| WE ARE WHAT WE DO
And, broadly speaking, we do three things.
First, as individuals, we grow orchids. We do this primarily because we can't
not grow orchids. You know the old saw ... the bad news is that growing orchids is
an addiction; the good news is that medical science has no cure for it.
Second, collectively we put on orchid shows. We do this to edify ourselves
and, to some extent, the general public. We need to show off our plants, to consider those
of others, and to make comparisons.
Third. we come together in meetings to learn, to discuss orchid related issues and
to enjoy each other's company. You've also heard the other old saw ... it's possible
to grow orchids on your own, but not nearly as much fun as it should be.
In truth, we do a myriad of things. But they pretty much fit somewhere in
those three categories. This site has plenty of pictures celebrating orchids.
And plenty of pictures taken at orchid shows, including lots of pictures cheering on our
people hard at work assembling exhibits.
But what might bear some describing are our society meetings. The following passages
are taken from our Membership Directory where they are meant to be, we hope, instructive,
particularly for newbies.
MONTHLY MEETING FORMAT
Plant Judging
Have plants for judging in place by 12:30 PM. Plants will be judged while the
workshop is going on by criteria described below. You are encouraged to submit plants so
others can admire them and you can get some idea of how yours compare to others of the
same class. Don't be shy about bringing plants - there's no thrill to match that of
getting your first ribbon at a monthly meeting!
Members' Plant Sales
In the same room as judging is a sales table for members' plants. Have sale plants in
place by 12:30 PM. Sales volunteers will show you how to fill out your sales tickets, and
they can give you pricing advice if you feel uncertain about how much to ask for them. You
will receive 75% of the selling price, with the remainder going into the lOS treasury to
support some of our projects.
Workshop
Workshops begin at 12:30 PM and consist of discussions and informal question and answer
sessions on a variety of topics, often led by our speaker of the day or by other
experienced growers. Workshops are frequently focussed on cultural topics of assistance to
both new and experienced growers.
Business Meeting
The regular business meeting is usually short and commences at the conclusion of the
workshop, at about 1:15 PM. Included are any items requiring a vote by the membership,
along with announcements from officers and committees. Following this meeting is a raffle
for plants that have been donated.
Plant of the Month
Before the main program, the judges display the two best plants from the monthly judging,
with comments on the attributes that led to the awards of Plant of the Month grown under
lights and Plant of the Month grown in a greenhouse.
Speaker
The main program, beginning at about 1:30 PM usually consists of a one hour talk by an
expert on a particular orchid genus or a more general topic.
Refreshments
After the speaker, we adjourn for refreshments, socializing, and plant sales. This time is
often spent answering questions and exchanging ideas on orchid culture problems and
techniques.
IOS AND AOS PLANT JUDGINGS
IOS Monthly Judging
IOS members are strongly encouraged to bring their orchid plants in bloom to the monthly
meetings for judging. Any plant submitted for monthly judging (or show judging) must
have been grown by the exhibitor for at least a six-month period prior to the judging date.
Plants are grouped into three main categories for judging: 1) Grown by
members under lights /on windowsills; 2) Grown by non-commercial members owning a
greenhouse; 3) Grown and exhibited by commercial members (those selling more than 200
plants per year).
Judges look at the general condition of the plant, but mainly judge
according to the attributes of the flower/s: Size, Shape (looking for roundness and
balance), Number (the more the better) and Color (is it clear, deep, unusual?).
Color-breaks are a negative attribute. Other negative flower qualities are dry,
old-looking blooms and brown/black spots. On the basis of these features, compared to
other plants of the same species or hybrids seen in the past by the judging team, plants
may or may not be given a 1st place, 2nd place, or Special award.
Monthly IOS ribbons carry the following point values (accumulated toward
annual awards presented each June): 1st place = 10 points; 2nd place = 5 points; No award
= 1 point; Special award (Plant-of-the-month) = 20 points. All point scores are doubled
for plants awarded at shows - our own or those of sister societies. Be sure to participate
in this part of the society, even if you have only one plant in bloom.
