By the time you read this, most plants that spent the summer out of
doors will be back inside safe and sound. Well, maybe with a few
squirrel teeth marks here and there! Our plants did very well this summer.
The fresh air and breezes do wonders. It was great to walk among them
outside and, for a moment, think that it was a tropical climate.
Thanks to Alexis Linder for her informative, interesting and humorous
talk on orchid species and collecting. I especially enjoyed the collecting
slides. It gave one a small sense of what it is like to explore the wilds.
In November we hold our annual election of officers. In addition to the
regular election of one trustee, a trustee will also be elected to fill the
remaining 2 years of Ray McCullough's term.
A number of people have volunteered for the Traverse City show
October 25-27th, and the Fall Mid-America Congress November 1-3rd.
We still have the Midland Show November 29-31st this fall. It's not
too early to start planning. Let us know if you are interested.
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Last month's trivia question was:
What was the first non-European tropical orchid to flower in England?
When did this occur?
The answer is Bletia verecunda in 1733. It had
been sent to Peter Collinson from New Providence Island in the
Bahamas, a voyage of several months. It was acquired by Sir
Charles Wagner and flowered with clusters of small magenta blooms
Reference - World Wildlife Fund Book of Orchids
This month's question is:
What was the first species of Lepanthes to be seen alive in Europe?
Respectfully , Don Farrelly
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