February March Bankstown Orchid Society BULLETIN

Transcription

1 Bankstown Orchid Society BULLETIN February March 2017 (Volume 48, Issue 1) PATRON PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER NEWSLETTER Doug Sheddon Veronica Clowes Ernest Taylor Lyn Donald Toni Benton Novice Plant of the Night February 2017 Paph. Joyce Hasegawa (owned by A Kallis) Plant of the Night - February 2017 E. alata (owned by T Costa & S Crosby) Page What's Inside 4 Autumn Orchid Show Schedule 6 Conditions of Entry for Autumn show 7 Pterostylis and Mediocalcar decoratum Culture ROYALE ORCHIDS OPEN WEEKEND Summer Open Weekend March, Brieses Rd, Peats Ridge Plenty of specimen plants, cattleyas and of course those magnificent Japanese lycastes that are winning all over the place. Free lunchtime BBQ plus refreshments. Plenty of free parking. Come and enjoy the friendly country atmosphere Go to the OSNSW website and download the flyer for an extra 10% discount. For this weekend only.. RoyaleMarch2017.doc Printed and Published by Bankstown Orchid Society Inc Official address: PO Box 5397 CHULLORA NSW 2190 Web: Bankstown Orchid Society Inc disclaims all responsibility for any loss or damage which may be attributed to the use or misuse of any materials published in this bulletin.

2 PRESIDENT'S REPORT Hello everyone I hope members are selecting and preparing plants for our first show at Chester Square in May. It is never too early to begin. Autumn is here because the early deciduous trees are showing signs of turning yellow them red and falling, heralding winter. Because of the heavy rainfall in Sydney this last month beware! Plants are soggy now and continued watering/ fertilising may result in root rot. Lots of you are asking to see our efforts (and the rest of the plants) at the Tokyo Grand Prix. I know Ian is working hard to produce an interesting talk about the show, so be patient, it will come soon. Just before Christmas I had the pleasure of attending the Graduation Day at the Carolyn Chisholm Special School in Padstow. This special place has become our charity of choice, and will receive our raffle proceeds during Stephen Milroy, the principal, and his wonderful group of teachers, helpers and family members, band together to create a place of safety, happiness and learning for the special young Australians who attend the school. Please enjoy a couple of pictures from the day. (See page 3) Until next time, Veronica ORCHID AUCTION Manly Warringah Orchid Society is holding their next Auction on Sunday 19th March at the Cromer Community Centre, Fisher Road North, Cromer, commencing at 9.30am sharp. Viewing is from 9am and there is plenty of parking and light refreshments will be served all day. Orchids listed are for the serious grower and hobby grower and there should be some special and interesting plants. The catalogue is available on line VALE ALAN MCFARLANE It is with much sadness that we inform you of the passing of Alan. He recently celebrated his 90th Birthday. Alan was a beloved Santa Claus at Bankstown OS for a number of years. Our deepest sympathies to his wife Evelyn and family. Committee President: Veronica Clowes Vice-President: Max Redman Secretary: Ernest Taylor Treasurer: Lyn Donald Registrar: Stephen Lee Ass Registrar: Max Redman Editor/Web: Toni Benton Committee: Joseph Chow Doris Scott Diana Carvey May Chin Marge Yabsley HIRE OF SOCIETY TABLES TO MEMBERS Contact Max Redman Tables: $6 each 10 or more: $5 each Not available during Shows. All damages will be the responsibility of the Hirer Plant Benching At monthly meetings all plants must be benched by 7:20pm Rewrite those labels if they are illegible. 2

3 Graduation photographs from Stephen Milroy, Principal of the Caroline Chisholm SSP 3

