February 2026 Newsletter

 Brrrr! Hope everyone is keeping their orchids nice and toasty as we work through this arctic winter here in WNC. And cheers to you inside growers, those lucky enough to avoid the unavoidable spike in greenhouse heating costs!

   To all WNCOS members, please come out of the bitter cold and join us for what is sure to be an excellent February meeting, Sunday Feb. 8. Our own Past President Mike Mims will be speaking to us about his experience at the 2024 World Orchid Conference in Taiwan, as well as sharing growing tips for Novelty Phalaenopsis. Mike is one of the best Novelty Phalaenopsis growers and breeders in the country, dare I say, world!! In fact, he was one of the featured speakers at the 2024 World Orchid Conference!!

   Also, it’s time to start thinking about our own big event, the 2026 Asheville Orchid Festival, March 27-29. At our February meeting I will be discussing opportunities for members to volunteer their time, expertise and enthusiasm, in order to make this year another whiz-bang year for our annual premiere event at N.C. Arboretum. And on that front, Leslie and I are already hard at work building this year’s display! Its going to be big, and we are going to need your best blooming orchids more than ever!! 

   I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday February 8th at 2:00 p.m., at the Ivy Building, 9 Genevieve Circle— and don’t forget your Show-&-Tell bloomers!