SONOMA COUNTY ORCHID SOCIETY
June 2013
A California Non-Profit 501 (c) (3) Corporation
IN THIS ISSUE Our June Speaker is ALAN 1 KOCH June Speaker Bio of Gold Country Orchids Speaker Dinner 2 President’s Corner We are delighted to have Alan as our June Thank You speaker. Alan will talk on the Australian genus Sarcochilus and will teach both 3 novice and advanced growers how to Board Highlights, successfully grow and bloom this miniature Refreshments orchid. Alan will provide the plant table as Classifieds well as offer additional plants for sale at 4 the meeting. Treasurer’s Report Membership Alan owns and operates Gold Country 5 Orchids (www.goldcountryorchids.com), Ice Cream Social where he specializes in miniature and 6-7 compact Cattleyas. Alan started growing Sarcochilus Article orchids in 1969 with 3 Cymbidiums given to 8 him by an aunt. While in college he became June Checklist interested in other orchids and discovered many would grow outdoors in Southern 9-10 California. He has moved several times as Photos Repotting Party his orchid obsession has led to the need for 11 more growing space. With the last move, he purchased 10 acres of land in Lincoln, Membership Application California for his 250,000 orchids. Alan and his wife, Cheryl, now have 3 greenhouses, 12 comprising 16,000 square feet of growing area and three climate zones. Upcoming Events 13-14 Alan is an internationally known speaker who is recognized as an expert in the Brazilian Donor Business Cards Cattleya Alliance and as a trendsetter in miniature Cattleya breeding. He has published and Thank You in the Orchid Digest, the American Orchid Society magazine, as well as many 15 international publications, including several proceedings of the World Orchid Ballot for Board Conference. Alan is a past member of the AOS Judging Committee, and the Research of Directors Committee, as well as an Accredited Judge and is Training Coordinator for the California PLEASE VOTE! Sierra Nevada Judging Center. He served two terms on the Orchid Digest Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and is one of the current directors, as well as a Trustee for the AOS.
Our Speaker Dinner on June 11 @ 5:00 p.m. will be at Bruno’s, 1226 Fourth Street, SR. Please email or call Lynne Murrell, no later than Monday, May 13, if you plan to come to dinner, so that reservations may be made for the group. [email protected] or 415-457-0836. Please copy the email address into your email program.
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President’s Corner
It’s been a fantastic year for the Sonoma County Orchid Society! We’ve had a lot of fun! We are in decent financial shape thanks to careful spending and some great money making events such as our Spring Show and our Annual Fall Auction.
I want to thank the entire membership for your support over the last year! I especially want to let the Board know how much I appreciate your efforts!! A huge round of applause goes to Kathie Hile, Lynne Murrell, Becky Jackson, Ann Possinger, Larry Mead, Jeanne Van Blarcom, and Billie MacCarthy. It’s a lot of work, but we sure have fun doing it, don’t we? You are a terrific bunch of people!! The Committee Chairs really stepped up to the plate, too! Lynne Murrell, Patty Connick, Tony Minnino, Ann Conger, Bob Breckwoldt, Marilyn Barquero, Mariann Hopkins, Kathy Thompson, Lorena Wightman and Richard Lindberg. We had great events this year: the Spring Show, the Fall Auction, the Holiday Party, the Bus Trip, and the Potting Party. Everyone pitched in and helped where they could. Thank you to everyone who helped at our meetings and events!
There is a new slate of officers for the SCOS Board of Directors! Make sure that you vote for YOUR officers! Please do all that you can to help SCOS continue to thrive!
We have a terrific speaker scheduled for our June 11th meeting. The unforgettable Alan Koch of Gold Country Orchids will be here to give us a fantastic talk on scarchochilus. Has anyone heard a talk given exclusively on these lovely plants? Alan is an amazing orchid grower and this is a NOT TO BE MISSED evening.
See you at our next meeting June 11th! Susan
Thank you to Jeanne Van Blarcom for hosting the Potting Party! Your yard and new deck were beautiful. There was a lot of lovely shade when we were working hard repotting orchids. We had a great turnout. A lot of plants were repotted and are happy to be in fresh new medium. I am sure that they will grow and thrive. There was a ton of great food and fun that day. Thanks to all who joined in the fun.
Thank you to Adam Anderson for hosting an open greenhouse and sale at his house in Novato. Sorry that the notice got out so late. Maybe Adam will open his greenhouse again for us soon.
