Newsletter Distribution - 712 Members
November 1999

NOVICE CLASS
November 2, 1999 - 6:30 PM - CASA DEL PRADO - ROOM 104
By Gary Pierwola, 2nd VP

This month Harry Tolen of Chula Orchids will teach us how to grow Reed-Stem Epidendrums, and share some tips, and lots of experience, on general orchid culture. If you would like to trade one of your own Epis with another member, bring one (1) small plant (keiki or similar) that is potted and tagged with at least the color of the flower.

THIS MONTH’S GENERAL MEETING
November 2, 1999 - 7:30 PM - CASA DEL PRADO - ROOM 101
By Ben Machado, 1st VP

Our guest speaker for this month is Dotty Woodson of Fort Worth, Texas. Her presentation is titled "Orchid Greenhouse Culture", an introduction to growing orchids in a greenhouse. She and her husband, Berry, have been growing orchids for over 25 years; for the last 14 years they have owned and operated D&B Orchids, specializing in Phalaenopsis, particularly hybrids. With her years of experience Dotty has an extensive background of advice and solutions about greenhouse growing. Dotty is a County Extension Agent in the Horticulture Department. She teaches, lectures and gives demonstrations on numerous orchid topics to orchid societies, garden clubs, college and high school students, Master Gardeners, and flower show judges. Dotty also teaches an orchid class for beginners every semester at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Of course, her horticultural interest goes beyond orchids and also includes an extensive collection of ferns and carnivorous plants.To include Dotty’s complete biography would be too lengthy for this column but the following summary will give some insights about her. She jokingly says Texas A&M likes long biographies:

Education: MS Horticulture, Tartleton State University 1991; BS
Horticulture, Tartleton State University 1989
Book Publication: Gardening in Fort Worth
Videos: USDA video, "Team Nutrient", "Welcome to the Dallas Research
Center", "Growing Orchids", "Carnivorous Plants", "School Gardening",
"Composting", "Container Gardening", "Biological Control", "Pruning",
"Xeriscape", "Morningside Elementary School Garden", "Soil Preparation".

Sunset Valley Orchids of Vista will provide the plants for our Plant Opportunity Table. Fred Clarke is the very successful local hybridizer / grower who has won several AOS awards over the last two years, including at least two this September at the Fair in Del Mar. He will provide a varied table of hybrids, to include Cattleyas, Paphiopedilums, Phalaenopsis
and whatever other kinds of plants that look healthy and promising.

Dear Orchid Friends

I received several comments of appreciation for the little poem ‘Serenity’ by Clarence S. Lindsten submitted for last month’s newsletter by Alicia Baskette and Pam Peters. The best was an e-mail I received from Wilella Stimmell of the Orchid Society of Arizona. Here’s an excerpt:

"You might be interested to know that in 1967, Clarence founded ‘The Arizona Orchidist’. He served as the Editor of our newsletter until he died September 23, 1988. The poem, "Serenity", was published in a slender volume (60 pages) titled: ORCHIDS IN MY GREENHOUSE, CRABGRASS IN MY LAWN, in 1973. There was no copy of Clarence’s book in the library of the Orchid Society of Arizona, so one of our members volunteered to make a copy IF I could locate the book. To make a long story short, I was able to locate the book, I asked the generous member to make a few extra copies for "insurance". Meanwhile, I telephoned Clarence’s widow, Marian, and discovered that she did NOT have a copy of Clarence’s book. I said nothing at the time, but when I had the copies in hand, I mailed one to Marian. This all transpired shortly before Xmas, 1998. When Marian received the copy, she telephoned to tell me that she had never received so welcome a Xmas gift!"

When I enthusiastically thanked Wilella, she sent me a copy of the little book, too. I hope you enjoy these delightful poems even more, now that you know their story!

Sincerely,

Rebecca

Over $2000 Raised for Orchid Conservation!

