Our September speaker is Deb Boersma and she will be telling us about one of her favourite orchids, Sobralias.
Sometimes called “The Exotic Ephemerals,” Sobralias are elegant, reed-like orchids with exquisite, often unexpectedly large flowers, yet they remain surprisingly uncommon in many collections. This presentation will introduce hobbyists to this fascinating genus: the key species and hybrids, their natural habitats, and what makes them so distinctive. You’ll also learn how straightforward they are to grow. And don’t be surprised if, after seeing the range of colours and forms these plants offer, you find yourself wanting to make room for a few in your own collection.
Deborah’s interest in orchids was sparked by a trip to Hawaii and has been under their spell for over 30 years. She started with a few plants and her mixed orchid collection expanded exponentially with the construction of a greenhouse in 2014. She joined the Windsor Orchid Society in 2013 to gain more orchid knowledge and found herself in the Presidents position six months later. She is very active member of the WOS, involved in fundraising and publicity and has recently taken on the role as Show Chair.
She is an Accredited judge in the AOS judging program at the Great Lakes Judging Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan and enjoys presenting and educating audiences about orchids. She was the recipient of the Orchid Digest Diamond Award in 2016 and invited speaker to the WOC Tainan in 2024.
Academically, Deborah has a degree in Chemistry and spent her first years of work as a researcher in medical microbiology and infectious diseases at both the University of Calgary and Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta. She recently retired from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, where she taught chemistry for over 28 years. She now has time to enjoy her passion for orchids, gardening, photography and travel.
As is customary, the meeting will take place at RBG Headquarters, 680 Plains Road West in Burlington, in room 5 (subject to confirmation). The formal meeting starts at 2 pm but you are invited to arrive as early as 1:30 to socialize and interact with vendors. Bring your beautiful orchids in bloom for the Show Table and any orchids or related paraphernalia for the raffle. Members and guests welcome.