A non profit organization established in 1945, HOS is The Houston Happenings a recipient of the American Orchid Society’s Distinguished Affiliated Societies Service award Volume 50, Issue 3 March 2020 March Program: What to Expect When you Enter a or Create a Display at an Orchid Show By Sarah How are your Orchids coming to like and make their choices tries. If you see a class that you along? Hope you have lots of to award trophies or ribbons. want to enter, talk to Jay Bal- bloom spikes and blossoms in Page 4 of the schedule has a chan at the March 5 meet- Inside This anticipation of the HOS Orchid sample of the form to be filled ing. When I was a newcomer, I Issue: Show and Sale April 4-5, 2020. out to enter each plant for judg- made exhibits several times Several HOS members will pre- ing. If you are unsure how to using the of another sent the March program to classify your orchid, there will member who did not have time advise and encourage everyone be an expert at the registration to make an exhibit, because I Presidents Post 1 to share the love of orchids at desk Thursday and Friday to never had enough blooming our annual show and sale. help you. Of course, you will orchids to create a full exhibit. Creating an orchid show need to provide as much infor- This was a great way to get my March Tips 2-3 begins with publishing a sched- mation as you can for your feet wet and have a feel for the ule that lists the events available. plant, especially genera and requirements to make a suc- Holly Miller created this year's parent names. Surely, I do not cessful exhibit. HOS Show 4 schedule and posted it on the need to remind you that each The important thing to re- HOS website: http://www. plant should be groomed to member is this is for fun and Membership 4 houstonorchidsociety.org/ show its best qualities. education. Hoping everyone will assets/show -schedule-for- From the schedule, individu- enjoy the program on Thursday, registration-2020.pdf. The be- als or groups can enter designs March 5 and look forward to Plant Table 5 ginning of the schedule lists all of varying complexity. Remem- working together at Memorial the classes and categories for ber to complete a form to enter City Mall from April 2nd each kind of orchid so the judg- the exhibit for judging. Page 14 through teardown on Sunday Texas Native 6-7 es will be able to compare like lists the classes for design en- afternoon, April 5. Orchid Presidents Post Tamiami IOS 8 City Mall in April and join in on of events in this newsletter for Bill the preparation and camarade- their show dates. rie of putting up exhibits and Not much else to say right AOS Webinars 9 Hello, everyone. participating in a show. While now except Spring is almost you’re there, treat yourself to a here, starting on March 19th, I have to start by saying how new plant or two – you’re wor- the vernal equinox. I hope your Houston Judging 10 impressed I was with the large thy. Jay Balchan, Holly Miller, orchids are waking up and are Center number of new members who and many others have worked spiking after an early, but seems joined the society last month. hard to make this venue and like short winter. I know in my Welcome New Comers, look- show a big hit in the last two orchid tent (it ain’t a green- ing forward to meeting all of years. Let’s make it even bigger house) there are signs every- you soon! Plants on the plant and better in 2020. I appreciate where that Spring is approach- tables at our February meeting everyone’s effort and hope you ing rapidly. My Bletilla striata and were spectacular. Keep bring- will thank them when you have Daffodil in the landscape are in ing in your flowers and showing the opportunity. full bloom two weeks early this off your plants for the rest of us The orchid show season is year. Enjoy it, because in only a to admire. That’s what makes kicking in for many of the other few short months, we’ll be every monthly meeting an or- local societies as well. If you get wishing it were Winter again. chid show and a social event to a chance, take a short road trip enjoy. to visit their shows, meet other Best, Please don’t miss the oppor- orchidphiles and see what they Bill tunity to get out to Memorial are growing. See the schedule Page 2 Volume 50, Issue 3

