1. shopping
2. gifts
3. flowers

SONOMA COUNTY ORCHID SOCIETY
November 2014
A California Non-Profit 501 (c) (3) Corporation
IN THIS ISSUE
1: Scott Collins Bio;
Dinner With Speaker
2: Skill Session;
President's Corner
3: Refreshment List;
Thank You; 2015 Show
4: Membership
Welcome; Classifieds
5: AOS Corner
6: Board Highlights
7: October Meeting
Pictures
8: November Checklist
9: Events Calendar
10: Holiday Dinner
Poster
11: Marie Wascow
Ballot
Our November meeting is on November 11, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
at the Veteran's Memorial Building, 1351 Maple Avenue, SR
GUESTS WELCOME
________________________________________________________
Our November speaker is Scott Collins who will discuss "Lycastes, From
The Species to Today's Cutting Edge Hybrids."
Scott has been growing orchids for over 30 years. His
nursery, Echo Valley Orchids, is in the rolling hills of
north Monterey County. There, he grows mainly
Odonto-glossums, Lycastes, Cattleyas and Paphiopedilums. Over the years his plants have been granted
over 80 AOS quality and culture awards. Scott had a
successful Phalaenopsis breeding program in the
1990’s, where many of his hybrids garnered numerous
AOS awards. Currently, his breeding efforts are
devoted to Odontoglossums and Lycastes.
Scott has been involved in the AOS judging system
for 28 years and is currently a Senior Judge affiliated with the Pacific Central Judging
Region of the AOS. He enjoys traveling throughout California to the numerous orchid
shows and seeing the different orchids that are grown in the various California
ecosystems.
Over the years Scott has lectured at many local societies and at several large shows
and events. Some of these include the Greater New York Orchid Show in Manhattan,
the World Orchid Congress in Vancouver, BC, and the Phalaenopsis Alliance Show in
Los Angeles.
When not involved in orchids, Scott enjoys rambling through the
deserts of California rock collecting with his son.
OPPORTUNITY TABLE TO BE SUPPLIED BY SCOTT!
PLEASE JOIN US FOR DINNER WITH THE SPEAKER AT SEA THAI BISTRO,
2323 Sonoma Avenue at corner of Farmers Lane, at 5:00 p.m. RSVP to Angelique
Fry at 291-6029 or bfry@pon.net.
Page 1
SCOS October 2014 Newsletter
AT THE NOVEMBER MEETING, A SKILL SESSION will be presented by Judy
Carney, beginning at 6:40 – 6:45.
It will soon be winter and some of our plants need a "dry rest". What is a dry rest? How
dry is too dry? How do I know when to start re-watering? Can I overwater?
Judy will discuss orchids that need a dry rest in winter for successful blooming and
provide care tips.
President’s Corner
Hello Orchid Friends,
Fall is in full swing and the leaves on our outdoor trees are changing to red,
orange, and yellow hues before falling to the ground. We welcome any
rainfall, even morning mist. There is a definite chill in the air. Many orchids
have already gotten a needed drop in temperature enabling them to set their
spikes. Laelias and Cymbidiums are among the orchids that start rewarding us
for the care that we have given them thorough the spring and summer. We certainly love those spikes,
don’t we?
Remember to vote for the person(s) whom you think best deserves the Marie Waskow Award. Ballots
are available in your newsletter. Either email your vote to Kathie Hile or myself jph.kah@gmail.com or
susanaorchids@gmail.com. You can also turn them in at the November meeting. We will have ballots at
the November meeting, too.
Our next big event is the Holiday Party! It will be at Legends at the Bennett Valley Golf Course. Billie
MacCarthy and her merry band of elves are planning a great party! We will have gorgeous blooming
orchids that will be table decorations. These will go home with several lucky people. There is a gift
exchange that is always a lot of fun! Remember you can bring spouses, significant others or a friend to
the festivities! We have a good start on sign ups, but if you haven’t already signed up, make sure you
do so at the November meeting or send your meal choice and check to Billie MacCarthy.
See you at our next meeting on November 11th! Scott Collins is going to give us a fantastic talk on
Lycastes.
Happy orchid thoughts!
Susan
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SCOS October 2014 Newsletter
PLEASE CHECK THE SCHEDULE BELOW TO
SEE IF YOU ARE SCHEDULED TO BRING A
FINGER FOOD TO THE OCTOBER MEETING.
(Anyone can bring a refreshment at any time.)
REMEMBER, if you bring a refreshment, you
receive a raffle ticket to be placed in a special
drawing for only those bringing refreshments that
evening. Winner gets first choice from the
opportunity table.
