Well, it seems as though
everyone is way too busy. Judging,
weddings, family get-togethers….everything is happening on August 21. Our plan was to leave early for Green Acres to
see all the orchids and exotic animals, hit Porter’s Orchids for lunch and more
orchids, and then check out Rob’s Tent City for more orchid bargains and a
barbecue. But alas, too many things
were going on that day and members were unable to get away….and so we are
reluctantly canceling our August road trip.
So, save your money and buy from our vendors when they come to our show
November 6-7 at Holy Cross College
ROB’S TENT CITY, AKA LITTLEFROG FARM
Rob says that his pile of excess orchids is diminishing a
little bit---quite a few Michiana Orchid Society members have made their way to
Rob’s back yard to browse through the thousands of orchids that came with his
new greenhouse. Some of us tried to
resist but the orchid urge was just too strong. We finally succumbed to the powerful desire for more orchid
plants. And so many of us made the
pilgrimage north and others e-mailed and hoped that someone would be able to
bring our plants south, setting up orchid relays and exchanges in parking
lots. Thanks, Rob, for passing on the
orchid bargains to us!
ORCHIDS AT THE LIBRARY
Ann has been busy organizing an orchid event at the Main
South Bend Library in October. The
public will be invited to learn more about our orchid obsession, with an Orchid
Digest slide show and demonstrations of orchid culture. Watch for more information on this exciting
opportunity to spread our orchid fever around town!
HARVEY MOVES (NORTH)WEST
Harvey has made the big move to Seattle. Now that Bruce and Julie will both be in
college this fall, Harv has moved to the great northwest. Taking a week to make the cross-country
trip, it was quite a sight to see a huge yellow moving truck packed to the top
and a car with three bicycles tied to the trunk---and Harv, Richard, a big dog
named Heidi, two sedated cats and half a ton of orchids and assorted pots and
supplies. I want to know where they put
the Harley that they picked up in Wisconsin!
Rob is kindly babysitting a big bunch of orchids until they can be
shipped to Seattle. We wish him well in
his new surroundings, and maybe we’ll have to plan an orchid expedition to the
northwest to check out the orchid establishments there. I’m sure Harvey will know where all the best
vendors are!
…On the Road Again.
A
trio of orchid enthusiasts journeyed northward to Michigan's newest commercial
orchid spot -- Rob's "Little Frog Farm Orchids." Having purchased an
orchid business complete with standing greenhouse filled with plants, Rob must
first empty the greenhouse before he can take it apart and move it to his home.
Thus his "orchids under the tent sale" lured us to Lansing. All
plants were grouped according to species, tagged, watered, looking good, but in
need of repotting and some fertilizing. This seemed like a golden opportunity
to try a new species, maybe one you thought about, but hesitated spending much
money to acquire.
Howard
and I had met Shirley at her house. With her expert knowledge of Michigan
highways we were at Rob's in two hours. At $6.00 per plant, regardless of size,
we were soon carting trays of plants to Shirley's spacious trunk. This is a
sale not to be missed!
Then
on to Porter's for their "PhalaeMania" where Russ Vernon gave a
humorous slide presentation titled "How Not to Grow Phalaenopsis." He
explained that reading orchid growing directions too literally can get one into
trouble.
For
example -- "lighting should be 1200 foot candles." Does that mean
1200 foot long candles give sufficient light to grow orchids? If one used two
foot long candles, would you need only 600? Well - you get the idea. It was
fun! And informative!
After
"nibbles" at Porter's table, a few more purchases, we headed south.
It was a very smooth trip.
The
July MOS meeting was at Sherry's home near Eau Claire, Michigan. Fifteen
members, including new members Ron & Katie Payeur, enjoyed Sherry's
extensive gardens both outside and in. In addition various species of poultry
wandered about and other feathered fowl were in large pens. A lovely spread of
food graced tables under the trees and encouraged us to eat, relax, and enjoy
both the delicious assortment and conversation.
President
Sandy Ohlund conducted the meeting, which included much discussion about the
show at Fernwood. Mother's Day weekend is not always convenient -- conflicts
include college graduations and/or other family plans for that special day. We
carefully reviewed the shows at Fernwood the past three years. It was decided
we are interested in another show there, but on a date other than Mother's Day
weekend.
Sandy
announced she has co-authored an article on Phrags. to be published in the
October issue of "Columbian Orchid Journal." It has been translated
into French and Spanish. Hopefully she will bring a copy to the MOS meeting.
Rob's
"Boatload of Orchids" was discussed and several members decided to go
to Lansing the next Friday.
For
the calendar:
August:
The MOS meeting will be August 21 when we plan to carpool to Porter's and other
Michigan orchid growers.
September: The regular MOS meeting will be Sept. 11. Also watch for details of the Chicago Orchid Festival, usually early in Sept. The Mid-America will be in Tennessee.
October:
The MOS meeting will be held at the main library building in downtown South
Bend. The address is 304 S. Main, South Bend. Free parking is available on the
south side of the building. The general public is especially invited to this
meeting. A film on orchids from "Orchid Digest" will be presented.
November:
The MOS Show at Holy Cross will be November 6-7. Set up will be the day before
- Nov. 5. Rob will be official photographer, and several vendors will be
invited.
Bring
and Brag found interesting summer blooming orchids from Sylvia Groat, Ann
Kuntz, Rich Hendrickson, Danny Norkus, Barbara Wich, Katie Payeur.
We
all thanked Sherry and her husband Harry for their wonderful hospitality -- and
agreed the excellent weather added to our very pleasant day.
Respectfully
submitted,
Barbara
Wich
Refreshments
September Sandy
October Jean
November Show at Holy Cross
December Christmas Party