4 Calendar of Events 2017 March Royale Orchids Summer Open Weekend, 70 Brieses Rd, Peats Ridge March 31-April 1 Castle Hill International Orchid Fair, Castle Hill Showground April 3 Bankstown OS Meeting 7.30pm April 8-9 April Collectors' Plant Fair, Hawkesbury Racecourse, Clarendon May 1 Bankstown OS Meeting 7.30pm May Bankstown Show Chester Square Shopping Centre May Orchids Out West, Hawkesbury Racecourse, Clarendon June 5 Bankstown OS Meeting, 7.30 pm June Mingara Orchid Show and Fair, Mingara Recreation Club July 27-30, Bankstown Show Bass Hill Plaza August 11-13, National Orchid Extravaganza, The Centre, 1 Pellitt Lane, Dural August St Ives Fair, St Ives Showground September 4 Bankstown OS Meeting 7.30pm October 6-8 Southern Orchid Spectacular, Caringbah High School October 2 Bankstown OS Meeting 7.30pm November 6 Bankstown OS Meeting 7.30pm December 4 Bankstown OS Christmas Party 7.30 pm For a complete listing of all shows throughout NSW see NSW Orchid Society website Fees Single Pensioner $10 Couple Pensioner $12 Couple $14 Single $12 Family $17 $10 for Bulletin for 11 issues via Australia Post May 2017 Hawkesbury Racecourse, Clarendon (Opposite Richmond RAAF Base) 4

5 Setup Details Table Setup: Wed 17 May from 2.30 pm Plant Benching & Show Set Up: Wed 17 May 4pm-6.30pm and Thur 18 May 7.30am-noon Judging: Thur 18 May at 7pm Dismantling Sun 21 May from 2pm (please be present from 1.30 pm) Major Prizes Grand Champion: $75 and Sash Reserve Champion: $50 and Sash Champions: $20 and Sash Laeliinae Cypripedioideae Oncidiinae Phalaenopsis Species Any Other Orchid Seedling Novice Prize Money all Classes: 1st $ nd $5.00 For further information please contact: President Mrs Veronica Clowes Show Marshalls Mr Stephen Lee Mr Max Redman Judges Convenor Mrs Veronica Clowes Treasurer Ms Lyn Donald Secretary Mr Ernest Taylor MEMBERS ARE REMINDED THAT YOUR ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED FOR SHOW SECURITY!!! Open Classes Class 1 Best Cymbidium greater than 90mm Class 2 Best Cymbidium 60mm to 90mm Class 3 Best Cymbidium up to 60mm Class 4 Best Laeliinae Exhibition over 110 mm Class 5 Best Laeliinae Exhibition mm Class 6 Best Laeliinae Exhibition 64mm or less Class 7 Best Laeliinae Exhibition Cluster Type Class 8 Best Laeliinae any other Class 9 Best Phalaenopsis 80mm and over Class 10 Best Phalaenopsis 79mm and under Class 11 Best Oncidiinae hybrid over 65mm Class 12 Best Oncidiinae hybrid over 65mm Class 13 Best Cypripedioideae hybrid (Paphs/Phrags) Class 14 Best Cypripedioideae (Novelty/Primary Hybrid) Class 15 Best Dendrobium hybrid (other than Australian/Australasian Native) Class 16 Best Pleurothallidiniae hybrid Class 17 Best Any other Genera Class 18 Best Seedling to be nominated Class 19 Best Species Laeliinae Class 20 Best Species Oncidinae Class 21 Best Species Cypripedioideae Class 22 Best Species Dendrobium Class 23 Best Species Pleurothallidiniae Class 24 Best Species Monopodial Class 25 Best Species Americas Class 26 Best Species Asian Class 27 Best Species Other areas Class 28 Best Australian/Australasian native species Class 29 Best Australian/Australasian native hybrid Novice Classes Class 30 Best Species Class 31 Best any other Genera See Conditions of Entry on Page 6 Autumn Orchid Show Schedule May, 2017 Chester Square Shopping Centre 5

