A 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 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 More

For 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 More

Our 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 More

It 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 More

Let’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.

Read More

Helene be damned! We have an orchid festival to put on, and there is no better way to herald spring than with blooming orchids.

The 2025 Asheville Orchid Festival is less than four weeks away, with a great many preparations underway. Here is the latest update: We have eight vendors and at least five sister orchid societies signed up. Of course, WNCOS will be the center attraction. In keeping with the ‘Orchid Arcadia’ theme, Leslie and I are building a Roman Aqueduct for our exhibit, and it’s going to take all the blooming orchids we can get to decorate this 25-foot display! The contribution of Your Blooming Orchids is what will make our exhibit ‘best in show’.

Read More

Let’s give Leslie Keller another round of applause for her January program on The Chelsea Flower Show, and a great big thanks to all the members who braved the wintery weather for our first meeting back at the wonderful Ivy Building.

On February 9th, Carlos Ayala will join us to share his passion for growing Catasetums. A number of you recently acquired a Catasetum from the Holiday Social, or the January raffle table. Now is your chance to learn more about how to grow this unusual genius. Carlos will also be supplying this month’s raffle table, and will have special divisions for sale as well. 

Read More

This past year has been memorable, in many regards. For WNCOS,  Asheville Orchid Festival ‘House of Orchids’ was one of our best shows ever. The success of the event was due entirely to the hard work of our members and the abundance of blooming orchids contributed by all! Looking back, we also had many great speakers at our monthly meetings, like Bill Thoms, Russ Vernon, Mark Reinke and Stephen Benjamin. And let’s not forget our own Marion Allen, who created The New Growers Club. Topping it off, the Holiday Social attracted the best attendance ever, as we geared up to gather once more, post-Helene. 

Read More