August Newsletter
Greetings WNCOS Members and Orchid Lovers,
Before we discuss our special August meeting, I’d like to thank Art Chadwick for last month’s fabulous program: First Ladies and their Cattleyas: A Century of Namesake Orchids. Art’s presentation and the orchids he brought for sale were a big hit with WNCOS members.
I believe our August program will be equally unique and worthwhile. The Carolina Judging Center team is coming to town for an American Orchid Society (AOS) sanctioned judging event. This means it’s time to put on your Sunday best and bring out your blooming orchids for the ultimate Show-and-Tell, on Sunday August 13th.
The most important thing to know is that judging is for everyone, so start prepping your orchids now. Based on recent Show-and-Tell tables, many of you have awardable plants in your collection. If you think winning a ribbon during our local show is exciting, just imagine your delight in receiving an AOS award. And even if you have no current bloomers, this orchid judging event will be a great way to learn more about orchids, AOS judging and how to win future recognition for your special plants.
Please note the timing of our Sunday Aug. 13 meeting. We will meet at our usual location, 36 Montford Avenue, however, doors will open at 11:30 a.m. for those who plan to register their orchids for judging. We would like all plants to be registered by 12:00, at the latest 12:30.
Please note also, each registered orchid must have a correct identification label, and it must be pest free. You will want to have your orchids staked for best presentation of blooms. Then step back and enjoy the process, listen closely, and cross your fingers!
Whether you bring orchids for judging or not, show up by 1:00 p.m. and be part of this unique afternoon. The CJC judges are very generous in sharing their knowledge of the orchids being judged. Around 2:00 o’clock, one of the judges will give a short talk about the day’s judging thus far. There will also be plenty of opportunity for Q&A.
If you have done this before, you know what fun it is. And if you have never witnessed an AOS judging event, you don’t want to miss this special opportunity!
I hope to see everyone on Sunday, August 13th, with registration starting at 11:30 a.m., and judging beginning between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m.
Special note: All AOS judging events are open to the public. So, if you are not a WNCOS member, you are welcome to attend.