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Board Highlights Refreshments May 21, 2013 We are asking members to bring snacks to the We had a meal of enchiladas, taquitos and salad. monthly meetings. Please check the following list to find out what month you are asked to Lynne has lined up Alan Koch as June’s speaker. July participate. is our annual Bingo game! Members with last names beginning with the Spring Show net income is $5,306 as of today. More letters: expenses may still come in. Black fabric will be investigated to cover the tables, as we’re conscious of T – Z January, 2013 the waste of using plastic, which has to be discarded A – B February each year. $110 (10 % of the Silent Auction proceeds) C – De March will be donated to the AOS for plant conservation/ Di – Fo April education. Fr – H May J – Le June Larry Mead reports 105 members, with 14 new Ice Cream Social July members signing up at the show. Li – M August Bar-B-Q & Auction September-No Meeting We will keep the Show & Tell table open for an N - R October additional 5 minutes after the conclusion of the show & S November tell for people to come up and look at plants. The Plant Holiday Dinner December Sales table will also be open for last purchases for those (In Lieu of Meeting) 5 minutes..
Thank you Jeanne Van Blarcom hosted a fabulous potting party with about 40 people present. Thanks so much, Jeanne!
Ann will ask the Vet’s building directors to look into CLASSIFIEDS repairing the microphone we use. It wasn’t working It’s time to Repot! well at the last 2 or 3 meetings. Don't forget you can get orchid supplies from Kris and Jim Foster [email protected] or 707-762-7124 Board Member voting is at the June meeting. Membership renewals are due then too. Please email Small and medium Rexius bark your ballot ([email protected]) no later than June 9 if Perlite you can’t attend the meeting. Also mail your Sphagnum membership renewal to Larry. Orchid labels Stakes th Next Board meeting is June 18 , hosted by Larry Mead Charcoal at 6:30 pm. Anyone have an item for sale? You may post it here. Email [email protected]
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TEREASURER’S REPORT MEMBERSHIP COLUMN
We made $5,306 on the March show and sale held on REMEMBER: If you wear your name tag, you have Easter weekend!! Thank you to Lynne Murrell for the chance to win a raffle ticket! Put your name on the another year of her leadership and tireless work to make list at the membership table the show a success. And thanks to all who worked to put it on. REMEMBER: MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE DUE for the July 1 through June 30, 2014 The areas that showed improvement over last year are silent auction and admissions, and our net income year. Please pay early. Find a membership increase was $2,178. I believe that one reason for higher form on page 11. attendance is the free advertising we got through articles and mentions of our show in the Press Democrat. Even though we pay for an ad, not everyone notices the ad. We had 104 people take advantage of the $1 off coupon in the ad.
Ann Possinger, Treasurer
Cymbidium grandiflora ‘Fancy Dancer’ painted by local artist and member, Amber R. Turner. © Amber R. Turner
http://www.etsy.com/shop/amberRturner As many of you know, Amber sells her cards and prints at the above website. I’m sure Amber would be happy to bring anything you wish to purchase to a meeting or make arrangements for you to pick up.
Page 4 SCOS June 2013 Newsletter WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE JULY 9 MEETING?
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
o IF YOU BRING A NAMED BLOOMING ORCHID (OR NON-ORCHID) AS A BINGO PRIZE, YOU GET 2 BINGO TICKETS
o IF YOU BRING A NAMED NON-BLOOMING PLANT AS A BINGO PRIZE, YOU GET 1 BINGO TICKET (NO "NO NAME" PLANTS PLEASE)
o IF YOU DON’T' BRING A PLANT, BINGO CARDS ARE $5 EACH
BESIDES THE PLANTS FROM MEMBERS, THE SOCIETY IS PURCHASING PLANTS FROM BROOKSIDE ORCHIDS! Come and have fun!
Page 5 SCOS June 2013 Newsletter Dr. Andra N. Millar' Left, this still name- less cross between Sarcochilus Melba fhartmannii x The Exquisite Sarcochilus falcatus] and Phalaenopsis of Australia amabilis was made by Ken Russell'. It was inevitable that as Australian growers began to value their native species Below, Sarcochilus they would develop hybrids from among them. At this writing, (printed in the fitzgeraldii has white AOS Bulletin, March 1990) several hundred have been made from various spe- sepals and petals, cies. Hybridization began 50 years ago, but it is only in the last 15 years that the lower third of important developments have been achieved. Today in Australia are many each marked with enchanting hybrids that will be a joy to collectors in a changing world where red. It has been used living spaces have become smaller, requiring medium-sized plants with long- lasting flowers. widely in hy- bridization. All Two groups of orchids have led the way in the hybridization of Australia's delight- photography by ful orchids — the genus Dendrobium and many genera in subtribe Sarcanthinae. Mark Webb. Because I have become enchanted with the delightful genus Sarcochilus since I came to live in Australia, let me discuss those here. Just to reassure those of you who know me, any orchid species can win my undying love. However, I must confess that the Sarcochilus do push themselves forward.
