Happy New Year orchid friends!! And welcome 2026, as we look forward to another great year for WNCOS! But before we leave 2025 behind, let us revisit some of last year’s highlights. Of course, Asheville Orchid Festival’s “Orchid Arcadia” was a smash hit, due entirely to the tremendous efforts of our outstanding membership. In 2025, we also had a number of great speakers, a rewarding field trip, and one heck of a successful orchid auction. This year’s Holiday Social was especially well attended at our new home, the Ivy Building.
Read MoreAs 2025 has been a super year for WNCOS, please join me in celebrating on December 14th, at our Annual Holiday Social!! Before further celebration details, I would like to mention a few highlights from 2025, most especially our membership. What a great group of folks we have gathered together, old and new, to share our love of growing orchids. And quite a number of excellent growers included, based on our dazzling Show-and-Tell tables throughout the year.
Read MoreAt this month’s meeting, Jason Harpster will present ‘Understanding Angraecoids.’ Jason is a very experienced grower, an American Orchid Society Accredited Judge, and Chair of the Carolinas Judging Center. Angraecoids are a fascinating genus, including Angraecum sesquipedale, a.k.a. the Darwin Orchid!! So please join us on Sunday, September 14th, for what will undoubtedly be an entertaining program.
Read MoreA great big thank you to Bridget Uzar of Carter and Holmes, for that very engaging and entertaining July program, “Orchid MythBusters.”
For our August 10th meeting, we’ll be on the road! Phyllis and Dale Ericson of Ironwood Estates Orchids are longtime friends of WNCOS who have invited us for a visit. They have been tried-and-true exhibitors at Asheville Orchid Festival over many years, and also have a lovely greenhouse in Hickory, full of every kind of orchid imaginable. This will be an ultimate shopping opportunity for WNCOS members, with an added bonus of a 10% discount on purchases over 50 dollars.
Read MoreFor July’s meeting, we have another great speaker, Bridget Uzar, of Carter & Holmes (Newberry, SC). Bridget’s program, “Orchid Mythbusters—The Truth Behind the Tales,” is guaranteed to entertain. Bridget will also be selling a selection of Carter & Holmes finest. For those who would like a 15% discount, preorder from this link Carter & Holmes. It will apply the 15% discount to any plants listed at the regular prices. (Not for clearance, compots or one of a kinds). It is valid from today through July 11th. Be sure to chose Local Pickup at checkout to avoid shipping charges.
Read MoreOur June speaker is Mark Reinke of Marble Branch Farms, a longtime friend of WNCOS. Mark is an expert grower and breeder of Cattleyas, along with many other orchid genera. Mark will present “A Baker’s Dozen,” featuring 13 species of Cattleyas. This program will offer something for all, from novice grower to expert, including a wealth of culture advice. And topping it off, Mark will bring a sampling of his exceptional orchids for both sale and the raffle table
Read MoreIt was wonderful to see so many new faces/new members at April’s meeting, many who joined after attending Asheville Orchid Festival in late March. At the April meeting, our All-Things-Orchids roundtable was a great success, with a wealth of growing tips shared and a great deal of camaraderie as well.
Read MoreLet’s start with a huge round of applause for all the WNCOS members who contributed their gorgeous blooming orchids to Asheville Orchid Festival 2025!! What a tremendous turnout of both members and the public! With so many to thank, I will wait for our April 13th meeting to acknowledge all the many members who contributed in so many ways to the success of this year’s show, but will not wait to proclaim that Leslie and I think this year’s overall show was the best ever!! With more than 3,000 folks attending the show, there is much to celebrate.
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