6 Conditions of Entry 1. Initial class places are tentative until all results are collated and finalised the following day. 2. Entries are received upon the basis that the Society or its sponsors shall not be responsible for any loss, destruction nor damage to such exhibits and the exhibitor shall have no claim against the Society or Sponsors. 3. Entries are accepted on condition that they are disease free. The decision of the President or Show Marshal shall be final. 4. All competitive entries shall have been owned and in the possession of the exhibitor for the preceding six months. 5. All competitive entries should be correctly and clearly labelled with the name of the plant. 6. There shall be no restriction to the number of entries by an exhibitor in any class. Entries in joint names will be accepted. Only financial members may exhibit. 7. The Show Marshall and Committee reserve the right to reject, remove or rearrange any exhibit without giving any reason for that action and to reclassify any plant if necessary, prior to judging. 8. All plants shall be booked in and in position ready for judging by 12 noon on the day of judging. 9. Entries are eligible for judging in one class only, except where stated otherwise in the schedule. 10. If in the opinion of the Judges no exhibit in any class warrants a prize, none may be given. At the discretion of the Show Marshall additional classes may be created where warranted. 11. Plants for special prizes shall be selected from all exhibits in the show unless otherwise specified. 12. Judging shall be by a panel of Judges nominated by the O.S.N.S.W. Registrar and shall be in accordance with the standards and by-laws laid down by the O.S.N.S.W.Inc. The Judges decision shall be final. 13. No exhibit may be dismantled or removed prior to closing time of the show at 2pm on the final day of show. 14. 'Novice' shall mean: Any exhibitor until she/he has won either a champion award in one of our society shows, the yearly point score in the monthly competition of this society, or becomes an open class competitor in any other society. 15. Seedling' shall mean the complete plant grown from seed and flowered for the first time. Plants that have been grown on or divided prior to being exhibited on the show bench are not eligible to be shown as seedlings. For exhibition purposes seedlings shall retain their status of Seedling' throughout the flowering season in which they first flower. Mericlones are not eligible as seedlings. 16. 'Miniature species' are defined as Orchids with flowers 15mm or under in size across the widest part of the flower, regardless of the number of flowers, and distance of <200mm from 1st to last flower. All Miniature' species are to be judged in this class. 17. 'Miniature Cymbidium Hybrids' are defined for the purpose of this schedule as Cymbidiums where the flowers are 55mm or less, to be measured horizontally across the visible limits of the flower without manipulation and are miniature in habit. 18. 'Laeliinae Alliance' classes shall include all combinations and not only those hybrids with Cattleya in their parentage. E.g. Epidendrum, Sophronitis, Laelia, Hawkinsara, Cattleyatonia, Leptotes etc. 19. Staking shall be in accordance with the rules of O.S.N.S.W. i.e. flowers may be supported in the best possible manner for presentation. This supporting should be in such a manner so as not to be obtrusive and distract from the overall beauty and charm of the plant. With single flowered genera e.g. Paphiopedilum, Lycaste, etc., ties or support shall be no higher than immediately below the ovary. If it is necessary to tie above the bottom flower or top branch, the judges are permitted to penalise, or temporarily remove such tie for the purpose of judging. 20. The cover for plants under protection for humidity must be transparent. 21. Champion seedling is not to be considered for Grand Champion unless it has already won the Champion in its class. 22. Plants offered for sale at the show must be free of disease and pests, offered at a maximum rate of $100 or less and sold or rejected for sale at the discretion of the President or the President's representative. (An exceptional plant may be offered for sale at a higher price with sole permission from the President.) 