Plant Preparation
1) Do not exhibit plants infested with insects or showing signs of fungal, bacterial, or
viral infection. Such plants will be segregated by the judging team and are not eligible
for IOS awards.
2) Do remove dead leaves, and wipe the live ones with a damp cloth to remove dust and
water spots. (A dilute solution of water and lemon juice or milk is often suggested. Do
not spray leaf-shine oils on orchid leaves.)
3) Do stake the inflorescence, if necessary, to show off the flowers to their best
advantage.
4) Do fill out a plant registration tag for each plant you submit for judging. Do not be
bashful about bringing your plants to the monthly meeting for judging. We were all
beginners once. The important thing is that orchids are beautiful and a joy to behold when
in bloom. They deserve to be shown off at every opportunity.
AOS Judgings & Away Shows
Again, do not be shy about sending your plant to an away show. You can learn volumes by
sending your plants to shows and, if possible, attending the show to see how your plant
compares to others in its category. Drop-off times at members' homes who take the plants
to the away shows are announced prior to each show.
Label Correctly
Prepare plants for judging by cleaning them and staking them
appropriately. Be sure there is a plant tag in the pot or securely attached to the
mount/pot. The identifying plant tag should identify the genus (e.g., Paphiopedilum,
Phalaenopsis, Cattleya) and the species or hybrid. Print (do not use cursive handwriting)
and use upper and lower case as appropriate. Do not label plants in all uppercase letters.
Species are written in all lower case, eg, Paphiopedilum. Hybrids are written with the
name of the hybrid in initial caps, eg, Phrag. Hanne Popow. Correct labeling avoids
confusion over classification during judging.
Classify Plants
Download a copy of the Mid-America Orchid Classification from the MAOC website
or ask for help from the member where you drop off your plants. It may take a few
tries to be able to do this correctly, but it increases your understanding of orchid
classification.
Plant List
On a piece of paper, write your name and the date (or the Show) and list each plant you
are sending to the show. Again, clearly print (or type) the name of the plant, using
appropriate upper and lower case letters.
Want to Help?
Setting up (and tearing down) an exhibit (at home or away) is a lot of hard work and your
assistance is always welcome. Having an extra hand to tag, label, cover pots, and just
plain haul stuff around is a big help to the person doing the exhibit, and what you leam
about orchids from taking part in show set-up is priceless, and it's fun too! Help can be
volunteered for set-up, tear-down or both. Contact the show chairperson to see how you can
help!
IOS Spring and Fall Shows
Of the two shows hosted by the IOS each year, the spring show is the larger. For this
show, many exhibitors and vendors come together often from other regions, states, and even
other countries to provide a little piece of heaven in our own backyard! The fall show is
smaller and gives members an opportunity to do their own tabletop displays. As you can
imagine, both home shows require a great deal of time and effort. When the call goes out
for volunteers, reply as soon as you can. Taking part in shows is just one way to get to
know orchids, your fellow IOS members and have a lot of fun with the wonderful world of
orchids!
ACTIVITIES of the ILLINOIS ORCHID SOCIETY
The activities of the Illinois Orchid Society (IOS) include seven monthly home meetings
with newcomer's workshop, exhibition and IOS judging of members' plants, plant sales, and
guest speaker, Spring and Fall home shows with member and vendor exhibits, (plant and
exhibit judging and awards by the American Orchid Society), sales of plants and supplies,
auction, and potting demonstrations, three monthly away meetings (August picnic and
December holiday party at local commercial grower's greenhouses, and field trip by bus to
nearby venues of interest), displaying members' plants in exhibits at shows of sister
societies, mentoring by our experienced members, and support of the American Orchid
Society Chicago Judging Center.
Each month's dates and activities are announced in advance in the IOS
newsletter, (sent out monthly to all members), as well as on this internet site.
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