Refreshments
Please bring a refreshment if the first letter of your last name
corresponds with the monthly meeting.
T–Z
A–B
C – De
Di – Fo
Fr – H
January, 2014
February
March
April
May
J – Le
June
Ice Cream Social
July
Li – M
August
Bar-B-Q & Auction
September
No Meeting in September
N-R
October
S
November
Holiday Dinner
December
No Meeting in December
THANK YOU!
Thank you
Thank you to Cynthia Battershall and to Debra
Atwood for opening their wonderful greenhouses
for us to visit in October. I hope that many of you
took advantage of the opportunity and were able
to visit and purchase some of the special orchids
that were offered for sale.
Thank you to Ann Possinger for hosting the
Spring Show meeting in October. The Show
Committee is off to a good running start.
Thank you to Kathie Hile, Mel Walsh, Jeanne Van
Blarcom, and Ann Possinger for helping at Raley’s
Orchid Faire in Santa Rosa. This great team
signed up 4 new members and talked to even
more potential members. Excellent job!!!
Change of address, email or to
unsubscribe to newsletter?
To send an address or email change, or to
unsubscribe from our newsletter, go to our Society
website at www.sonomaorchids.com and use the
"contacts" link to send an email to the membership
chair.
SHOW PREPARATIONS HAVE BEGUN
Our 2015 Show Committee Chairs met to begin preparations for our
2015 Orchid Show & Sale on March 27 (set-up), 28 and 29.
Angelique Fry agreed to chair the SCOS Display – a huge
responsibility (thank you Angelique!). The theme will be decided
soon. Most of our show chairs have graciously agreed to chair their
positions again. Please put these dates on your 2015 calendar as we
need the help of all of our members to make our Show run smoothly.
There is a position for everyone! Remember, if you volunteer to help,
you can participate in the pasta party dinner, immediately following
the close of the Show on Saturday. There will be much more
information to follow as the time draws near.
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SCOS October 2014 Newsletter
MEMBERSHIP COLUMN
The Raley's Orchid Faire was a huge success. In only 4
hours we had 4 people join our Society as new members. We
would like to welcome:
Barbara Hoffman
Kathleen Homm
Loretta May
Murleen Ray
If you haven't paid your membership dues for the July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015 fiscal year, please do
so as soon as possible. If you cannot make it to a meeting, you may mail your check and membership form to
Jeanne Van Blarcom, 897 Matsuda Lane, Sebastopol, 95472. A membership form may be found in a back issue
of the newsletter or on the society website at www.sonomaorchids.com. Thank you for renewing!
We presently have 87 paid members. Thank you to all who have brought their memberships current.
Don't forget to wear your name badge and sign in! Wear your name badge or make a paper name-tag at the
membership table when you enter the meeting room. Then, sign the list at the Membership Table. At each
meeting, one name will be drawn and that person will receive a free strip of raffle tickets.
Those who would like to order a name badge should email Jeanne at jeannevanb@gmail.com.
CLASSIFIEDS COLUMN
Don't forget you can get orchid supplies from Kris and
Jim Foster foster@sonic.net or 707-762-7124
TED PRUDEN'S 10' x 14' GREENHOUSE IS STILL
FOR SALE – TAKE A LOOK AND MAKE AN
OFFER
Small and medium Rexius bark
Perlite
Sphagnum
Orchid labels
Stakes
Charcoal
Everything included: Reverse Osmosis water system,
holding tanks, benches, misting system, heater, etc.
Call Kathleen Pruden to see greenhouse 707-528-7710.
$3,500.00 or best offer.
ORCHIATA BARK ($17 includes tax) AND
NUTRICOTE ($3 for 1# bag) FOR SALE BY YOUR
SOCIETY!
I have a couple of buckets full of wine corks I would
love to give away. If you are interested, please email
me at jph.kah@gmail.com.
K. Hile
DOES ANYONE WANT WINE CORKS??
Orchiata:
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
DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING FOR SALE
ADVERTISE HERE – FOR FREE!!
Email Angelique bfry@pon.net to Order and
arrange for pick-up
Page 4
SCOS October 2014 Newsletter
AOS CORNER
While perusing the American Orchid Society (AOS) website today, I
found a link to a video library. Jackpot! Videos with an instructor
showing and talking about how to do all kinds of things such as
repotting a keiki, recognizing mite damage, and repotting orchids, both
healthy and unhealthy. Members (digital membership is only $40 - get
yours today!) can discover the gems in the “AOS Video Library” under
the “All About Orchids” tab on the home page.
Quickly becoming a favorite part for me of the AOS website are the
monthly checklists. Because plant growth and flowering is in tune with
the changing seasons, these monthly checklists will remind you of what
needs to be done by type of orchid in your orchid collection throughout
the year.
