The meeting begins at 1pm with Grower Tips, where OOS members address a specific orchid growing challenge, e.g. a specific pest, repotting, mounting, humidity, or fertilization, and answer questions from the audience. Come with questions, and they’ll provide answers! The Business Meeting will follow at 1:20–1:50pm; Program Presentation at 2–3pm; and Show Table, Auction, and Raffle at 3–3:30pm. Follow CDC guidelines with respect to COVID-19 precautions.

Program Presentation

Russ Vernon will explore the topic of the Birds, Bees, and Orchids (XXX-Orchids).

Speaker’s Biography

Russ grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. Early on he had an interest in plants, helping in the yard and growing cacti purchased with his allowance. His parents and grandparents were all interested in various aspects of horticulture.

When Russ was 12 years old, his uncle arrived with 6 orchids saying,”If you can grow those darned cacti, you ought to be able to grow these.” And a career was launched. Russ is a graduate of Ohio State University majoring in horticulture/floriculture. He has worked for Orchid by Hausermann, A&P Orchids, Ball State University’s Wheeler Orchid Collection and Species Bank, and Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield the Cat.

In 2004, Russ and his wife Anita started New Vision Orchids. The company specializes in Phalaenopsis, Odontoglossum and their intergenerics, Miltoniopsis, Cattleya, and Lycaste. The biggest area of focus is hybridizing, wholesale and retail sales. Russ also lectures to various orchid societies across the country and conducts workshops on orchid culture.

Russ is a judge of the American Orchid Society and is past President of the International Phalaenopsis Alliance, and Past President of the Mid-America Orchid Congress and serves on their Conservation Committee. He and Anita have two daughters.