March Tips - Growing Dendrobiums By Father Ted

Last month I talked about Phalaenop- include such as aphyllum, which sis. This month I have some suggestions loses its leaves and can be purple or about Dendrobium. white; pierardii; and anosmum. The I have been growing them since I latter, curiously, is fragrant although the cannot remember, with some success, name means “no scent”. it blooms in the and quite a few failures. I have mostly concentrated on species and I’ll talk about those first, but also about hybrids, because they tend to be easier to grow. The is huge, with over 1000 species, spread throughout eastern Asia, from China through the Philippines and archipelagos West of there, into Austral- Den. thyrsiflorum is also prolific ia and East to some pretty small islands with flowers, but the pseudobulbs are in the Pacific. With my students at the elongated and not “chunky”. Each cane is University of St. Thomas, we performed able to produce one, two, or more inflo- some DNA sampling of 20 or so species rescences. They need more water, and made phylogenetic (parent) trees. strong light, and have to be root-bound The farthest species, geographically and to do well. Spring blooming, this one genetically of them all, comes from the takes up lots of room. islands of New Caledonia and has had a Smaller, but of a most delicious gold- number of names: D. munificum, aka en color is Den. aggregatum (this is the D. muricatum var. munificum, aka trade name. the real name is Dendrobi- Inobulbum munificum. This is a slow um lindleyi or Den. jenkinsii). It is growing, squat, one- or two-leaved spe- shorter, and very compact, unifoliar (one cies that has some peculiarities. First, it leaf), slow growing, but prolific in has many, many flowers. Second, these blooms. There are two drawbacks: it Spring on leafless canes that are pendent. must have a dry period of about three The flowers can be quite large, to 10 cm months: NO WATER; and then, the wide (4”). The center color is quite in- flowers, which bloom all at once and do tense, even in the semi-alba variety, and not last more than two weeks. The pho- it smells faintly like roses to me. These to is of a truly fabulous plant: species are widespread throughout tropi- cal Asia and need copious watering once they start to flower, for about six months to let the new canes grow as long as possible. The leaves will tell you when to slow down and stop by turning flowers fold up at night, an unusual trait. yellow and falling off. If water is not with- Third, the pseudobulbs have long, promi- held, the plant produces only keikis (baby nent hairs that point upwards and give it canes) and no flowers. Pot size is best a strange appearance. They like wet, then kept very small, but baskets are also OK. dry, watering and not too much light, but more than Phalaenopsis. They can bloom anytime, but mine are late Spring.

I love my Den. glomeratum (aka Some other species also bloom only sulawelense) and have given away off- after a dry period, like all the shoots to my sister and to friends. It has “nobile” (pronounced NO bil EE). These bunches of striking fuchsia-pink flowers

The Houston Happenings Page 3

March Tips (continued)

on second year canes and it can be pen- Dockrillia, a synonym. It has pure white My final note is a Dendrobium hybrid dent or erect, depending on conditions flowers in a “frothy” bunch. Mine has not for which I break the rules and let grow (the canes tend to droop quite a but for bloomed like this one, but I have hopes: I out of the pot so the roots are about 4 me). It likes a small dry period of about a just need to wait a bit. It is mounted and ft. long (1.3 m), which I have wrapped month. The flowers are long-lasting - not needs plenty of water, but can take dry around and set in a basket: it has ten as long as D. cuthbertsonii (which we periods in its native climes. The leaves canes, and I finally looked up the parents cannot grow here) - but up to a month! look like pointy, small cucumbers, with a after I had it for ten years: D. Inner Har- long central valley. mony x Uniwai Royale. Since that cross had not been registered in 2017, I named it for my sister, Den. Susan Davis. It will never get an award, but I love it, for sentimental reasons. Sixteen flowers on two inflorescences, and the photo to follow shows it as pink, but in reality, it is much redder. It flowers in late summer.

One of my favorite species is from northern Australia and the correct name is Dendrobium bigibbum, which I love to mispronounce: biggy bum. This drives the purists crazy. It should be BYE- gibbum. It blooms more or less in late summer and is very cute. It is the parent for all the “phalaenopsis” dendrobiums. It used to be called D. phalaenopsis, be- P.S. these flowers are also edible and cause the flowers open widely and have yummy. plenty of colors, from pink to purple to Almost all the hybrids we will see white, and looks like, you guessed it: here are descendants of D. bigibbum, Phalaenopsis. Why do I like it? Some many with “antelope” species added to Raffle Table reasons are that it is tough, and reliable, lift the and give them a bit or a lot and the flowers last a long time. I’ve had of spin. One of the oldest of these and By Brad one of them for twenty years. Another oldest among my collection is Jacquelyn advantage is that the flowers are edible Thomas, a purple cross of and perk up a salad very well. (Its off- “phalaenopsis” with gouldii (a large Hi all - spring are also OK to eat! growing antelope type. This plant pro- duces flowers nonstop from January to Raffle plants for this month's meeting November, but, be careful, mine is 36 will be five species and hybrids from inches high (nearly one meter) and with Carmela Orchids. 25 canes it takes up a very large space. I There will be some interesting ones have it in white, and purple, and in this that we don’t see every day, so this will striking maroon. be a great opportunity to win something unique for your collection. For those that are not in bloom, I will try to have photos as much as possible. Last month was a good one for raffle ticket sales and we look forward to see- ing you at the raffle table this month as well!

