AUGUST 2007  (Vol. 19 No.4)

THIS MONTH'S FEATURES:

FRONT COVER:

Cymbidiella rhodochila ‘Therlma’ CBM/AOC (1998)

Owner: David Keanelly ( Victoria )

Photographer: David Keanelly

A magnificent orchid not often seen at our shows, but David seems to have the knack of not only how to grow them but how to flower them well.

Vale – Fred Jones

Fred Jones, long time stalwart of the Orchid Society of NSW, died 20^th February at the age of 85, having served in numerous positions for 40 years.  Barry Collins writes of his memories of this untiring man.

The President’s Word

Pam Bartlett reflects on her first year as President of the Australian Orchid Council, among other things.

An Orchid Safari in Western Thailand – with Rod Rice

Rod takes us on safari to the Province of Kanchanaburi , famous (or infamous) for the “Bridge Over the River Kwai”, but looks past the usual temples, waterfalls, etc, to find some of the rare orchids hidden in the jungle.  It was also the first time some of the native peoples had seen a while man.  (12 high quality photographs illustrate this article)

WA Orchid Spectacular 2008

Are you going?  It is only a little less than 12 months away and early bird registration closes at the end of December.   I had a great time at the one in 2005 and recommend it to anyone.  Costs are a lot lower than other conferences because the combined WA societies do much of the work themselves.   Registration form  can be found at http://members.iinet.net.au/%7Eemntree/WAOS.html along with accommodation, tours and more.

International Orchid Conservation Congress III – Are Our Orchids Safe?

Zoe Smith of Victoria attended this Congress and writes a comprehensive report for us.

Annual Fun Day at Ross Tasmania – Jan Dicker

The four Tasmanian orchid societies gather annually on the first Sunday in May.  Plants are on sale first (what else?), there is a tabled show, judging, much chatter over a ”cuppa” (some societies travel 1 to 2 hours to get there), then down to business.  Each society gives a report before getting into growers talking on how they grow their particular genera, and the inevitable raffle.

Orchids on Stamps

Graeme and Gaye Chequer have written a lavishly illustrated article on World Orchid Conferences and Philately, mainly illustrated with First Day Covers for each Conference starting with No. 5 in California in 1966 and proceeding up to Dijon , France in 2005.

AOC Orchid of the Year Nominations 2006

It’s that time of the year again and the various judging panels are considering the nominations for the various sections of the AOC Orchid of the Year for last year.  Colin Jennings details the nominations so that our readers can try their hand and picking the best of the best.  The winners will be announced at the AGM in Melbourne on 20^th October and published in our December edition. (21 photographs)

Selected Species – Peter Taylor

Peter has chosen Coelogyne multonii as his subject for this month and, as usual, dwelves into the history of the species, its habitat and some tips on growing it.  Peter’s articles are always fascinating reading.

Indian Fascination – Jeff Glover

Jeff admits to being smitten by this group of Dendrobiums many years ago and provides an insight into the group.  His is particularly taken by Den. Mousmee and is quite proud of his plant.  (7 photographs)

Plus pages of Spring Show dates covering the whole continent.

And more…