Hello and Greetings,
The next meeting of the Napa Valley Orchid Society will take place on Wednesday, September 13th at 6:00PM at the Napa Senior Center located at 1500 Jefferson Street in Napa. All meetings of the Napa Valley Orchid Society are free to attend and open to the public, so invite a friend or two.
Introduction of our speaker, Tyler Albrecht.
Orchids have been a thing of interest, passion, mystery, disappointment, exploration and love of mine since I was 8 years old. It’s all my Father’s fault for introducing me to Cymbidiums in the early 80’s. After finding success in not killing Cymbidiums for a year or so, I tried other genera and fell in love with Paphiopedilum’s and a keen interest in all things weird.
Living in the Bay Area was great for Orchid enthusiasts, and access to many fantastic people who later went on to become mentors to me early on in growing. People like Lil Severin, Dennis Olivas, Gerardus Staal and Dorothy Stevens to name just a few. Now I am surrounded by some additionally fantastic mentors who are not only encouraging but incredible people as well.
Fast forward 30 something years and with a short hiatus for five years, I’m back full-steam doing what I love, growing orchids. With an eye on the future and blessing from my wife of 15 years, things are set in motion to transition to full time nursery production in the coming years. Also immersing myself into the AOS Judging program with the California Sierra Nevada Judging Center. In the meantime, my day job is servicing aquarium and ponds out of our home in Loomis at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Other day jobs include shuttling my daughter Reagan back and forth to the barn where she rides as a competitive Hunter/Jumper at shows around the state and region. Also making sure that my son Reece gets to his Taekwondo studio where he recently acquired his blackbelt and his various competitions! And last but certainly not least, go out on the occasional date with my lovely wife Dana……when we are not knee deep in kid and work stuff.
Napa Valley Orchid Society Meetings also include the following:
Refreshments
We will continue to have assorted savory or sweet snacks at the meeting. Please bring something if you can. Coffee, tea and water will be provided.
Opportunity Table
This month's opportunity table plants will be provided by Sergio Garcia. Tickets can be purchased at the meeting. 6 tickets are available for $5. Proceeds help cover the cost of our speakers.
Show and Tell Table
You acquired it. You got it home safely, watered it, maybe once or twice even fertilized it....trimmed off any dead growth.....protected it from freezing or extreme heat.....perhaps re-potted it.....gave it the best light possible. The day before the orchid society meeting you realize it is in bloom re-enforcing the reason why you spent so much time and effort for it to show off those appealing blooms of favorite colors or shape.There is one last part of being an orchid grower – that is well deserved bragging rights among friends by showing off your work and skill! Oh, and the orchid in bloom as well.
You are encouraged to be a part of the monthly “Show and Tell” as an exhibitor or a judge.
Each month the Show and Tell table is judged, top 3 places earn points. Those points are tabulated at the end of the year. The member with the most points is the recipient of the Henrickson award marking their achievement. The award for 2022 will be made at this January meeting.
Future Guest Speakers
October 11- David Edgely – Phalaenopsis
November 8 - Annual Orchid Auction (more information on this next month)