Finally, among the species, I grow D. wassellii, also from Australia, a rock- dwelling succulent with another name Page 4 Volume 50, Issue 3

HOS Show & Sale, April 4-5, 2020 Membership By Jay By Marsha

The Houston Orchid Society Show is Children’s Table and the HOS HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR the first weekend of April at Memorial Table: As we have had in prior years, HOS MEMBERSHIP? City Mall. Setup is Thursday April 2 we will again have the children’s table Your annual HOS membership pay- evening after 6 pm and Friday Apr 3 and the HOS table as the first thing visi- ment is due. Be aware that if your mem- starting at 7am. All large exhibit and tors see at the entrance to the Show. bership has not been paid by March 6, vendor setup must be done by 10am Anyone who can help staff these tables is the 2020 directory will not have your Friday. Small items like re-arranging very much appreciated, especially those contact information, and you will not be plants in an exhibit, putting cloth around who can assist children with some special included in the email list for the newslet- pots, registering plants, etc can still be games and activities. Nearly everyone ter or announcements. Your payment is done after 10am, but all big items like who helped last year enjoyed the interac- requested prior to the March meet- bringing in plants and other exhibit mate- tion with the kids and parents. ing. Please take a few minutes to take rial from your car needs to be done We have had great support from our care of this vital task. We still have before 10am Friday. members in the past and we really need over forty 2019 memberships that have We are going to use our regular April you to put on a great display of Houston not yet been renewed. Don't miss out 2th HOS meeting as a Show setup party! hospitality and pride! on being in the Directory. So meet at the Mall that evening, any I look forward to a fun and wonderful Please complete the membership time after 6pm, instead of the Church. Show! information online at http:// We will be providing pizza and other www.houstonorchidsociety.org/member- snacks Thursday night. Everyone is invit- ship.html so that we have your current ed to participate, even if you don’t have a information. The dues ($30 for a single display since the vendor will need help as The Bromeliad Society / membership or $45 for a family). Mail well. your check to me at The Houston Or- As usual, plants must be entered for Houston Inc. presents chid Society, Inc. PO Box 66325. Hou- judging as early as possible. The deadline ston, TX 77266. Checks should be made is 4:00 PM on Friday. You can still work payable to the Houston Orchid Society. on your exhibit after submitting the en- 2020 Spring Sale We will accept payment at the HOS try tags, until 6:30 PM when judging be- meeting in March. Payment can be paid gins. by cash, check or credit card at the We do also have a few volunteer meeting. areas that need some help. We need Membership dues pay a large portion your help!!! All of these jobs are EASY of our organization’s costs, including the but they need you !! Please let either directory, speakers and their travel ex- me or Holly know if you are willing to penses, supplies, plants for the raffle, help!! rental space at the church, and much Clerking: On Friday evening, we more. The funds are needed to provide have ribbon judging for all the plants the best orchid society for you, the entered from the exhibits. Clerks help member. Without you, Houston Orchid the judges spot the plants and put rib- Society would not exist! bons on the winners. They also may be Thank you in advance for paying your asked to help with the decisions. This is a dues before the March Meeting date! fun way to learn about the flowers and why some merit ribbons and others don’t. Jay will coordinate the clerks, but West Grey Multiservice Center we need you to volunteer to be a clerk! 1475 W. Grey St. Show Trophies Please be available around 6pm Friday if Houston, TX 77019 you want to participate. March 28, 2020 Houston Orchid Society Exhibit: The March meeting will be your last

Rick Hepler is once again arranging the chance to sponsor a trophy in our April Sale hours HOS exhibit and will be there Thursday Show. If you would like to sponsor one evening and Friday morning. Members of of the seven left, please let me know by Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm the society can bring their plants to be email ([email protected]) or at the entered in our host society exhibit any- March meeting. The cost is only $35 per time during setup. Rick can certainly use trophy and a wonderful way to honor a help Thursday evening, Friday morning person's memory, or just help out the and then again Sunday late afternoon for Society. Thanks. exhibit tear down. The Houston Happenings Page 5