Peter Tobias

At last month’s San Diego Orchid Fair, the Conservation Committee’s sales booth netted just over $2000. That is a new record for the fall sale. It didn’t happen by accident. We had many fine plants to sell, thanks to donors Bruce Hubbard, Paul Tuskes, Gidli Frauenfelder, Ron Kaufmann, Bob and Mary Fuson, Alicia Baskette, John Snyder, Bill Bergstrom, Tom Osborn, Tom and Cherie Huse, Cindy Hill, Rex Bartges, Peter Tobias, Alexandra and Vernon Bernadino, Alma Marosz, and Siv Garrod. Doing the work of selling those plants were volunteers Esther Sivila, Sue Volek, Moti Bodner, Rebecca Lawrence, Anna Majevskis, Pam Peters, Nico Goossens, Lisa Humphreys, and John Snyder. Ron Kaufmann and Siv Garrod coordinated the sales booth, even including picking up plants from various donors.

It’s great to see the old friends hanging in there, but special thanks go to the first-timers who pitched in to volunteer. And let’s not forget the people who actually turned the plants into cash - the BUYERS ! They are our special angels. Hurray for them! The Society’s Conservation Committee is turning into a major provider of orchid conservation grants. With the enthusiastic cast of donors, volunteers, and buyers that we get, it’s no surprise.

Meet a Member (Make that Two!)

Dave and Barbie Mays

Dave and Barbie were bitten by the orchid bug at the same time. While at a shopping mall three years ago, they saw some exotic, colorful plants for sale. Most seemed expensive, but a few plants off to the side were reasonably priced. "We didn’t know that was because the plants were so sickly!" Barbie says. They paid $5 for their first orchid, a hybrid Cattleya, only to realize they didn’t know the first thing about caring for an orchid. (sound familiar?) Dave checked the Yellow Pages and phoned a fellow named Bud Close, who invited them over for a tour of his greenhouses. Bud spent hours with them that visit, shared lots of information about orchid culture and told them about SDCOS meetings. They went home that day with an Encyclia fragrans (later mounted, and still thriving) and enthusiasm to learn more.

These days they raise over 100 plants at their home in La Mesa, where Dave works for the La Mesa Post Office. Cymbidiums grow under a tree and provide loads of lovely blooms in pinks and yellows each spring. They have recently added a shadecloth area in back for more plants, mostly Cattleyas, and plan to rainproof it this fall. They also share their home with quite a few Phalaenopsis that outgrew the kitchen table. Barbie grows the indoor plants on trays with gravel and uses a pump sprayer, so she no longer has to hand water them. They are especially fond of Cattleyas, Slc, Blc, and Lc, because they do well in the La Mesa climate, the blooms last 4-6 weeks, and they have a delightful fragrance.

When asked what prompted them to become so involved with orchids, they both laughed and said, "It’s all Bud’s fault!" Bud’s generosity in talking with them and his encouraging them to join the Society made them feel right at home, they said. Barbie explained, "Ever since we became members, we have actively participated in each show because it’s a good way to meet other people. It’s fun to get in there and see what it takes to put on these show. It’s a sure way for new members to feel part of what’s going on. But be careful", she warned, smiling, "All we did was ask Bud a little question about handling Pre-Show Tickets for next year’s show, and he said, ‘Congratulations! The job is yours!’"

"We also have learned a lot from talking with Harry Tolen, Terry Koike, Forrest Robinson, Dave Reid, and other experienced growers. Everyone has been very generous with their time, and gives us cultural tips and suggestions without hesitation. Unlike some other types of collecting where people tend to keep their secret techniques to themselves, here we find everyone is eager to share what they know."

Besides raising orchids, Barbie and Dave enjoy long bike rides and letting their 70 lb. Australian shepherd, Buddy, take them for brisk walks. They confess, though, that orchids are now a big part of their life. "Now we even catch ourselves looking at other property where we could have a greenhouse" Dave said. We can thank the orchid bug, and Bud, for bringing these two friendly people into our Orchid Society.

by Cindy Hill

ORCHID TALK……. By Esther Sivila

Unfortunately, "Orchid Talk" could not make the online edition. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Duncan

Dates to Remember

November 2, 7:30 pm
SDCOS General Meeting
First Tuesday each month, Balboa Park
Fred Weber (619) 982-9128

