Peninsula Orchid Society

Peninsula Orchid Society Speakers Schedule: June 22, 2007

Sobralias

Bruce Rogers

According to Bruce, he will give a rare public talk on the genus Sobralia (although those of us who have ever talked to Bruce know well that he will talk at length to anyone about Sobralias, one of his favorite orchid genera!). Bruce has always had a passion for the plant kingdom, growing plants as a hobbyist from an early age. He began his professional work with orchids in the late seventies when he was hired by the City of Atlanta. Ga, Parks Department to work with their orchids in the greenhouses in Piedmont Park. Returning to San Francisco after this very successful endeavor, he was promptly hired by the Rod McLellan Company with two functions: head grower for their boarding department, and to work on Vanda hybridization. At that time, Rod McLellan was major force in the orchid world and the association with this company led to many great opportunities. In the early eighties Bruce left to start Bruce Rogers Orchids, a orchid consulting and management company, and a few years later, Rogers-Fishman Boarding, A orchid boarding company in San Francisco. In the commercial world, he has consulted and worked with major companies, department stores, and civic groups both nationally and internationally. In the private sector he as had the opportunity to work with many interesting and influential people. He has designed and created Orchid Gardens in private homes from Marin to Santa Barbara.

Bruce has been growing and hybridizing Sobralias for many years. In 2002 Bruce, with Terry Root (well known as owner of the Orchid Zone) to form Oz Gardens, a wholesale nursery specializing in Sobralias. Their work has led to a wider selection of Sobralia for different climate zones, and an expanded blooming season.

Sobralias are giants of the Orchid World in both size of plant and flower. Sobralias can be a fantastic plant suitable outside culture in the Bay area. Growing superbly in both pots and beds in the garden, they bloom easily in the late spring to early fall. Few orchids approach the beauty and allurement of Sobralias.

Bruce will speak on Sobralia history, the confused nomenclature, and outdoor and greenhouse culture. The similar genus Elleanthus will also briefly discussed. Bruce will be supplying the opportunity table for the meeting, as well as giving the skill session onSobralia culture.