February Plant Table by Jay

We had a wonderful display of plants

in the February meeting. We had 40 Dendrobium speciosum plants brought in by our members in Presented by Sheila & Laurie

February across a wide range of gene- Skov ra. We actually had 4 separate plant

table winners last month. Two each in species and hybrids. And all the winners were from different genera and different owners!! On the species side, the two winners were Cymbidium sinense ‘China Huasan’ brought in by Stephen Moffitt (see pic- ture on page xx) and Dendrobium specio-

sum brought in by Sheila and Laurie Skov. Stephen’s plant was awarded a Paphiopedilum Macabre Con- Certificate of Cultural Merit (84 points, I trast ‘Lehua Devil’s Darkness’ believe) at the HJC judging this week- Presented by Kris Jainga end. A CCM recognizes the overall superior growth and blooming of the plant itself. The dendrobium that Sheila and Laurie brought in was a bright butter yellow blooming on a single tall spike. Speciosums can get very large and have many blooming spikes. They are also highly fragrant. These den’s are native to Australia and large specimens can be over 4’ across and take an entire van to transport them for display. On the hybrid side, the two winners were Paphiopedilum Macabre Contrast ‘Lehua Devil’s Darkness’ brought in by Kris Jainga and a Marvingerberara hybrid brought in Melissa Dwan. The Paph really lived up to it’s clonal name! it was dark and nasty with a nearly black pouch and petals! We did not have the actual hybrid name on the Marvingerberara, but the genus is, of course, named after our long time HOS member and former AOS president Marvin Gerber. Marvin did extensive breeding using Brassavola no- dosa and the plant Melissa brought in clearly showed a huge nodosa influence with numerous white flowers with large lips and a strong night fragrance. Thanks to all who brought plants in… please keep them coming!

Marvingerberara Jason Presented by Melissa Dwan Page 6 Volume 50, Issue 3

Texas Native Orchid, Southern Twayblade, Blooming Locally in February By Nina Rach