Here is an excerpt from a general checklist titled "Things to do in the
Fall".
Like spring, fall is an important transitional season and orchid growers should be
making preparations for the coming winter. As days get shorter and cooler, orchid
growth will slow and in some cases, cease altogether. Unless a plant is in a crisis
situation, put off any repotting until the lengthening days of spring. For many orchids, it
is this change of seasonal conditions that begins flower initiation. As we move into
November, be on the lookout for developing inflorescences on Phalaenopsis,
Cymbidium and certain hybrids and species in other genera, and begin staking when
spikes reach 6-8 inches.
If you have been summering some or all of your orchids outside, now is a good time to
get your indoor growing area cleaned up and ready to welcome the returning orchids.
Whether it is windowsill carts, a basement light setup or greenhouse, use diluted
chlorine bleach (1:10) or Physan to clean off any accumulated algae. It is easier to
make repairs when there are no plants, so make sure that your growing area is in top
condition for the trying conditions of winter. Make sure that heaters are working and that
you have plenty of fuel. If you use backup devices or alarms, test them too. Be sure to
check plants thoroughly for pests before returning them to the close quarters of your
indoor growing area or greenhouse.
Once all your orchids are tucked in for the winter, you may find yourself with extra time on your hands
(I just blew milk through my nose after writing that). Check out the pre-recorded webinar on Orchid
Culture by Greg Allikas on one of these cold fall days. It is free to non-members.
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/374551186.
The recording is about 45 minutes long.The first two and one half minutes are housekeeping done
during the active webinar.The remaining consists of a PowerPoint presentation about identifying
orchids and orchid culture.
That’s it for the American Orchid Society report this month. Maybe I’ll see you at the webinar!
The California Sierra Nevada web page has been updated with awards through the outreach judging at the
Orchid Society of Northern Nevada, Reno. Find at http://www.csnjc.org
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SCOS October 2014 Newsletter
SCOS Board Meeting Highlights
October 21, 2014
All Board members were present to enjoy a chile relleno casserole, salad and dessert before the start of
the meeting. Thank you Billie.
Vice President, Angelique Fry, reported that Scott Collins will speak on Lycastes at our November
meeting. Judy Carney will present a skill session on orchids that need a dry rest. In January, Peter T. Lin
will speak about miniature cattleyeas.
Treasurer, Ann Possinger, reported that the income from July 1st to October 21 is $1,764. The new
contract for the Veterans Building is due. There has not been a rent increase.
Jeanne Van Blarcom reported 85 members, with 29 still unpaid. Several attempts have been made to
reach these unpaid members.
Angelique, Ann P. and Mel Walsh have been working on designing letterhead to be used to recruit
sponsors for the spring show. They hope to find financial support for a separate room for the skill
sessions, and for other aspects of the show. Ideas for possible sponsors are welcome. The first show
planning meeting will be Sunday, 10/26 at 2:00 p.m., at Ann P.’s home.
SCOS will have a presence at Raley’s Orchid Faire on Saturday from 12 to 4. Kathie, Mary Ellen,
Jeanne and Ann P. plan to participate.
SCOS decided to make a donation to St. John's Church. They kindly loan tables and chairs for the BBQ
each year.
The deadline for returning Marie Waskow Award ballots is 11/13.
Reservations for the holiday party must be made before 12/3.
Our bus trip has been set for May 30, 2015. Save the date, so you won’t miss the fun. We will visit
Alan Koch at Gold Country, and he is helping with more ideas.
The board discussed ways to encourage the membership to take advantage of the great resources in our
library.
The next board meeting will be 11/18, at Mel Walsh’s home, at 6:30 p.m.
Page 6
SCOS October 2014 Newsletter
Liz Charlton discussed mounting orchids
Thank you to Ann Possinger for the pictures
Liz working with Mary Ann
Billie drilling hole in mount
WE ALSO HAD SOME LOVELY SHOW AND TELL PLANTS
Blc. Cornerstone 'Fine Circle' (Susan
Anderson)
Lc. Blue Angel 'Glove' (Susan
Anderson)
Page 7
Phalaenopsis (Judy Carney)
Potinara Beaufort Gold 'Susan Fender'
(Dale Martin)
Bulbophyllum longissimum
(Judy Carney)
October Sunsets
SCOS October 2014 Newsletter
NOVEMBER ORCHID CHECKLIST
o Aerangis: Many species of this popular genus prefer to be kept much drier during the winter months,
when they are not in active growth. You can determine this by watching the root tips. Generally, the
following species do better if mounted, which allows them to be on the dry side: mystacidii, verdickii,
Inter-alba, distincta and punctata.
o Cattleya: We are well past the Equinox, and the days have shortened noticeably. Summer's growth is
complete and ripening. Whatever sheaths you will have for winter and spring bloom are now made.