Like anyone else who has fallen into the clutches of orchid species, I learned all I could about my new loves. The subtribe Sarcanthinae includes genera such as Sarcochilus, Vanda, Schoenorchis, Phalaenopsis, Ascocentrum, Robiquetia and Saccolabium. Of all of these, Sarcochilus won my heart.
Sarcochilus falcatus is the one that has really captured me, the one they call the spellbinding, very beautiful Orange-blossom Orchid, so called because of its beautiful white flowers, although it is the coloring of the labellum that is really eye-catching. The flower is white, but it is the side lobes of the lip that are so beautiful, varying in color from pale yellow to almost orange with faint purple striping. The racemes vary in flower count, from 3-12 flowers up to four cm in diameter. Flower fragrance is powerful and sweet. An average plant will have four to six leaves, each from 1-6 cm long. The leaves are always curved. Distribution is from northeastern Victoria to the bottom of Cape York Peninsula. It prefers to grow in rain forest but can be found along watercourses and occasionally on rocks.
Two early and very lovely hybrids were made by Butler in 1965 and 1966. These are Sarcochilus Phyllis (ceciliae x falcatus) and Sarcochilus Melba (hartmannii x falcatus). Since then many intergeneric crosses have been made based on these first two.
Another much-loved and commonly cultivated species is Sarcochilus ceciliae, again widely distributed from northeast New South Wales to the Cape York Peninsula. It grows on rocks in sheltered to moderately exposed situations in open forest or rain forest. The plants grow in tufts with usually erect racemes with 3-15 flowers, which always turn their faces upwards. They are bell-shaped, and so are commonly called the Fairy Bell Orchids. Color varies from pale pink to white.
An endearing habit of this species is that it will often reproduce itself vegetatively, sometimes with shoot production from the stem, but often the spent racemes will produce keikis, especially those with prominent flower bracts.
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Sarcochilus fitzgeraldii is another widely distributed species usually found on rocks or cliffs in heavily shaded ravines. Because of its inaccessible habitat, it has more chance of survival in the wild until official protection is proclaimed. Usually called the Ravine Orchid, it has stems up to 90 cm long and will grow into extensive mats. Flowers are about 4 cm in diameter with up to 15 flowers on the raceme. The color is usually white with the basal third heavily marked with red. It has been used as a parent in many new crosses.
Sarcochilus, I think, is the loveliest and most worthwhile of the Sarcanthinae genera. Hybridizers among the Australian growers have been working with these species and crosses for many years, crossing and recrossing in the search for perfection. Today they have the medium-sized, floriferous and long-lasting plants so desired in today's changing world.
Most of the Sarcanthinae hybrids are cool-growing. In nature the species usually grow in situations where the roots are partially or completely buried under layers of humus on rock ledges or trapped in crevices. Ferns and mosses are often present, and the roots penetrate this rich layer in search of nutrients, water and protection from extremes of weather. Accordingly, these species are heavy feeders, more than the epiphytic types, and should be fed regularly during their peak growing times. Some species, especially some of the forms of Sarcochilus falcatus, grow on tree trunks, not the branches, and especially where the trunks are covered in moss.
Many growers use composts they devise themselves, often a combination of the natural host, cork, iron bark, hardwood or treefern fiber. If bark, scoria or broken brick with added charcoal is added, a topping of leaf mold is often used, so that as the plant is watered the nutrients drift down to the roots below.
The most important thing in the successful cultivation of epiphytic Sarcochilus is the establishment of a healthy root system; this applies to cultivation on slabs. Light conditions are also important. In nature plants favor up to 70% shade. Too much light will turn the leaves yellow, while too little light will prevent regular growth.
As with all other orchids, they demand their own personal attention, but they will repay you for the love and care by giving long-lasting flowers and delightful plants.