Do you think that viewing orchids in day every month, and by special arrange- aga et al. noted that the genus Listera is the wild requires a trip to the Tropics? In ment (OutdoorNatureClub.org). Open subsumed into (March 2014). reality, you can probably find native or- House dates and other events are posted This was also published by John V. chids within a few miles of your home at www.facebook.com/OutdoorNature Freudenstein & Mark W. Chase in Annals here in Harris County. Texas has 54 Club/ of Botany (March 2015). native orchid species, some quite brightly Where does this leave us? Based on colored, but many are overlooked as What’s behind a name? the rule of priority of publication, the inconspicuous terrestrials. In fact, there This species first became widely earliest applicable, properly published are twice as many wild orchid species known as Listera australis, as published name is the correct one, and we should (~20-30,000) around the world, as there in September 1840 by English botanist refer to this species as Neottia bifolia. are bird species (~10,000). and orchidologist John Lindley, in The But recognizing 180 years of actual use, Walking with botanist Charles Peter- Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Listera australis is apparently an ac- son on 22 Feb 2020, I observed a small Plants. Its taxonomy was subsequently ceptable alternative. population of unobtrusive Southern revised by others, and published as: References: Twayblade orchids blooming on a sandy Diphryllum australe, by Carl Ernst International Plant Names Index, slope in mixed hardwood forest in the Otto Kuntze in Revisio Gene- www.ipni.org Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary (LTNS) rum Plantarum 2: 659 Charles D. Peterson and Larry E. Brown, in San Jacinto County, Texas. Monitored (November 1891). Vascular flora of the Little Thicket Na- monthly, he notes that the colony has Ophrys australis, by Homer Doliver ture Sanctuary, San Jacinto County, Tex- bloomed in past seasons from Feb-May, House in Bulletin of the Torrey as: a sanctuary of the Outdoor Nature but most in March. Botanical Club 32: 379 (1905) Club, Houston, Texas, 163pp. (1983). The name “twayblade” refers to the Bifolium australe, by Julius Arthur [more than 400 plant species are keyed single pair of opposite leaves at the base Nieuwland in American Mid- out; Southern Twayblade p. 43] of the flowering stem, in any of the or- land Naturalist 3: 129 (1913). Nicholas Hill et al. “The Rare Southern chids in the genera Listera, Liparis, or Neottia australis, by Dariusz Lucjan Twayblade (Neottia bifolia): Sentinel of Neottia. Szlachetko in Fragmenta Floris- Ecosystem Integrity For Sphagnous The Southern Twayblade is a minia- tica et Geobotanica Suppl. 3: Swamps,” in: Rhodora 120(982): 117-142 ture terrestrial orchid, no more than 5- 117 (1995). (April 2018). https:// 6” tall when blooming. The pale red to Paul Martin Brown proposed three www.researchgate.net/ dark red-brown flowers are well-spaced forms of the species, publishing in the publica- on an upright, purple-red inflorescence North American Native Orchid Journal: tion/326054941_The_Rare_Southern_T that is covered with short, soft hairs Listera australis f. trifolia, 1(1): 11 wayblade_Neottia_bifolia_Sentinel_of_E (puberulous/ puberulent/ pubescent). All (1995); found in Caledonia cosystem_Integrity_For_Sphagnous_Swa plants seen in this population had a pair County, Vermont (three mps [full text] of flat, ovate, opposite leaves, parallel to leaves) Maria Rosaria Barone Lumaga et al., and close to the ground. Each flower has Listera australis f. scottii, 6(1): 63 (pl “Exine micromorphology and ultrastruc- a distinctive long, forked lip and a pink 4) (March 2000); found in Ala- ture in Neottieae (, Or- anther cap that partially covers the yel- chua County, Florida (four or chidaceae),” in: Plant Systematics and low pollinia. The and petals are more scattered leaves per Evolution, 300(3) · March 2014. https:// minute and reflexed, white to pink, occa- plant) www.researchgate.net/ sionally striped. Listera australis f. viridis, 6(1): 63 (-64, publica- The Southern Twayblade is found pl 4) (March 2000); found in tion/263041903_Exine_micromorpholog from the sub-tropical coastal plain in Alachua County, Florida (pure y_and_ultrastructure_in_Neottieae_Epid Texas up to boreal forest peatlands of green flowers with no red endroideae_Orchidaceae [full text] eastern Canada. Some authors have sug- pigment) John V. Freudenstein & Mark W. Chase, gested disjunct distributions, with clus- However, this species appears to “Phylogenetic relationships in Epiden- ters in the southeastern US and the At- have been published far earlier, in 1808, droideae (), one of the great lantic seaboard through eastern Canada, as Diphryllum bifolium, by Constantine radiations: progressive blooming from January (southern states) Samuel Rafinesque, in Medical Repository specialization and diversification,” in: into July (northern areas). (New York), but this was only recently Annals of Botany, 115(4): 665-681, March You can see this species in Sam Houston discovered. Recognizing Rafinesque’s 2015, https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/ National Forest. LTNS is a 700-acre priority publication, the species name mcu253 [full text] nature sanctuary south of Coldspring and was revised to Neottia bifolia, by Additional reading: Lake Livingston, owned and maintained Norbert Baumbach in Die Orchidee 60 https://goorhids.northamericanorchid by the Outdoor Nature Club, and it’s (4): 332 (2009). center.org/species/neottia/bifolia/ open to the public on the fourth Satur- In 2014, Maria Rosaria Barone Lum- The Houston Happenings Page 7

Southern Twayblade Orchids and the Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary Photos By Charles D. Peterson

The Orchid Family, with its beautiful flowers, is a favorite of mine. Some orchids begin as small seeds resembling dust in the wind. The tiny seeds lack the food reserve to nourish the germinating plant. It is important that contact be made with fungal mi- crorhizoids which provide the necessary nourishment. Underground tubers develop for years and form leaves and eventually the flowering inflorescences. In the Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary (LTNS) of the Outdoor Nature Club, in San Jacinto County, orchids may be found throughout the year. The following chart indi- cates eight orchids to look for as you explore the trails.

