building 1831 Howe Avenue at Alta Arden Sacramento, CA SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Saturday, August 2, 2014 9:00 AOS Judging, see how we judge 11:00 The Laelias of Mexico, their hybrids and how to grow them Jim Rose, Cal-Orchid 12:00 Lunch Break 12:45 Auction 1:45 Complex Paphiopedilums Theresa Hill, Hillsview Garden 2:45 Phalaenopsis Species, Their Habitat and Culture Carlos Fighetti, President of the International Phalaeopsis Alliance 3:45 Break out Sessions Theresa Hill on Paphiopedilum culture Carlos Fighetti on Phalaenopsis culture Dennis Olivas on growing Cattleyas outdoors in Northern California Page 10
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