September Newsletter
It is with great sadness that I announce the loss of one of the founding members of the Western North Carolina Orchid Society, Dr. Edward K. Isbey. Ed was extremely passionate about his orchids and the WNCOS. His contributions to our society are too many to name. Below is an excellent short biography of Ed, written by Leslie Keller for WNCOS newsletter in 2008.
On Sunday September 10th, orchid grower Stephen Benjamin will travel from Kentucky to tell us all about Sarcochilus, a lesser known species primarily from Australia. Sarcochilus is sometimes referred to as butterfly orchids or fairy bells, and resembles a miniature Vanda. With over one thousand registered hybrids and species, this compact orchid will make a great addition to any collection. Great news, Stephen will have Sarcochilus plants for sale on Sunday September 10th, and a variety of other orchids as well.
On September 29th and 30th, WNCOS will be participating in the NC Arboretum Fall Plant Sale. Our good friends at the Arboretum have given us a booth for the event. Our goal will be to promote the love of orchids and to recruit new members for the WNCOS. We were part of the Spring Plant Sale, and it was great fun. The hours will be from 10:00am until 3:00pm both days. If you would like to volunteer to help man the booth, send me an email at G_Ram@yahoo.com .
While you have your calendar out, mark October 8th when Sarah Hurdel with Needmore Orchids will educate us on another interesting species, Habenaria orchids. This will be a very interesting program.
Remember, for the most up to date information about WNCOS activities, visit wncos.org.
Next stop, Asheville Visitor Center, September 10th at 2:00pm for Stephen Benjamin. In addition to bringing orchids for sale, Stephen will also supply our raffle table. So come early and don’t forget your Show and Tell orchids!!
Ed Isbey
From the youngest age Ed Isbey has had a hankering for horticulture. His initiation into gardening began with his Mother’s Victory garden in Michigan, during WWII. For those of you too young to remember, Victory Gardens of fruits and vegetables were planted to reduce stress on the public food supply during the war.
Ed is a natural grower and a great enthusiast for all he puts his mind to. Throughout high school and college he became an ardent grower of roses and a member of the American Rose Society. He brought this passion with him when he moved to Asheville in 1961.
Prior to moving South, Ed completed college and medical school at Dartmouth and Wayne State University, respectively. He then trained at Kresge Eye Institute in Michigan. When it was time to begin his Ophthalmology practice he knew he wanted to live in the mountains. One visit to Asheville at the height of fall color, and he was sold.
During his early years in Asheville, he attempted to continue growing his award winning roses. But when deer demolished all his efforts he turned to an abandoned greenhouse in his own back yard. With the encouragement of a friend and a gift of 15 plants, Ed directed his very green thumb to orchid growing.
During the 1970’s, the Western North Carolina Orchid society was just a few orchid enthusiasts gathering to talk about orchids, which they often did in Ed’s living room. Now, in part with Ed’s encouragement, our Society is beginning to grow. And it is with great appreciation that we can thank Ed for our new home at Asheville Eye, which has upped our bar once again.
Ed’s passion for Orchids is infectious. We should all love our plants so much and express it so eloquently. His greenhouse is a jewel box full of thriving specimens (especially Cattleyas), many of which he has had for more than twenty years. He has great visions for our society and we are truly fortunate to have his fervency and support. Many thanks!