23. Only members who have benched a suitable number of plants in this show (at the discretion of the President or representative) may offer plants for sale. The commission charged by the Bankstown Orchid Society for the sale of members plants will be 15% from those members who provide a minimum of 4 hours supervision at the venue, or 20% from members who do not attend for the required length of time. The supervision required to avoid the extra commission will not include the day of set up or the day of dismantling. Please ensure that you sign on and off in the attendance book, and report to the Committee member 'in charge' at that time. 24. No member may offer for sale any plant or other related item at any place other than the sales table. A breach of this rule will result in the member being asked to remove any plants from both the show bench and sales table immediately. Any prizes won will be defaulted. All members should report illegal trading to the President or representative immediately for action. 6

7 Pterostylis Culture (By J Stone and Courtesy Blue Mts and Penrith Districts Orchid Society) Pterostylis are found mainly in Australia, but also in New Zealand, New Guinea and New Caledonia. They are all terrestrial orchids, and are distributed from arid to coastal regions, from tropical to sub -alpine regions. Pterostylis species occur naturally in local bushland and grassy areas of suburban and rural properties. Some grow in colonies (the most adaptable to cultivation), others are solitary. All Pterostylis are deciduous, dying back to dormant tuberoids and sprouting again after summer or autumn rain. All produce replacement tuberoids every year, colony formers also produce two to five 'daughter' tuberoids each growing season, therefore a fivefold increase is possible. TEMPERATURE: Popular locally grown colony forming species, such as Ptst. curta, Ptst. pedunculata, Ptst. baptistii, Ptst. nutans, and their hybrids, prefer cool to moderate conditions when actively growing (green leaves). When dormant, during warmer months, pots need to be kept cool and drier. LIGHT and SHADE: These orchids need 25-50% shade when actively growing in cooler months and heavier shade when dormant during hot summer months, to help reduce high temperatures. HUMIDITY/AIR FLOW: When in active growth Pterostylis need moderate humidity with excellent ventilation. WATERING: Water Pterostylis curta, Ptst. pedunculata, Ptst. baptistii, Ptst. nutans, and their hybrids, late February to late spring, or when new shoots appear, till leaves start to yellow. Allow pots to dry out when dormant with just enough water to prevent tuberoids shrivelling. Care should be taken with the first watering after dormancy; water may drain down the sides and not wet the mix, immerse pot in water if necessary to wet the whole of the mix. GROWING MEDIA and POTTING: The above mentioned Pterostylis prefer to be re-potted annually or bi-annually, December or January, (tuberoids will fill the pot and weaken growth if overcrowded). An open potting mix like seed-raising or propagating mix seems to be OK, or use a recipe from one of the books. Plant dormant tubers with their tops about 3cms from the final level of the media; cover with mix to within 1cm from top of pot. and then water in to settle. Don t over-crowd tuberoids about 20 to a 150mm pot are enough. Mulching with Casuarina needles will help prevent leaf rot from contact with growing media. FERTILIZER: At the beginning of the growing season, Pterostylis respond well to a dose of Seasol, or similar soil conditioners, but avoid using soil wetting agents. Feed with weak solutions of liquid fertilisers such as blood and bone, fish emulsion etc. with each watering when actively growing. Terrestrial orchids have a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi so avoid using