November 6, 9:00 am
SDCOS Species Group Meeting
First Saturday each month
Different locations
Paul or Ann Tuskes (619) 274-5829

November 6 & 7, 10 am - 3 pm
Fall Orchid Festival - UCI Arboretum
Displays, Orchids for Sale, Lectures
Call (949) 824-5833

November 9, 7:00 pm
SDCOS Board Meeting
Second Tuesday each month
Balboa Park
Siv Garrod (619) 483-8787

November 12, 7:30 pm
Palomar Orchid Society Meeting
Second Friday each month
Vista Community Center
Greg Luetticke (760) 724-4711

November 16, 7:00 pm
SDCOS Show Committee Meeting
Third Tuesday each month
Balboa Park
Bud Close (619) 444-8839
Cindy Hill (858) 481-5782

November 17
Cymbidium Society Meeting
Third Wednesday each month
Carlsbad Womens’ Club
Larry Phillips (619) 746-5518

December

Tuesday, December 7, 6:00 pm
SDCOS Christmas Party
Room 101, Casa Del Prado
Balboa Park

The Orchid Collection
by Clarence S. Lindsten, 1973

The orchid collection was in sad condition,
Obviously suffering from malnutrition.
Their leaves were yellow
And their roots were rotten,
Despite all the loving care they had gotten.

The grower said, "Gosh, what can I do;
Just what the hell’s the matter
with you?"
And a very sick plant
Waved a withered leaf,
And said in a voice that was filled with grief,

"The reason we’re sick is not our fault!
We’re being killed by the goddam salt
That’s screwing up
Your lousy water,
And drying our juices up like a blotter.

Our ancestors didn’t have all this pain,
Their water came from the good
old rain.
We plants are rugged
And can fight in the clinches,
But alkaline salts make us die by inches.

So wake up, man, and get on the stick!
Something must be done – and done real quick.
Please get us out
Of this terrible fix,
And re-pot us all in a nice, fresh mix.

You must change your ways if we’re
to survive,
And a few simple rules will keep
us alive.
When it’s time to water
Please give us a lot,
To keep the salts flushed out of the pot.

Then let our roots get almost dry,
Before grabbing the hose for another try.
If you’ll do this
Then you’ll soon see,
That you’ve saved your plants and
are now home free!"

Status Quo
By Clarence S. Lindsten, 1973

Though orchid shows should surely have Originality,
Apparently some judges frown
And say, "This mustn’t be.
We like arrangements like they are,
And as they always were.
So please leave well enough alone,
Or else we shall demur."

To me, this view is negative,
And one that’s surely strange.
Are orchid shows so perfect, that
There is no room for change?
Have we become complacent, and
So terribly smug that we
Say, "That’s the way it’s always been,
And evermore shall be?"

CHRISTMAS PARTY

It’s almost time for our annual holiday celebration, so mark your calendars for 6:00 pm, Tuesday, December 7. Entertainment will be provided by the Samahan Philippine Dancers.

Please DO BRING

1) Fingerfoods, to serve 8 to 10 people, in a Serving Dish and with Serving Utensils.

If your last name begins with the letter A- M-- bring Hors d’oeuvres, Savory appetizers, Dips, Meatballs, Canapes, etc.

If your last name begins with the letter N -Z --bring Desserts.

2) And a lovely ORCHID PLANT with your NAME clearly marked on it for the plant exchange (plants ONLY, no pots or stakes!) The nicer your plant is (even in bloom!), the sooner you will get a chance to choose a nice one, too.

Please Do NOT bring

Blooming plants for Show and Tell. They might get mixed up with the exchange plants :-(

If you can come at 5:30 to help set up, that’s great. Dinner starts at 6 sharp. This year we want everyone to have a chance to go through the line before folks head back for seconds (or thirds). We don’t want some of our members to have to settle for crackers and black olives just because they are at the end of the line! So come and help celebrate the closing of another year with music, good food, and orchid friends.

