Hi all.
Our meeting season has come to Summer break time, having finished the season with a wonderful picnic this past weekend. As a reminder to all, we do not meet July or August. Our next meeting will be Sunday September 7th.
We are still looking for a volunteer for Lori Macgowan to pass the Membership Chair baton to. It is not a time consuming position. The main 'active' periods are during membership renewal (communications & tracking renewals in partnership with our treasurer Barb Putko) and coordinating the membership table at our annual show. Please consider stepping up so that Lori can step down for a much deserved break! The board members already wear multiple hats so we are looking for participation from the members on this. Please contact Lori or myself if you have any questions, or are willing to take the position.
Lastly, summer is a great time to move the majority of our orchids outside, if you have not done so already, to get "some rays". It does mean though that you need to consider what light, and heat, tolerance your plants may have to know where best to put them. Even high light loving plants need protection from the mid-day sun. Using shade cloth or hanging plants from tree branches to get dappled sun are some options. Time release plant food, such as Nutricoat, which lasts about 6 months, is a great option to feed your orchids outdoors as a little bit dissolves with each watering.
With the high heat warnings for the next few days you may need to bring more delicate plants indoors or place them in full shade until the heat breaks. If your plants are on a concrete or stone patio, consider wetting the surface down morning and night to get a bit of evaporative cooling. If they are sitting directly on the hard surface, you should definitely move or elevate them so they do not bake!
Enjoy your summer, keep cool and we'll see you in September!
--
Ginna
