Genealogy research has become a hot topic with TV programs and Software companies tying to tell you about your genetic connections to the past.  Learning about the background of your orchids can also be a fun extension of your hobby.  We’ll look at some of the resources available to help you understand the relationships between your plants with their complicated and confusing names. Once you’re able to interpret your plant labels you’ll be ready to prepare for the biggest family reunion of the orchid year – OUR ORCHID SHOW. (House of Orchids April 12-14)

Marion Allen began growing orchids about 50 years ago when she bought her first Cattleya in Newport Beach, California.  After her move to Colorado in 1978 she grew in a small greenhouse attached to her home in Aurora.  In 1980 she and John moved to Evergreen and built another greenhouse with a house attached.  In the eighties she became active with the Denver Orchid Society, serving as the President, show chair, membership chair and newsletter editor over the years.  Also, in the 1980’s she went to the University of Denver to take an undergraduate degree in Biology.  At the same time, she became active with the American Orchid Society, serving on the Special Funding Committee and the Affiliated Societies Committee, ending as its chair.  She then became a trustee and finished her service as the Secretary on the Executive Committee. In 1991 she joined the American Orchid Society judging program and was appointed as an Emeritus Judge in 2016. She is now attached to the Carolinas Judging Center. In 2022 she moved to North Carolina and joined the Western North Carolina Orchid Society. She grows her small collection of orchid species and hybrids under LED lights in Hendersonville.