SEASONAL BUGS

This month’s International Phalaenopsis Alliance (IPA) Newsletter had a good article on mites. It seems there are new strains of mites that leave no residues or signs of being around. Orchids are being shipped around the world so much these days that I am not surprised at all. While you can see mealybugs and aphids easily, you just don’t see the mites. You will only see your plants looking sick and limp.

We spray for insect pests on a regular basis. We use 1 Tablespoon Volck oil and 1 Tablespoon Malathion per gallon of water. The dial sprayers from Home Depot work best for us. They go right on the end of a hose. Mix ½ Volck oil and ½ Malathion in the container and set the dial to 2 Tablespoons per gallon. For seedlings we set the dial to 1 ½ Tablespoons per gallon when using this mixture. What I really like about the hose attachment sprayers is that parts are so cheap when they are used a lot. They also really drench the bark. Make sure you lift all leaves and spray under them. Those crummy bugs love to hide. Do this two weeks in a row to kill eggs. It’s not a fun job! We have not had any problem losing flowers or new spikes with this method.

We thought we had the growing season under control. Never assume anything! I walked out one evening and when I returned the next day, flats of plants had been chewed overnight. A butterfly had somehow gotten in and laid eggs. Just one caterpillar can go through a whole flat in one night. If you didn’t catch him, he has another night! The Volck and Malathion mixture kills caterpillars, too. An alternative method for organic bug control for the greenhouse takes a high power flashlight, lots of coffee and a thrill for squashing bugs. It is rather rewarding using this method!

Quarantine ALL new plants. NEVER assume that they are bug free. Always follow the directions and wear a chemical mask and protective clothing when spraying any chemicals.

Linda Blessing, Oceanside Orchids

Is Your Society an Island ? by Nina Rach

AOS Judge, member of the Southwest Regional Orchid Growers Association

Most of us within the reaches of SWROGA are very fortunate to be able to pursue our interest in orchids. Having the leisure to explore our interests and broaden our horizons is something to appreciate and be thankful for. Some of us enjoy orchids in retirement; others fit orchid activities into busy work and family schedules. Many have experienced the camaraderie of working together on orchid events and have enjoyed watching the resulting successes. We’ve seen that large projects such as shows and workshops can be accomplished by coordinating the efforts of even a small group of dedicated people.

The activities and events that bring people together within their societies also connect us with those in other societies and with the community at large. That web of interconnectedness is strengthened every time we help others, even in the smallest of acts. You’ve all seen it or you’ve done it or you’ve benefited from it. Giving advice to a new grower. Volunteering for a committee. Being patient with those who are less able or fit than yourself. Helping exhibitors at a show. Bringing a dish to share at a meeting. Remembering those members who are sick. Donating divisions of plants. All small, simple things, but they strengthen and spread good will.

Working together, orchid societies are empowered to do charitable things outside of their immediate group of members. Small groups of people, such as orchid societies, have the ability to effect change in their communities, whether it be to sponsor their local judging center, botanical garden, museum, college, or even elementary school. As an example, in Houston, the HOS helps sponsor the Houston Judging Center; participates in events to aid the Butterfly Center at the Museum of Natural Science; and has recently started an initiative to sponsor a local elementary school (as yet unselected) by collecting box tops for education. Working together, orchid societies have built up healthy accounts through scrupulous fund-raising efforts. Many of the SWROGA societies donate money to the twice-yearly SWROGA shows, to the AOS building fund, or to the Orchid Digest Corporation.

Is your society an island, unto itself? Are the members wearing blinders, or do they seek out ways to interface with and assist others? Can you think of creative ways to harness the potential of so many people and leverage their talents and time to accomplish something great? There’s power in numbers of people working together toward a common goal. Let’s set some goals to enhance the condition of our local communities and the orchid community at large.

Show Committee Activities

ORCHID ODYSSEY 2000

Would you like to take part in putting on our big spring show? Or maybe you are just curious about how it’s done? Then come to our next meeting! Show up at 7pm Tuesday, November 16, in the senior center across the courtyard from our regular meeting room. All SDCOS members are welcome to join in.

Here is what we covered at the first meeting on September 21:

· Overview of the proposed budget (around $40,000), including purchase of new backdrops for the exhibits.