chemicals. FLOWERING: Pterostylis species and hybrids flower at various times during the year, but the varieties most commonly grown locally, flower winter to spring. Native orchids are protected plants and should only be collected from the wild when their habitat is threatened and then only by authorised persons. Reference and Recommended Reading: Native Orchids of Australia and the Island Terrirories- David L. Jones: Field Guide to the Orchids of New South Wales and Victoria Tony Bishop: Cultivation of Australian Native Orchids Australasian Native Orchid Society Victorian Group Inc. Mediocalcar decoratum Culture (By J Stone and Courtesy Blue Mts and Penrith Districts Orchid Society) A miniature, creeping, mat forming, epiphytic (grows on trees), or lithophytic (grows on rocks), orchid species, from New Guinea. Mediocalcar decoratum grows at 900 to 2500 metres, in cool, humid, buoyant shady forests. LIGHT and SHADE: Needs to be grown in an airy, cool, humid, shady area out of direct sunlight. About 50-70% shade is ideal in summer with more light in winter and spring to induce better flowering. AIR MOVEMENT: Mediocalcar decoratum appreciate good air movement all year round; as this helps to keep them cool in warmer months, and prevents rots and fungi when weather is cold and wet. TEMPERATURE: They will tolerate short periods of high temperatures, but prefer temperatures of 5 C - 25 C. Cool nights are beneficial in warmer months. Misting, or fogging around plants, or watering under growing areas, can help to lower the temperature on hot days. Watering or misting, late in the day or early evening, in the hottest weather, will also help to relieve heat stress, but don t water plants directly in the hottest part of the day as this may cook them. HUMIDITY/AIR FLOW: This species needs high humidity and good air movement all year. In warm months, good air circulation and good air movement all year. In warm months, good air circulation and humidity is essential to prevent heat stress. Maintain humidity by damping under benches, or fogging, or light fine misting rather than wetting plants or potting media. WATERING: Should be regular throughout the year, with media just drying before each watering, which needs to be frequent and in the evening during warmer months, but reduced during cooler months when morning watering is best. GROWING MEDIA and POTTING: Because of the rambling nature of these plants, some people prefer to grow them on tree fern or cork mounts; however mounted plants may need to be misted or watered more than once every day, especially in warm weather. Shallow pots are perhaps better for our local growing condition. It is important that the growing media retain some moisture, but must be free draining; suitable media include small/medium grades of treated bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite, or combinations of these materials. Re-potting is best done in spring or autumn to avoid the stress of climate extremes. FERTILIZER: Feed weakly weekly using liquid fertiliser at quarter to half strength during active growth which can be for most of the year. FLOWERS/RACEMES: These attractive, succulent orchid species, cover themselves with tiny red/yellow bells or balls during autumn/winter. 7

