Peninsula Orchid Society

Peninsula Orchid Society Speakers Schedule: November 28, 2008

Masdevallias - Ideal Orchids for the Bay Area

Mary E. Gerritsen

Our speaker for November will be Mary Gerritsen, and she will be talking about her favorite genus, Masdevallia (or perhaps better termed genera due to recent reclassifications). Mary Gerritsen co-authored the book "Masdevallias, Gems of the Orchid World (Timber Press)" with fellow POS member and photographer, Ron Parsons.

Masdevallias are popular in the Bay Area due in no large part to the favorable climatic conditions here which allows many hobbyists to grow them outside without a greenhouse. Mary's talk will focus on three related topics (1) photos and discussion of selected species and hybrids (2) cultural recommendations to grow these to perfection and (3) pests, diseases and problems and how to deal with them. Come and learn more about how to grow these jewels of the orchid world. The opportunity table, provided by Mary, will feature representatives of many of the recommended plants in her talk as well as a selection of other cool-intermediate growing orchids There will also be a few copies of Masdevallias, Gems of the Orchid World available for purchase (and autographing).