· Preparations made so far: AOS and CSA notified; AOS photographer booked; AOS judges invited; Orchids Magazine and Sunset Magazine notified. On track with all deadlines.

· Show Committee leaders for 2000 were named. Still looking for that volunteer to lead the Host Committee.

The agenda for the October 19 meeting includes:

· Show budget, possibly finalize

· Move ahead of artwork for posters, tickets and T-shirts

· Publicity and advertising review

· Feedback from Vendors – 1999 show

· Floorplans of Exhibits and Sales Areas

· Vendor and Exhibitor invitations

If you have never participated before, consider giving it a try this year. To learn more, please call Cindy Hill, (858) 481-5782, or Bud Close, (619) 444-8839.

SDCOS Board of Directors Meeting

September 14, 1999

Present: Fred Weber, Edith Galvan, Bud Close, Ann Tuskes, Cindy Hill, Gary Piervola, Duncan Werth and Siv Garrod.

Meeting called to order at 7:06 P.M.

REPORTS

1. Last meetings minutes were read and approved.

2. Treasurer - Edith Galvan - Reports for July and August were approved and filed for audit. The proposed budget for 1999/2000 was presented to the board for discussion. G.Pierwola made the motion to accept the budget, B. Close seconded and none opposed.

3. Second vice president - Gary Pierwola - Next month’s novice class will be on Cattleyas and Forrest Robinson will be the speaker.

4. Show Co-Chairs - Bud Close / Cindy Hill - AOS has been notified on the show dates and theme. A proposed budget for the show has been prepared. Heying and Associates that does the advertising and tickets will be asked for a more detailed report of their charges. The cash awards will be increased for the displays. Esther Sivila has offered to be in charge of the Plant Hotel. Replacement of the existing redwood partitions for the displays is being considered.

NEW BUSINESS

1. A proposal to be the host for an AOS trustee spring meeting was submitted by Cindy Hill. An AOS Liaison, M. Allen, will be contacted for more details. There would be no cost to the SDCOS.

The meeting was adjourned 8:15 P.M.

Submitted by Siv Garrod

SDCOS Board of Directors Meeting

October 12, 1999

Present: Fred Weber, Edith Galvan, Bud Close, Ann Tuskes, Cindy Hill, Alma Marosz, Duncan Werth and Siv Garrod.

Meeting called to order at 7:06 P.M.

REPORTS

1. Last meeting’s minutes were read and approved.

2. Treasurer - Edith Galvan - the report for September was read, approved and filed for audit.

3. Show Co-Chairs - Bud Close / Cindy Hill - Everything is on schedule and the various committees are staffed.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Cindy Hill prepared a handout on what is required to be a host for an AOS trustee meeting. The board will read the notes and resume the discussion next month.

NEW BUSINESS

1. The Orchid Digest requested to be a member of our society. F. Weber asked if they could be members without paying the fee, no one opposed. The Orchid Digest will have to pay for ads in our newsletter.

2. Bob and Peggy Swanson will not be bringing donuts to the meetings in the future. We will have cookies at the November meeting. A search for new volunteers to bring cookies and/or donuts to our meeting is underway.

3. Duncan Werth is showing the Zoo’s green house to an SDSU journalism student. She is doing a documentary on the California orchid business. He will help her visit some local growers and also ask for a copy of the documentary for the society.

4. Bud Close presented a plan to use the Garner fund for introducing orchids (Phalaenopsis) to high school students. A similar plan is in place in Arizona.

5. The owners of two orchid collections have passed away. Their families are interested in donating the collections to the SDCOS. After the collection has been inspected by the SDCOS, a decision will be made on how to process them.

The meeting was adjourned 7:45 P.M.

"SERVICE TO OUR MEMBERS SECTION"

HELP HOTLINE: The SDCOS offers a service to members who seek cultural information about their orchids. Here are some friendly hobbyists who have a great deal of experience and knowledge about certain types of orchids, and who have kindly volunteered to answer your questions. There are no commercial growers on this list.