Indeed, some of these sheaths may have been present since as early as July and may be beginning to
show signs of senescence (dying), especially if temperature extremes in your growing area have allowed
water to condense inside the sheath. Remove yellowing sheaths carefully to prevent further water
condensation that can rot the dormant or emerging bud primordia. If the sheath is removed with enough
care, the buds will still develop, though they will need additional support as they grow, to compensate for
the loss of the support normally provided by the sheath. All potting should be complete for the year, with
the exception of cases where it cannot be avoided. In many instances, there is still enough time left before
winter's shorter days to allow for some re-establishment. The lengthening nights and cooler temperatures
signal a need for reduced watering; the plants won't dry out as quickly and are not growing much, if at
all. These seasonal changes also signal winter and spring-flowering plants that it is time to begin bud
development from the dormant eyes shielded by the sheath.
o Cymbidium: At this time of the year, be diligent in the staking of your plants, so that the plant will look
its best when in flower. Watch for slugs and snails and bait as necessary. By now, only low doses of
nitrogen are needed and potassium (the middle number on the fertilizer label) should be increased.
o Lycaste: Pseudobulbs should be fully formed now. The leaves will begin to degenerate on the deciduous
varieties, but don't be concerned; they will soon just drop off. Taper off on the water. Keep plants in a
light but airy location as the flower spikes develop.
o Paphiopedilum: Reduce nitrogen levels for best flowering. The occasional heat spell or, conversely, wet
period, can lead to the sheaths rotting in the leaf axil. Do not allow water to accumulate in the new
growths. As the spikes emerge, provide bright light to strengthen them. Do not change the plants'
orientation to the main light source during the period, as doing so can lead to misshapen spike
development. While paphs never like to dry out entirely, this month marks the beginning of the time
when growth, and, hence, water needs slow down dramatically. Observe your plants and do not water if
they are not at least partially drying out. The same goes for fertilizer. Paphs are, generally, light feeders,
with the exception of the strap-leaved types, so fertilizer can be drastically reduced now.
o Phalaenopsis: Phals will also be responding to shortening days with ripening growth and the tendency to
spiking. Especially of you are in an area with cooler autumn nights, this month you will be seeing the
spikes that will give you early winter bloom. Any spikes that will be ready for Christmas will be at least
50 percent developed and will certainly need attention to staking. Spike initiation for the main spring
bloom season is beginning, so you should begin to see the emergence of new spikes. To get more spikes
with more flowers, switch to a fertilizer with reduced nitrogen, such as a bloom booster formula as
mentioned for cymbidiums. Also, watch for any disease or pest problems that may be beginning to show
up with cooler weather and more crowded conditions. Mealybugs, especially, love to live in bracts of
emerging spikes, where their population can grow unseen until they are difficult to control without
damaging flowers or buds. In humid environments, apply a preventive spraying of a copper-based
compound to help control fungal and rot problems before they can get established during the winter.
o Vandaceous Genera: A few Ascocendas are blooming. However, this is the time to think more about
what you plants will need to grow strongly during the upcoming winter months. Make sure the plants are
positioned so they receive as much light as they need during these shorter days.
o Zygopetalum: The spikes will now be showing from inside the new growths. Stake them and make sure
they get past the mature leaves unobstructed. Do not let plants dry out because they need plenty of water
to finish the new growth and develop flowers. Compiled by James Rose and Ned Nash - AOS
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SCOS October 2014 Newsletter
UPCOMING EVENTS
November
11/1 – 11/2 Santa Cruz Orchid Society Show & Sale. Saturday 9:00 a.m. –
5:00 p.m.; Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Soquel High School, 401 Old San
Jose Road, Soquel.
11/1 – 11/2 Cal-Orchids Fall Open House Santa Barbara, CA. 805 967-1312
calorchid@cox.net, www.calorchid.com or facebook.com/CalOrchid.
11/1 – 11/2 Annual Fall Santa Barbara Orchid Estate Open House Santa
Barbara. www.sborchid.com
11/11 SCOS MEETING. Scott Collins will speak and his topic is "Lycastes, From the Species to Today's Cutting
Edge Hybrids." Scott will bring the opportunity table. Speaker's Dinner will be at Sea Thai Restaurant.
Also, don't miss the skill session, starting at about 6:45. Judy will talk about orchids that need a dry winter rest.
