We are able to present talks with color slides (we may eventually go digital) to local societies for just a song ( and lodging and transportation expenses where applicable) and can provide opportunity tables with a fair share of blooming plants , divisions from our collection and seedlings from our own breeding programs.

The topics are:

Orchid pests, diseases, and other nuisances. A talk with color slides based on my professional experience as an entomologist and 30 years of orchid growing. It should be interesting for beginners , advanced amateurs as well as small commercial growers. The presentation is well illustrated, offers practical advice, and intends to be entertaining for a broad public.

Dendrobium. A very large and diverse genus, both in appearance and growing conditions. This is a discussion of a cross section of species with particular emphasis on the cool and intermediate growing species. Hybridizing has produced many fine potplants

Bulbophyllum. A walk through a broad range of fascinating species and hybrids and growing advice. Bulbophyllums are easy to grow and have found many dedicated afficionados.

Epidendrums and their allies. Although the genus is best known for many elongated and rather weedy species, it also harbors many exquisite smaller species that do well under average growing conditions. Many outstanding hybrids have been made with other genera such as Cattleya, Encyclia, Laelia etc.

Masdevallia and its hybrids. Reduced from an earlier three projector programs, it discusses the weird and the wonderful in this genus and its allies (Porroglossum, Dracula, etc) and the most successful hybrids. Many species and hybrids can be grown successfully outdoors in many microclimates such as those of the San Francisco Bay area.

Odontoglossum alliance. A large and diversified group of plants,that has yielded many splendid multigeneric hybrids, many of which have found their way into the mass market potplant trade. Growing conditions range from cool to warm with something for every orchid grower.

The orchids in multiplication. Discussion of all natural and artificial multiplication techniques. The latter have made orchids affordable for a broad public and have reduced the collecting pressure on many species endangered in their natural habitat. Hybrid registration is also discussed.