8 Results of Meeting 6 th February plants were exhibited at the meeting Best Orchid T Costa & S Crosby E. alata Best Novice or Junior A Kallis Paph. Joyce Hasegawa Best Foliage 1st & 2nd H Arnautovic a Best Fern 1st - 3rd H Arnautovic Open Section Exhibition Cattleya 1. D Mitsios Blc. Toshi Aoki 'Rolan' 2. D Mitsios C. Dal's Choice 3. Crosby&Costa Lc. Maris Song 'Ctm-217' Cluster Cattleya 1. J&N Janz Epi. Topaz Special 'Beauty Cosmo' 2. V Petrovski C. Penny Kuroda 'Spots' x Orchidom Leopard 'Svo' 3. J&N Janz Blc. Hawaiian Passion 'Kermie' Cocktail Cattleya (< 65mm) 1. D Mitsios C. Rosella's Flare 2. Crosby&Costa Sc. Lana Coryell 'David' 3. Crosby&Costa Sc. Mini Prophesy x Lana Coryell 'Alex L' Laeliinae Other 1. M Redman Bepi. Phoenix x E. alata 2. L Buivids C. walkeriana 'Pink' x C. walkeriana 'Sunnydale' 3. Crosby&Costa Lctna. Little Drummer Boy 'Flash' x Sc. Lana Coryell 'Alex L' Laeliinae Species 1. Crosby&Costa E. alata 2. L Buivids C. forbesii Oncidiinae Hybrid (up to 65mm) 1. Crosby&Costa Onc. Aka Baby 'Raspberry Chocolate' 2. D Mitsios Onc. Moon Shadow 'Tiger Tail' Phalaenopsis Novelty 1. L. Mayer Phal. unknownpaphiopedilum/ Phragmipedium (Complex Hybrids) 2. D Mitsios Paph. micranthum 'Yuan' x (Paph. delentii 'Amy' x Challangi) 3. D Mitsios Paph. Deperle Paphiopedilum Novelty/Primary Hybrids 1. V Petrovski Paph. primulinum Steve' x phillippinense 'Doll' 2. J&N Janz Paph. Delrosi 3. J Chow Paph. Veronique Bert Dendrobium Species Australian 1. L Buivids (Den. bigibbum x superbum 'Judy') x Pascoe River Vandacaaaeous Other 1. Crosby&Costa Angcm. longiscott 2. Crosby&Costa Aer. multiflora x Ascda. Meda Arnold 3. Crosby&Costa Ascda. Bangkhuntian Gold x Rhy. coelestis var. pink Monopodial Species 1. Crosby&Costa Rhy. retusa 'Keith' 2. E Taylor Neo. falcata 3. L Buivids Phal. pulchra Dendrobium Hybrids 1. J Chow Den. Fire Wing 2. Crosby&Costa Den. Genting Lipstick 3. Crosby&Costa Den. Chayo Praya 'Moonlight' Dendrobium Species 1. D Mitsios Den. tapinense 2. V Petrovski Den. johnsoniae 3. L Buivids Den. glomeratum Dendrobium Hybrids Australian 1. Crosby&Costa Den. Elegant Autumn x Amber Banks Species The Americas 1. M Redman Gom. recurva 2. Crosby&Costa Prom. stapeloides 3. L Mayer Enc. ciliare Species Any Other 1. D Mitsios Den. lawesii 2. Crosby&Costa Ddc. magnum 3. L Mayer Sngl. woodii Any Other Genera 1. B Dixon Zns. Cynosure 'Blue Birds' 2. V Petrovski Prom. Drayton Tiger x stapeloides Novice Section Hybrid Paphiopedilum 1. A Kallis Paph. Joyce Hasegawa Species 1. G Lake Enc. radiata British Humour These are classified ads which were actually placed in UK newspapers: Free Yorkshire Terrier - 8 years old, hateful little bastard, bites Free Puppies - 1/2 Cocker Spaniel, 1/2 sneaky neighbour's dog Free Puppies - Mother is a Kennel Club registered German Shepherd. Father is a Super Dog, able to leap tall fences in a single bound. Joining a Nudist Colony! - must sell washer and dryer 100 Wedding Dress for Sale - Worn once by mistake, call Stephanie For Sale by Owner - Complete set of Encyclopaedia Britannica, excellent condition, 200. No longer needed, got married, wife knows everything. 8

9 Results of Meeting 6 th March plants were exhibited at the meeting Best Orchid D Mitsios Best Novice or Junior A Kallis Best Fern 1st and 2nd: H arnautovic C. Candebec Candy Paph. Charlie 'DMore x godefroyae Best Foliage 1st: H Arnautovic 2nd: H Arnautovic 3rd: S Lee Open Section Exhibition Cattleya 1. Crosby&Costa Sc. Dal's Choice 'Castle Creek' 2. Crosby&Costa Blc. Momilani Rainbow 3. Crosby&Costa Bc. Dal's Cherry 'Merrigum' Cluster Cattleya 1. D Mitsios C. Caudebec Candy 2. Crosby&Costa C. guttata v. leopoldii sanguinea x L. purpurata 3. Crosby&Costa Blc. Jungle Jumbalaya Miniature Cattleya (65m-110mm) 1. V Petrovski Blc. Hawaiian Leopard 'Mei Ling' 2. L Valli C. unknown 3. Crosby&Costa Pot. Elaine Taylor Krull Smith x Paradise Rose 'Svo' Cocktail Cattleya (under 65mm) 1. L Valli Lc. Mini Purple Tamami x Sc. Lata Man Nianymana 'Lea' 2. Crosby&Costa Sc. Orpetii Laina 3. Crosby&Costa Pot. Dal's Empress Laeliinae Other 1. Crosby&Costa Lctna. Little Drummer 'Boy Flash' x Sc. Lana Coryell 'Alex L' 2. J&N Janz Ctna. Why Not 'Round and Red' Laeliinae Species 1. L Valli C. bowringiana Oncidiinae Hybrid up to 65mm 1. J Chow Onc. Baipai 'Pink Skirt' 2. Crosby&Costa Trt. Maureen x Josephine 3. J&N