| Meet February’s Speaker: Dr. Bill Mathis “Gardening with Perennial Orchids” |
| February 19, 2012 |
For OSWP members who are avid orchid lovers as well as outdoor gardeners, this
month’s talk “Gardening with Perennial Orchids” offers tips and techniques that will
encourage us to indulge both interests simultaneously.
Our speaker, William Mathis, became interested in native terrestrial orchids in 1970
when, as a graduate student at the University of Arkansas, he conducted ecological
studies on ‘Small Yellow Lady’s Slipper Orchids in Northwest Arkansas.” After
completing his MS and Ph. D. he accepted a job with a major agricultural company and
worked as a research scientist and manager until his retirement.
Bill then started The Wild Orchid Company focusing on North American, European and
Asian terrestrial species that are hardy in Southeastern Pennsylvania. He is now
working with hybridization and has induced polyploidy of several Bletilla, Cymbidium,
Calopogon, Pleione and Calanthe species in an effort to select specific plants for
horticultural use.
The Wild Orchid Company web site entices readers with a host of specific growing tips
and cultural recommendations. For more in depth knowledge, The Gardener's Guide to
Growing Hardy Perennial Orchids (2005) offers a practical and non-technical ‘how to’
handbook for hobby enthusiasts
| Mini Class: Registering Your Orchids & How to Win Ribbons and Trophies 1:30pm |
In preparation for our upcoming show, Barbara Tisherman and Tim Choltco will discuss how
to prepare your plants for exhibition and will explain how to register your plants. Plants must
be entered correctly to be eligible for ribbons and trophies. If time permits Barbara will also
talk about what judges look for in awarding ribbons and trophies. She will bring some
handouts that will help with exhibit design.
to prepare your plants for exhibition and will explain how to register your plants. Plants must
be entered correctly to be eligible for ribbons and trophies. If time permits Barbara will also
talk about what judges look for in awarding ribbons and trophies. She will bring some
handouts that will help with exhibit design.
