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

Sarah Hedean, Living Collections Manager at Smithsonian Gardens, will present “Orchid Record Keeping,” and, then, Justin Kondrat, Lead Horticulturist of Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection, will take us on a virtual tour of some of the Smithsonian’s blooming orchids.

Speaker’s Biography

Sarah Hedean has served as Living Collections Manager at Smithsonian Gardens since 2016. Previously, she held the position Orchid Curator for over ten years. Additionally, she is Board Member of the National Capital Orchid Society. In her current position at the Smithsonian, Sarah oversees the overall collection management of the Smithsonian Garden’s (SG) Living Plant Collections including the Orchid, Tree, and Display Collections. As a vital and vibrant part of the Smithsonian experience, Smithsonian Gardens engages people with plants and gardens, informs on the roles both play in our cultural and natural worlds, and inspires appreciation and stewardship. Sarah has a M.S. degree in Public Horticulture Administration from University of Delaware and a B.S. in Horticulture from Penn State University.

Justin Kondrat  has served as Lead Horticulturist — Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection since 2018. Previously, he held the position Orchid Collection Gardener at the U.S. Botanic Garden. In his current position, Justin is responsible for the cultivation, management, conservation, and strategic planning of the United States’ National orchid collection. His duties include: development of best horticultural practices, curation of living collections, facility maintenance, exhibition planning, strategic goals, budgeting, stewardship plan development/application, creation of educational materials, and various committee assignments. Justin has a B.S. degree in Plant Sciences from Cornell University.