Cattleyas, Oncidium/Odontoglossum, and Vandaceous, Greenhouse grown, West SD county Forrest Robinson - (619) 270-6105

Encyclias, Epidendrum - Tom Osborn - (760) 787-0282

Paphiopedilums - Bob Hodges - (619)461-4915, Ann Tuskes - (619) 274-5829

Phalaenopsis, Cattleyas and Dendrobiums Alma Marosz - (619) 583-0334

Pleurothallids - Don van Kekerix - (619) 224-4938

Cymbidium, Zygopetalum - Ken Miller (619) 453-4705

Northeast County, all types - Dave Reid (619) 728-7996

San Diego West County all types - Jean Beck (619) 435-8211

San Diego Central, Outdoor, all types Fred Tomaschke 276-3225 / Jim Wright 276-5295

San Diego East County, all types James Masst - (619) 443-2800 / Bud Close - (619) 444-8839

Species, all types, Indoor and Outdoor Ann & Paul Tuskes - (619) 274-5829

South County all types - Genie Hammond (619) 426-6831 / Ed Marty - (619) 470-7175

You may also call any of the SDCOS Board Members for information; if they don't have the answer, they will direct you to someone who knows.

San Diego County Orchid Society
~~ Established in 1947 ~~

OUR MISSION:
To promote interest in orchids and their cultivation, to educate by exchanging information and experiences related to successful orchid culture, and to support the conservation of orchids in the wild.

President: Fred Weber 619-982-9128
First Vice President: Ben Machado 619-660-9870
Second Vice President: Gary Pierwola 619-426-9108
Secretary Siv Garrod: 619-483-8787
Treasurer: Edith Galvan 619-441-7503
Directors:
1997 to 2000 Ann Tuskes 619-274-5829
1998 to 2001 Cindy Hill 619-481-5782
1999 to 2002 Duncan Werth 619-222-2072
Director at Large: (Past President) Bud Close 619-444-8839
Parliamentarian: Alma Marosz 619-583-0334
Refreshments: Joan Close, Alma Marosz, Peggy Swanson, Pat Tolen
Librarian: Ron Velarde 619-562-7246
Historian: Ben Hardy 619-448-0659
Plant Opportunity Table: Jim Reid 619-223-3961
William Roley, Rudy Pfeiffer
Hospitality: Esther Sivila, Naty Ritua
Floral Association Representative: Lynn Beyerle 619-454-4953
Botanical Fnd. and Mini-Show Representative: Bob Hodges 619-461-4915
Conservation Committee: Peter Tobias 760-753-3173
Membership Committee and Name Badges: Vivian Follmer 619-538-6187
Newsletter Editor: Rebecca Lawrence 760-943-8860
Newsletter Distribution: Genie Hammond 619-426-6831
Newsletter Advertising: Cindy Hill 619-481-5782
Webmaster: Duncan Werth 619-222-2072

These are many of the hard-working volunteers that keep our Society running. There are many others with no titles that help these folks make it happen. You are invited to help. Ask any of these people how.

Monthly meetings are held the First Tuesday of each month at Casa del Prado in Balboa Park.
You do not need to be a member to attend these meetings. Admission is free. Anyone is welcome!

Novice Class: 6:30 p.m. Room 104
General Meeting: 7:30 p.m. Room 101

You are invited to share your interest in growing orchids through: monthly meetings with slide shows, guest speakers and refreshments, our Newsletter, mini-shows, Annual Spring Show, a Christmas party, plant raffles, and camaraderie with other hobbyists as well as commercial growers, just by becoming a Society member.

To join our Society, fill out this form, mail it with your check (payable to SDCOS), and come to the next meeting. Single $10.00 / Dual $12.50. Membership runs from July 1 to June 30 (1/2 price after January 1).

Name____________________________________________
Street Address ________________________________________
City, State________________________________________________
Zip______________________
Phone/Fax ____________________________________________________ E-mail_________________________________

Mail to: Vivian Follmer, 13127 Roundup, San Diego, CA 92129. Phone: 619-538-6187, E-mail: LFollmer@aol.com

Correspondence to the Society goes to: SDCOS, P.O. Box 161020, San Diego, CA 92176

Photography ©Greg Allikas