Peninsula Orchid Society

Peninsula Orchid Society Speakers Schedule: December 21, 2007

Cymbidiums for the Passionate Collector

Tony Velardi

Members and guests of the December combined meeting of the Peninsula Orchid Society and the Gold Coast Cymbidium Society are in for a treat with this month's speaker. Tony Velardi, an avid hobbyist Cymbidium grower from Artesia, California, is not only a passionate grower of pendulous Cymbidium devonianum hybrids, but also a very entertaining speaker.

Tony acquired his first Cymbidium in 1969 and as time passed, his interest turned to pendulous Cymbidiums and hybridizing. His pendulous, second generation devonianum hybrid, Cym. Geno's Gem 'Emerald Fire" B/CSA, grown by hobbyist Joe Santy, graced the cover of the recent September/October issue of the Cymbidium Society of America Journal as this year's Grand Champion Cymbidium at the Santa Barbara Orchid Show.

Tony has been a certified CSA Judge for more than 15 years and is currently Chair of the Los Angeles CSA Judging Center. He is also a past president of the San Gabriel and Orange County Branches of the CSA as well as a past President of the CSA.

Several years ago, Tony joined hands with Ron Hill of Mariposa Gardens. Tony supplies the flasks and Ron, a superior grower of all plant genera, grows them out. This year, Mariposa is expanding their pendulous offerings with more Novelties and Standards.

The opportunity table this month will be provided by Mariposa Gardens.

Tony will be bringing seedlings from his new crosses for sale at the meeting.