Adapted article with permission of the American Orchid Society (to shorten the article for our newsletter, text regarding sarcochilus crosses was omitted-Editor),
Pictures, page 1: First, a cross between Sarcochilus Melba [hartmannii x falcatus] and Phalaenopsis amabilis (as yet unnamed at the time of this article in 1990) was made by Ken Russell; Second, Sarcochilus fitzgeraldii, which has been widely used in hybridization. These photos by Mark Webb.
Pictures, page 2: First, Sarcochilus hartmannii 'Matthew'; Second, Sarcochilus fitzhart. Grown and photographed by K. Hile
Page 7 SCOS June 2013 Newsletter JUNE CHECKLIST (Reprinted with the permission of the AOS)
Cattleya: Summer blooming cattleyas, the plants that flower on a recently developed "soft" growth, are showing their sheaths and buds this month. It is critical for cattleyas to be ready to grow at the earliest opportunity. These summer bloomers need to get off to a running start to bloom soon. However, potting of the summer bloomers can be problematic. In many cases, the growth comes rapidly, with the attendant softness that fast growth brings. The sheath will often have buds already formed by the time it emerges from the unfolding growth. Observation will tell you when any particular plant will be rooting, and immediately before that time is the time to repot. Many times, the growth will be soft and brittle, so extreme care must be exercised to avoid breaking or bruising the growth. Also, changing light conditions this month can cause two problems. First, leaves are on the soft side and will burn more easily if shading needs are not met. Second, the tendency for spikes to emerge quickly now makes them more susceptible to weakness if light conditions are too low. Pay special attention to light and proper staking. Cymbidium: Enjoy the flowers now since the season will soon come to an end for this rewarding group of orchids. Late blooming varieties, such as Cymbidium madidum and its hybrids, will lengthen your season. With the arrival of warm weather, aphids and thrips will become a problem and growers may have to spray. Increase the frequency of watering as temperatures rise. As soon as flowering ends, increase the levels of light until your plants are in very bright conditions. Insufficient light during the growth period is the number-one cause for lack of flowers. The Dutch method of fertilization is now being practiced in the United States. When new growths are about half mature, change your fertilizer to a formula with little or no nitrogen and high phosphorus and potassium. Continue to apply this fertilizer for about two months then return to a balanced food to finish the new growth. Spikes will be initiated, although you will not actually see them for a couple of months. Dendrobium: With the deciduous types, such as Dendrobium nobile and Dendrobium parishii, flowering has ended and plants should be repotted, if necessary. A few of the evergreen types will have flowers, but now you should put all attention to the new growths to assure that they are strong to support the next crop of flowers, the first of which will be enjoyed in the autumn. Masdevallia: Species, most notably Masdevallia coccinea from Colombia, continue to flower. Watch for new spikes and help them stay free of being caught up in the leaves at the base of the plant. You may have to increase shading as the temperatures rise. Surround your plants with moving air to discourage pests and to help keep the plants cooler. Miltoniopsis: Keep plants in bright filtered light to ensure strong spikes and good color in the flowers. A wonderful fragrance is an added bonus. Do not let your plants become dry because this will lower the quality of the blooms. Keep temperatures between 60F at night and 80F in the day. Paphiopedilum: Now is an ideal time to repot paphiopedilums. Paphiopedilum Maudiae types should be in bud. While paphiopedilums are not heavy feeders in general, the strap-leaved, multiflora species and hybrids require higher levels of nitrogen now through late summer to encourage the growth from which they will flower. Do not be afraid to feed, water and give lots of light to this type to mature the growths. As with phalaenopsis, warming weather will lead to increased incidence of rot-related problems. Be alert to these dangers and clean away dead leaves and flowers early. Phalaenopsis: All potting should be completed by now except for the late-season types stemming from Doritis ancestry. This group should be potted as soon as possible, even if it means sacrificing some of the flowers. Lengthening days and warming temperatures indicate increased watering frequency and attention paid to regular fertilization. There still may be the occasional cold night, so always water early in the day to ensure foliage is dry by nightfall. More and more growers are learning not to splash water between their plants, as this is the primary infection source for many water-borne diseases and bacterial problems. Vanda: Expect great things from this group as we approach the longest day of the year. Increase your watering as temperatures rise and your plants initiate new leaves and roots. Keep plants well fed. Be careful not to over- fertilize with nitrogen now, as the flowering season will soon enter the summer peak.