Janz Onc. Sharry Baby 'Yellow Mutation' Oncidium Hybrid > 65mm 1. Crosby&Costa Pyp. Kalihi 2. J&N Janz Milt. Honolulu 'Warnes Best' 3. Crosby&Costa Onc. Sweet Sugar Paphiopedilum Novelty/Primary Hybrids 1. J Chow Paph. Vanguard 2. V Petrovski Paph. malipoense 'Amy' x delenatii Vandaceous Other 1. Crosby&Costa Srts. Jannine Banks Monopodial Species 1. F&J Fetherston V. coerulea 2. S Lee Phal. bellina 'Ponkan' 3. Crosby&Costa Neof. falcata Dendrobium Hybrids 1. V Petrovski Den. Yashiga 'Fantasy' Species Dendrobium 1. D Mitsios Den. lawesii var. bicolor Oncidiinae Species 1. H Arnautovic (Milt. Moirmoir x clowesii) x Kismet 2. J Costa Milt. spectabilis 'Sunja' Species The Americas 1. S Lee E. radiata Species Any Other 1. J Costa Ddc. latifolium var. macranthum 2. D Mitsios Coel. usitana 3. M Redman Coel. speciosa Any Other Genera 1. Crosby&Costa Zygo. Arthur Elle 2. S Lee Bulb. Wilbur Chang 3. Crosby&Costa Prom. Glow Worm x Crayton Tiger Pleurothallidinae Species 1. Crosby&Costa Rest. wagnerii Novice Section Cattleya Hybrid 1. Le Nham C. Narooma 'Tim Dam' x C. guttata var. alba Any Other 1. A Kallis Phrag. Mem Dick Clements x Praying Mantis Hybrid Paphiopedilum 1. A Kallis Paph. Charlie 'DMore x godefroyae Phal. bellina 'Ponkan' (S Lee) C. Candebec Candy (D Mitsios) 9

10 Minutes of the General Meeting of the Bankstown Orchid Society held at the Scottish Hall, 4 Weigand Avenue, Bankstown, on 6 th February, 2017 The meeting was opened by President Veronica Clowes at 7:30pm. Correspondence Bulletins from our sister Society, The Tasmanian Orchid Society. The Garden Club Magazine. Flier for Concord Garden Club Competition. Welcome to our first meeting for Hot! Hot! Hot! Gosh the weather we have been experiencing lately has been and is awful. But have you noticed how much our plants love the humidity? A little later we will ask our members about the tips and tricks they use to manage their plants over the summer. Ian Chalmers will also give a short talk on the watering system that he and Irene use for their plants. Tokyo: On Wednesday morning (early) we (Ian, Irene, and I) leave for Tokyo and the Tokyo Grand Prix of Orchids, so tonight we are asking for flowers to go into boxes for our display. Please help our effort to promote the Australian Orchid Conference in July Thank you in advance to those who can help. Our raffle prize of two (one year) subscriptions to Orchids Australia, continues because we have yet to recover the cost of the prize, please support us with this prize. This is a very worth while, interesting, and informative magazine. At the break, Ian, Irene, and Veronica collected the plants from the donors of the benched plants. These along with those that Veronica had given, were given to Ian to box up ready for transport to Tokyo. Point Score Competition As announced at November s meeting, points will accrue for place getters only and not for the number of plants benched: 1 st place 5pts: 2 nd place 3pts; and 3 rd place 2pts The total points earned will then go towards a plant, where possible the genus/species that the winner prefers. The competition will run October to September to allow Veronica to purchase the plants at S O S from the growers. This system is already in use in most Societies. Following the harvesting of flowers for Tokyo, John Janz, Tony Costa, and Peter Azzopardi spoke to the members about how they protect their plants during the hot weather. New Rules I wish to remind members of the rules which are now in force with regards to removing plants at take down at shows and at monthly benchings. At Shows plants, will be removed by: - 1. Committee Members. 