11/18 SCOS BOARD MEETING at the home of Mary Ellen Walsh, 6425 Meadowridge Drive, Santa Rosa
(Oakmont). Any member welcome. RSVP to Mel at melwalsh@sbcglobal.net
or 707-971-0887
December
12/9 SCOS HOLIDAY PARTY. See Flyer on page 10. Please sign up and pay for your dinner at the November
meeting or mail your menu choice and check to Billie MacCarthy, 4704 Hillsboro Court, Santa Rosa 95405.
Don't forget the optional gift exchange of an orchid or orchid related item in price range up to $25. (Please, if
you give an orchid as a gift, make sure it is fully named and in good condition). Your wrapped gift will be placed
under the holiday tree.
January 2015
1/13 SCOS MEETING. Peter T. Lin from Southern California will speak on miniature Cattleyas. Peter is an
accomplished grower and speaker with over 150 AOS awarded plants.
February
2/10 SCOS MEETING. Harvey Brenneise from Seattle. Harvey's presentation will be on
"Darwin's sexy orchids: First case study On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection".
Harvey is a professional librarian, including from 2008 at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont, CA.
Long-time orchid grower in the Midwest, Pacific NW, and Southern California.
May
5/12 SCOS MEETING. May's speaker will be Janet Lamborn from Agdia,Inc./Adgia Testing Services. Janet's
presentation will be on Orchid viruses and how to test for them. Members are encouraged to bring in plants with
suspected symptoms to be tested.
5/30 SCOS BUS TRIP. "Gold and Wine Country Tour". We will be visiting Alan Koch's Gold Country Orchids in
Lincoln. Jeff Tyler of Insitu Orchids and Dave Sorokowski of Paph Paradise will also be meeting with us at
Alan's Nursery. We will then travel to Lodi for a tour of I-Hsin Nursery and perhaps we will also have an
opportunity to visit one of Lodi's many fine wineries during our lunch stop. (Other orchid related stops are still
being investigated). This will be a great trip – not to be missed.
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SCOS October 2014 Newsletter
Sonoma County Orchid Society
Holiday Party
When:
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
6:00 p.m. No Host Bar
7:00 p.m. Dinner
Where:
Legends at Bennett Valley
3328 Yulupa Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Price:
$36.00 per person, payable in advance
Buffet Dinner: Choice of grilled chicken with tomatoes/artichokes; marinated
tri tip in burgundy mushroom sauce; or penne ala pesto. All entrees include
mediterranean salad, fresh vegetables, rolls, cheesecake medley or chocolate
mousse torte with raspberry coulis, coffee & tea.
Voluntary gift exchange with orchid related gifts - $25
limit.
RESERVATIONS
Mail this form back with your dinner selection and your check by
November 28, 2014. No Cancellations after December 1.
Circle One
Chicken
Tri Tip
Pasta
Send check – Payable to SCOS for $36.00 per person. No reservation is created
until your check is received and no refunds after November 28!!
Please mail checks to:
Page 10
Billie McCarthy
4704 Hillsboro Court
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
SCOS October 2014 Newsletter
Marie Waskow Award
Each year members of our Society vote to honor a member who has given outstanding
service to the Sonoma County Orchid Society. This is for an individual or couple who
exemplify the ideals of generosity and service to the organization in spreading the joy of
growing orchids as practiced by Marie Waskow, a founding member of our Society. The
Award will be presented at the Holiday Party. Past recipients of the award are:
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
Harold Levenson
Yosh and Shiz Sugioka
Austin and Judy Carney
Jim Hamilton
Lowman Whittenburg
Robert and Claudia Pike
Kevin Smith
Earl Rathbun
Marilyn Bucher
Marilyn Dailey
Mitch and Gail McAlpin
Sam and Juanita Spencer
Jim Kennedy
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Jim Butts
Bob and Juanita Breckwoldt
Paul Matsushita
Patty Connick
Susan Anderson
Garry Baker
Linda Eggleston
Jim and Kris Foster
Ted Pruden
Jerry and Gerry Smith
Larry Mead
Kathie Hile
Lynne Murrell
BALLOT
2014 Marie Waskow Award
My vote for the 2014 Marie Waskow Award is:
____________________________________________________________
Remember that ALL members can vote for this honor, not just one vote per household.
You may turn in your ballot at the November meeting. If you are unable to attend the
November meeting, please email your ballot to Kathie Hile at jph.kah@gmail.com,or mail it to
her at 4800 Pressley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 by November 13, 2014.
All ballots must be received by November 13th in order to be counted.
The winner will be announced and the award presented at the Holiday Party
on December 9th.
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SCOS October 2014 Newsletter
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SCOS October 2014 Newsletter