Page 8 SCOS June 2013 Newsletter wow! what a great time at the repotting party Thank you Jeanne for hosting (Thank you to Ann Possinger for the photos)
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UPCOMING EVENTS June 2013
June
6/11 SCOS Meeting. Alan Koch will discuss Sarcochilus.
6/14 Malihini Orchid Society Auction. Email Tanya Lam at [email protected], or [email protected] or see website at wwww.malihini.org.
July
7/12 – 7/14 Annual Fall Santa Barbara Orchid Estate Open House. www.sborchid.com
7/12 – 7/14 Hatfield Orchids’ Summer Open House, Oxnard. George (805) 901-0340; [email protected] or www.hatfieldorchids.com
Spring and Summer bring spectacular flowers to our NEWSLETTER DEADLINE IS THE 20TH OF EACH orchids. It’s time to again start showing off your MONTH. I WOULD REALLY LIKE YOUR HELP. growing area(s), greenhouses, patios, decks or homes. PLEASE SEND ME A SHORT STORY OR A Please call Gerry Smith at 707-795-0235 or email PICTURE TO INCLUDE IN THE NEWSLETTER. [email protected] if you can open your growing area in July, August or September. THANKS, Kathie [email protected]
Page 12 SCOS June 2013 Newsletter WE HAD A TERRIFIC SPRING SHOW, DUE, IN PART, TO THE SUPPORT OF INDIVIDUALS AND MEMBERS OF OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY
As a thank you to our supporters, we are printing their business cards or names. We encourage you to support these businesses:
Mike Treinen, REHS 707-526-0872 Fax 707-526-0872
CA Registered Environmental Health Specialist NAWT Certified Inspector & Instructor Over 30 Years of Experience Former Well & Septic Division Supervisor •••••••• Professional Septic System Escrow Inspections Standard System Designs Percolation Testing & Pre-Perc Soil Surveys General Consulting [email protected]
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We want to continue to thank the following business Blooming in June donors for supporting our silent auction. We encourage our members to support our donors:
Sonoma County Fair Petaluma Seed Bank Global Garden Friends of Santa Rosa Jim Knego of Bennett Valley Golf Course In N Out Burger Moylan’s Restaurant Quarry Hill Botanical Gardens Mike Treinen, REHS Sonoma Canopy Tours Teatulia Williamson Winery Rlc. Haw Yuan Beauty x caularthron bicornutum
Something to consider. You know that your society is a non-profit organization. Its purpose is to foster and encourage the culture, growing, hybridization, preservation and perpetuation of orchids and their habitats and to educate members and the public about orchids. As you may have read in the Board Highlights, the Society recently donated $110 to the American Orchid Society for orchid conservation and education. Most of the proceeds, however, go back into the Society to obtain speakers, opportunity tables and provide the events that make learning about orchids fun for its members. What can you do to help your non-profit Society?
Donate a little extra when you renew your membership; Support the opportunity table by purchasing raffle tickets (the proceeds from ticket sales rarely cover the cost of the plants); Write a check for any amount, any time during the year and give to our Treasurer; Remember the Society with a bequest in your Living Trust or Will.
Any donation is tax deductible. Ask Ann Possinger for a form.
Blooming in June Blooming in June
Lc. Rojo ‘Barbara’ x Slc. Vallezac ‘Magic Fire’ Cattleyachea Rene Marques ‘Flame Thrower’
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Annual Meeting and Election Announcement
The election of the Board of Directors for 2013-2014 will be at the June meeting. The current slate of nominees is listed below. It is very important that you attend the June meeting and vote. Our Bylaws require that 1/3 of the membership be present (or vote by mail) in order the have a quorum, which is necessary to approve the ballot. Without a quorum the election will have to be postponed or the vote conducted by mailings or email. If you cannot make the June meeting, please vote by emailing your ballot by June 9 to Kathie Hile at [email protected] or mail to 4800 Pressley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 9540. Please note that there is only one vote per household!
Ballot for the 2013-2014 Board of Directors Check YES or NO by each member, if NO you may write in your nominee/vote.
OFFICE Nominee Yes No Write in nominee
President Susan Anderson □ □ ______
V. President Gerry Smith □ □ ______
Secretary Becky Jackson □ □ ______
Treasurer Ann Possinger □ □ ______
Membership Jeanne Van Blarcom □ □ ______
Newsletter Editor Kathie Hile □ □ ______
Ways & Means Ann Conger □ □
Meetings Billie McCarthy □ □ ______
Past President Susan Anderson - No vote required
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