Our first presenter , Lester Poole , educated the group of 49 registrants with his Pippi Longstocking theme of the “ Lilliputian ” group of Phalaenopsis . He explained how this group of Phals derived their name and intrigued us with the interesting facts about these mini varieties . His examination of this intricate Phal . group left us all dreaming of adding a few to our collections . The exciting new species , Phal . natmataungensis and Phal . mysorensis , which he introduced to the group held us on the edge of our seats and his talk was chock full of expert knowledge . Later , Tom Wise of John ’ s Island Orchids , SC explained the ease of growth , cultural requirements and the influence of Doritis pulcherrima and its color varieties in old and new exciting hybrids . He cited the research of Dr . Henry Wallbrunn and the fact that the doctor was ahead of his time with his ideas and breeding trends with the creation of the very popular Phal . Micro Nova in 1980 and Dtps . Purple Martin in 1989 . A special appreciation for this now deceased hybridizer was obvious with both Lester and Tom mentioning him in their presentations .
Our IPA auction reached better than anticipated goals with the expertise of our auctioneer Van Ewert and the extremely generous donations from our Region 13 gang . Bidding was competitive and brisk as all enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow Phallies . After a delicious lunch and the enthusiast auction , Gene Crocker , hybridizer and mentor to many attendees , hit the stage . Most associated with his success as owner of Cherokee Orchids , hybridizer at Carter and Holmes as head Cattleya breeder and creator of many award-winning Cattleya alliance hybrids . His knowledge is great in Phalaenopsis as well as many other genera . His presentation started with Phal . equestris and the line of breeding that has now allowed the creation of very complex intergeneric beauties . Carter and Holmes received an award during the judging portion of this IPA meeting on one of the Phal . intergeneric hybrids that Mr . Crocker discussed . The new hybrid containing Darwinara and Holcoglossum was exhibited and received an Award of Quality from the AOS for Carter and Holmes Orchids . The introduction of these miniature
Neofinetia intergenerics makes for a very nice orchid that most of us can grow on our windowsill .
With the current wave of popularity of the miniature Phallies and their intergeneric hybrids , our group certainly left the day well informed of their power , appeal , and novelty ; and feeling well prepared with an abundance of mini orchid education to give them a try . A Catawba Valley Orchid Society member , Carla Gillespie , handcrafted clay Phalaenopsis pins as an added favor for every gift bag .
Phalaenopsis - Fourth Quarter , Vol . 22 ( 3 & 4 ) 2012
2 . Carlos FIghetti , IPA Pres . & Guest Speaker ; Mitch Paroly , IPA Reg . 16 Dir .; Marilyn Shapiro , IPA Reg . 17 Dir .; Dr . Ron McHatton , AOS COO & Keynote Speaker ; and Carri Raven- Riemann , IPA Reg . 18 Dir ., together in Ballston Spa , New York .
3 . Stan Lee is an officer of the NENYOS and also served as auctioneer . Photos 1-3 : Mitch Paroly
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