Southern Twayblade Early bloomer Feb - May Coralroot Rare Feb - May Crippled Cranefly Around beech trees July - Aug Spring Ladies Tresses Tall-growing March - June Little Ladies Tresses Small flowers June - Aug Green-lip Ladies Tresses In the Triangle July - Oct Nodding Ladies Tresses Most common orchid July - Dec Oval Ladies Tresses Rare July - Dec

At the LTNS, look for terrestrial orchids in and around the Triangle, at Little Jor- dan, around beech trees, on the Wilderness Trail, and on the Black Willow Trail. [The sanctuary has no epiphytic orchids.] All the terrestrial orchids in the Outdoor Nature Club’s sanctuary are protected. Favorite orchid books include: Wild Orchids of Texas, by Joe & Ann Liggio, Field Guide to the Wild Orchids of Texas, by Paul Martin Brown, Field Guide to Orchids of North America, by John G. Williams & Andrew E. Williams, Vascular Flora of the Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary, San Jacinto County, Texas, by Charles Peterson and Larry Brown.

Spiranthes cernua Photo by Nina Rach

Page 8 Volume 50, Issue 3

The Tamiami International Orchid Festival USPS Orchid Stamps by Stacey by Stacey

Usually when your spouse asks if you We found the people from Ten Shin want to go on an extended weekend trip Gardens, Joseph Wu Orchids and Orchis to visit in-laws, the reply of NO is both Floriculture to be especially friendly and quick and firm. But when you find out eager to tell us about their beautiful there is an orchid show going on nearby country. By the end of the day we ended at the same time, you must at least con- up purchasing most of our plants from sider it. Top that off with the revelation these fine folks which included two spe- that the plane tickets, hotel and car rent- cies native to their island. I also met John al expenses are being covered with re- Ingram from Ingram’s Better Orchid ward points and you immediately start Books. I ended up finding a couple of On February 21, 2020 the United calculating how much disposable income titles about the native species of Taiwan States Postal Service will introduce ten can be spent on your orchid obsession. It and ended up purchasing one of them. stamps that are sure to make most of was a good amount, so on January 17th We are hoping to see orchids growing in the HOS membership jump for joy. The we hopped a flight to South Florida. the wild so the book will be good for newest collection will feature close-ups The Tamiami International Orchid identification as well as a great read on of wild orchids native to the US. These Festival would be a new experience for the long flight over the Pacific Ocean. I forever stamps will showcase flowers us. A basic internet search revealed that am now more excited than ever to at- from the West Coast Cypripedium cali- it is billed as the largest winter orchid tend WOC23. I will be sure to share fornicum to the East Coast Cypripedium event in the country. Hosted by Motes that adventure with all of you when we reginae. Easily recognizable lady slippers Orchids (www.motesorchids.com), it return. And I promise to take lots of and lesser known varieties such as the features AOS judging, gorgeous displays, pictures for the newsletter and/or Face- Triphora trianthophoros or “three birds and over 100 booths selling plants, grow- book page. orchid” were also chosen. Rare and en- ing supplies, and orchid related art, If you go to Tamiami next year, I dangered varieties were also represent- clothing, and jewelry. Since we would suggest taking lots of money and a large ed. only be attending one of the three days, I empty suitcase with you to bring back all Plant photographer, Jim Fowler, who knew we wouldn’t be able to see and do the treasures, you will undoubtedly find has also written two books on native it all. while there. The baskets, unique wooden orchids of North and South Carolina, I needed to formulate a battle plan hangers and one of a kind pottery are all provided thousands of images for consid- and a darned good one at that! I started excellent ways to display your prized eration to this project. The USPS Art by looking at the official website plants. If you are tight on cash it is still Director and stamp designer, Ethel Kess- www.tamiamiorchidfestival.com to check worth spending a day there just walking ler, presented the finished designs to the out the confirmed vendors list. I soon around collecting business cards, getting twelve member Citizens Stamp Advisory discovered that it truly was an interna- ideas for the greenhouse you plan to Committee, who quickly approved them. tional affair as there were growers com- build someday, and learning about the The American Orchid Society held a ing from Brazil, Ecuador, Hawaii, Japan, newest miracle grow fertilizer to help First Day of Issue Dedication Ceremony Peru, Taiwan, and Thailand. The big you grow specimen sized plants. And at their headquarters in Coral Gables, FL names and familiar faces would also be when you get back, I encourage you to on February 21st at 11am. there including Carmela, Ecuagenera, write a blurb for the newsletter and Anyone wishing to purchase first day H&R, Odom’s, and Sunset Valley, to share your perspective with the rest of covers can order them online at name a few. the membership. www.usps.com/shops for $9.90 plus We arrived at the Dade County Fair shipping. Digital Color Postcards are also Grounds and Expo Center when the available for a higher price. I have already doors opened. We had purchased ad- reserved a set for myself and will bring vanced sale tickets for $10, which was a them to a future monthly meeting for more than reasonable price to pay con- anyone that wants to see them up close. sidering all that awaited us inside. Being I cannot promise that I will be at the Saturday, we knew it was going to be March 6 meeting since our flight to Tai- especially busy, so we used the maps wan leaves at midnight, so find me at the provided to plot out a route through the April meeting when I should have plenty crowded maze of orchid madness. Our of pictures to share from WOC23. primary mission was to speak with all the The other orchids pictured on the vendors from Taiwan in hopes of getting stamps are: , Spiran- some insights prior to our trip there for thes odorata, Platanthera grandiflora, the World Orchid Conference in March. Cyrtopodium polyphyllum, Calopogon tuberosus, and Platanthera leucophaea.

