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| Dan Chiappone leads the orchid mounting session. |
Have you ever wondered how orchids are mounted on the various types of wood and tree bark that we so often see at
nurseries and orchid shows? As "natural" and "appropriate" as mounting appears, there are a few considerations that need to be taken into account in order to promote good root growth, healthy leaves and productive blossoming.
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| Dan demonstrates another use for pantyhose! |
To be certain, the cultural requirements of mounted orchids, while not radically different from potted plants, have their own subtle details which are important to learn.
Our June meeting is a special program which will focus on mounted orchids and emphasize those "cultural tricks" which are so useful to know in advance of purchasing a mounted plant (rather than learning the hard way, by trial and error). In order to help all of us plunge into the subject more directly, a modest amount of personal involvement (and a healthy dose of fun) will be involved because each meeting attendee will have the opportunity to mount their own orchid! As you will learn, it is not difficult and does not take a great deal of time. And, the plant you mount is yours to keep. The equipment and materials you will need as well as the plant you select, will all be provided by DVOS…no charge!
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| Ron Bettencourt takes the cultural session. |
We will conduct the program in the following manner: The mounting session will be concurrent with the cultural discussion. Sue Fordyce, our current President, will lead the cultural presentation in the main auditorium with one half of our attendees while the other half of attendees will be instructed in how to mount their selected orchid by Dan Chiappone, our former President (1999), in the "cake and cookies" room. (Refreshments will be served later but not while we are mounting plants!) We estimate each session will last approximately 30 minutes which will allow both groups to switch. Sue’s first group will switch with Dan’s allowing everyone to listen to Sue’s presentation while also having had the hands on instruction by Dan on mounting.
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| Veronica Bettencourt helps her father win yet another plant from the raffle table! |
For those of you who are indoor or outdoor growers, there will be lot’s to learn and years ahead of enjoying that first orchid that you mounted.
Mark your calendar! Bring a friend! Thursday, June 8th at 7:30 P.M.
I know the write up is from before the meeting, but we had to put the pictures somewhere, look forward to next year!
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| Some snapshots of the club at work. |
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