The Long Beach Amateur Orchid Society (LBAOS) is a non-profit organization formed to promote appreciation of orchids and to provide a source of information, education and support for both novices and experts.

LBAOS members range from dedicated hybridizers and growers with hundreds of orchids to beginners who just want to keep a few plants alive. Knowledge and mistakes are shared with a great sense of humor. It's always nice to know that "the expert" kills a few plants, too!

Our monthly membership meeting is free, and visitors are always welcome! Monthly meetings include expert guest speakers, a plant opportunity table, and a friendly judging of members' orchids for continued growth and knowledge. Orchid culture demonstrations are given by experts and timed to the seasons. Please see our "Meeting Info" for more details.

An exciting plant auction takes place annually. Orchids from our members' gardens, as well as orchids donated from our vendors, are auctioned to the highest bidder. Over the years, some very sought after plants have made their way to the auction tables! Our next auction is scheduled for 03/12/12.

The plant opportunity table each month and the yearly auction are great ways to obtain orchid plants at a very reasonable price.

January President's Message

Happy New Year! I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Our last meeting of the year was a great way for us to finish the year. We had a strong turnout and good food. I wonder if we are getting more health conscious for it seemed that we had fewer desserts this time around, which was good thing. I remember that some years we have had more desserts than anything else. Also it seemed very peaceful in our present location and people really socialized with each other. Many thanks for all the good food for the pot luck. 

Bonnie and Gen did another wonderful job honoring the people who brought in orchids for judging for 2011. Special thanks go out to the winners and also to everyone who brings in their orchids. Every plant is important because that makes our meetings so much the better and more interesting. I hope that as a member you will try to bring in at least one orchid to show in 2012. 

Remember that March will soon be upon us, and March is when we hold our annual Auction. Let’s get the word out about our Auction and make it the best ever. Our auction supports us financially for the entire year, so it is very important. Also, the Auction is a lot of fun for everyone who attends and a real highlight for the year. Remember that annual dues for the club are now due, so get that $15 in! If you are thinking of joining, now is the time to join Long Beach Amateurs. 

Happy New Year and Best Wishes!
Gary Putnam, President

Photos from October Meeting & More

Misc 1st Place Award - Ansellia africana v. nilotica grown by Espie Quinn	Dendrobium 1st Place Award Den. New Blue Charm
Misc 1st Place Award - Masdevallia veitchian grown by Jim Hoyle	Oncidium 2nd Place Award - Odtna. Lorraine's 14th WOC grown by Jerri Gonzalves
Cattleya 1st Place - Blc. Campagnon grown by Espie Quinn
Photos by T Wilvers