The Houston Happenings Page 9

AOS WEBINARS

Greenhouse Chat Ron McHatton Tuesday, March 19, 2020 7:30-8:30pm CT

Register

A Junior Orchid Show By Barbara Schmidt Tuesday, March 31, 2020 7:30-8:30pm CT

Register

Page 10 Volume 50, Issue 3 March 2020 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 HOS 6 7 Meeting

8 9 10 11 12 13 Calcasieu 14 Calcasieu OS Show OS Show

15 Newcom- 16 April 17 18 19 20 21 Houston er’s Meeting Content Due Judging Center

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Terre- bonne OS Show

29 Terre- 30 31 bonne OS Show

Raffle Table Houston Judging Center By Brad By Marilyn

Hi all - The Tri-Center Workshop held on th February 15 was a huge success. Thirty- Raffle plants for this month's meeting one judges attended from six different will be five species and hybrids from judging centers. An additional fifteen Carmela Orchids. orchid enthusiasts joined us to hear Ron There will be some interesting ones McHatton and Jean Allen-Ikeson as they that we don’t see every day, so this will enlightened us with wonderful talks. be a great opportunity to win something unique for your collection. For those Fifteen plants were entered for judg- that are not in bloom, I will try to have ing and Stephen Moffitt’s beautifully photos as much as possible. grown Cymbidium sinense earned him a Last month was a good one for raffle CCM 84 points. Congratulations Stephen ticket sales and we look forward to see- on your skillful culture! ing you at the raffle table this month as well! The monthly meeting of the Houston Judging Center will be held on the third Saturday of each month at the First Christian Church.

The cut off time for receiving plants is 11:30 a.m. We would love for you to join us. Bring your plants to show them off.

The Houston Happenings Page 11

Upcoming Events HOS Officers and Committee Chairs

March 6-7, 2020 Officers President Bill Dallas Orchid Society Show VP - Speakers Sarah Richardson Civic Center 411 W. Arapaho Road VP - Shows Jay Dallas, TX VP - Membership Marsha Treasurer Winnie Recording Secretary Sheila Past President Rick March 13-15, 2020 Chairs Calcasieu Orchid Society Show Conservation Nina 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center 1001 Ryan Street Display Table Jay Lake Charles, LA Exhibits Jay Guest Hospitality Father Ted Happenings Editor Marianne Intermediate Group Jay March 28-29, 2020 Newcomers Group Stephen and Tim

Terrebonne Orchid Society Show Parliamentarian Don Southland Mall Photography Malcolm 5953 West Park Ave Houma, LA Plant Raffle Brad Refreshments Silent Auction Frank & Cherie Spring Show Jay April 4-5, 2020 Summer Workshop Derek

Houston Orchid Society Show Webmaster Tom Memorial City Mall Facebook Nina Houston, TX Directors - Two Year Term Holly Marianne Father Ted Lily April 25-26, 2020 Don Acadian Orchid Society Show Directors - One Year Term Ira Nelson Horticultural Center Lafayette, LA Kar Derek Steve

Representatives AOS Representative Jay May 15-17, 2020 IPA Representative Father Ted

Redland International Orchid Festival ODC Representative Bill Fruit & Spice Park SWROGA Directors Laurie 24801 SW 187th Ave Don Homestead, FL