Cymbidum Society of America Annual Congress

On Saturday, March 13, 2010, the Cymbidium Society of America will hold its 35th Annual Cymbidium Congress at Adams Elementary School located next to the Earl Warren Showgrounds. Registration fees include six lectures and two panel discussions focusing on Cymbidiums and Paphiopedilums led by internationally recognized experts. Contact 310.826.0994 for registration information (or click link above).

Local Orchid Nurseries - Tours & Open Houses

Throughout the show weekend, select Santa Barbara area growers will offer special open houses and tours. Click here for a list of nurseries and further information.

The Orchid Doctor, Lance Birk

Internationally known expert orchid grower, author, botanist, plant collector, photographer and adventurer, will be available daily in the Earl Warren Exhibit Hall throughout the show weekend to answer your orchid questions and sign copies of his book “The Paphiopedilum Grower’s Manual.” Birk is also the author of “The Last Orchid Hunter,” which is based on his 25 years as an adventurer combing the topics during the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s in search of rare orchid species to document their habitat conditions and locations, and to collect plants for further study. During his travels he discovered an ancient, lost Mayan city and many new and some previously thought-to-be extinct plant species. He also encountered renegade jungle military forces and armed pirates, experienced airplane crashes, extreme weather conditions and deadly diseases, and contended with rival jungle hunters in a race to find extremely rare orchids.

Orchid Culture Demonstrations

Brian Petraska, orchid expert and a regular garden contributor on San Francisco’s KRON-TV, will lead demonstration workshops on raising healthy orchids. Also known as “The Orchid Guy,” Brian will offer growing tips, and provide common sense advice about how to solve pest, potting and fertilization problems. He will answer frequently asked questions, such as: What is the reason why orchids don’t bloom? How do I repot my orchids? How do I treat snails, mealy bugs and scale? Do I need to fertilize my orchids? He will also demonstrate techniques and answer individual questions.