The speaker for our October meeting is Drew Goddard and the title of his talk is ” Breeding and Growing Orchids: a hobbyist’s journey”. Drew is the owner and operator of “This Side of Paradise”. He is also a member and former President of our Orchid Society and a member of several other orchid societies as well. As the title of his talk suggests, Drew will discuss his route into orchid-growing and some of what he learned along the way about breeding orchids.

Although he had been growing plants of various kinds all his life–the first one being a water lotus given to him by his mother when he was only 5–“everything from tulips to bonsai,” it took a while for him to get into orchids. His main hobby as an adult was raising Dart Frogs. It was only when he was researching what plants to use to fill his vivariums that he realized that Dart Frogs and Orchidaceae were so compatible. Now, 20 years later, the obsession is complete. He says “I gradually dragged my wife Jacquie into the hobby and now it’s a full-on family affair”. Over the past couple of years they have been “flasking up a storm” and in a few more years they will have a large number of Phalaenopsis for sale. Their personal collection is composed mainly of Nodosa and Phal species.

The meeting will take place in Room 5 at the RBG headquarters, 680 Plains Road West, Burlington Ontario. The formal meeting starts at 2 pm but you are encouraged to arrive as early as 1:30 to socialize and interact with vendors (of which This Side of Paradise is likely to be one). Please bring your beautiful orchids in bloom for the Show Table and, if so inclined, any orchids or orchid-related paraphernalia for the raffle. Members and guests welcome.

Not many of us here in Ontario have had the opportunity to attend a World Orchid Congress. In February of this year, a group of local Judges were able to take part in the 23rd Orchid Congress held in Taiwan. At our September meeting, one of those Judges, Jay Norris, will talk about the experience and show us his photographs of the event. Jay being an award-winning photographer of orchids, his photos are likely to be a cut above the usual holiday snaps!

Jay Norris has been passionate about orchids for over four decades, a journey that began with his father’s spare divisions and blossomed into a lifelong obsession. Through years of both triumphs and trials, Jay has honed his expertise, ultimately gravitating toward the captivating world of miniature orchids and cold-growing species from various genera.

Since 1992, Jay has been a dedicated member of the Toronto Judging Centre of the American Orchid Society, where he now serves as a Senior Accredited Judge. His keen eye for detail extends beyond judging; he is also an award-winning photographer, capturing the intricate beauty of these fascinating plants.

In addition to his judging and photographic pursuits, Jay is a key figure in Ravenvision, alongside Robin McLaughlin and Max Wilson. Together, they provide Canadian orchid enthusiasts from coast to coast to coast with the essential supplies needed to cultivate and care for their orchids.

Our meeting will take place at the Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Road West, Burlington, Ontario, in Room 5 (as always, subject to confirmation). The formal meeting begins at 2 pm but you are invited to arrive as early as 1:30 to mingle and interact with vendors. Please bring your beautiful orchids in bloom for the Show Table as well as any extra divisions or orchid-related paraphernalia you might have for the raffle. Members and guests welcome.