2. Helpers who remain to help with packing up. 3. The rest who will be drawn from a hat. With regards to monthly benching it has been decided that the previous rule that had applied for several years will be reinstated. Plants are not to be removed from the bench prior to the supper break. General Business Next meeting will be held on 6 th March, Next Month our speaker will be Ian Chalmers. Castle Hill Show 31 st March 1 st April Chester Square set-up 17 th May at 3 pm, show 18 th May 21 st May, take down from 1pm Bass Hill Plaza set up 26 th July at 3 pm, show 27 th July 30 th July, take down from 1 pm. It would be appreciated if everyone would ensure that their phone number, and info is up to date especially in regards to shows also that your address is likewise up to date please see Ernest. Plant of the Night Open: Encyclia alata owned by Sandra Crosby and Tony Costa. Novice: Paphiopedilum Joyce Hasegawa owned by Alex Zannis. Congratulations to tonight s winners. Following supper and the raffle draw, Veronica thanked the kitchen staff, the meeting closed at 8:30pm. 10

11 Minutes of the General Meeting of the Bankstown Orchid Society held at the Scottish Hall, 4 Weigand Avenue, Bankstown, on 6 th March, 2017 The meeting was opened by President Veronica Clowes at 7:30pm. Correspondence Bulletins from our sister Society, The Tasmanian Orchid Society. Insurance Renewal Advice. Welcome to our March meeting. Tonight Ian Chalmers will give a short talk on his and Irene s trip to the England and Scotland in November last year. Later in the year he will show photos and talk about our recent trip to the Tokyo Grand Prix of Orchids. Speaking of Tokyo, Irene and I received Overseas Encouragement Awards for our table top displays at the Grand Prix. The Tropical Queensland Orchid Council 2017 Conference and Grand Orchid Show will be held 9 th 11 th June. Unlike last year when Ian and Irene took plants from Sydney by car to the show; where our members John and Stephen were very successful with their plants, this will not be permitted this year. The rules have been changed so that now only those actually, registered at the conference can show their plants. A decision regarding cut flowers for the show will be made later. Finally, it looks as if the heat has gone, although the forecast is for a warm, wet Autumn. So watch your watering as plants may already be a bit soggy from the rain, and the weather is turning cooler. Chester Square is rapidly approaching (see below for dates/times) therefore the Show Schedule for this show only will appear in this Bulletin. The Schedule for Bass Hill will be sent out in the May Bulletin, to prevent the confusion that occurred last year when both Schedules appeared together. Our raffle prize of two (one year) subscriptions to Orchids Australia, continues because we have yet to recover the cost of the prize, please support us with this prize. This is a very worth while, interesting, and informative magazine. General Business Next meeting will be held on 3 rd April, Next Month our speaker will be (TBA). Castle Hill Show 31 st March 1 st April only! Chester Square set-up 17 th May at 3 pm, show 18 th May 21 st May, take down from approx. 1pm Orchids Out West 26 th 28 th May, 2017 Bass Hill Plaza set up 26 th July at 3 pm, show 27 th July 30 th July, take down from approx. 1pm. It would be appreciated if everyone would ensure that their phone number, and info is up to date especially in regards to shows also that your address is likewise up to date please see Ernest. Plants of the Night Open: Cattleya Caudabec Candy owned by Dimitrios Mitsios Novice: Paph. Charlie 'DMore x godefroyae owned by Alex Kallis (on left) Congratulations to tonight s winners. Following supper and the raffle draw, Veronica thanked the kitchen staff, the meeting closed at 8:45pm. 11

12 If undeliverable, please return to: Bankstown Orchid Society C/- PO Box 4405 WINMALEE 2777 BULLETIN BANKSTOWN ORCHID SOCIETY 12