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Calling All Plants! |
March 2006 |
It is time once again to make a decision... is there a plant worth
judging in your collection? Well, unless you are a judge, you probably
don't really know. Even if you are a judge, you just never can tell for
sure. One thing is certain, it will never be awarded if it stays on the
bench.
The judging program is in place for several reasons, but perhaps the
most important one is that it is necessary to see how new hybrids are
blooming. It is also important to see what new species are coming out of
the wilds or even flasks. Hybridizers need this information in order to
make decisions on what is working, and, well... what is not.
The end result is to make better looking flowers and plants for the
benefit of all. This helps the consumer as well as the vendor because we
want to see the best, most unusual, and even the worst so we know what
to look for... and what to avoid.
The bottom line is that the Judging Centers are in place for the benefit
of all orchid growers. Please take advantage of the opportunity. Judges
frequently drive great distances to provide their services. That doesn't
even go into the effort which is put into
learning how to judge... which by the way, this is a never ending
process. If you had disagreements with the way judges commented on
plants one may have exhibited in the past, perhaps that problem has been
overcome.
I know from experience at the SWROGA Show last weekend that there are
many plants blooming now... the dead heat of summer which tends to slow
the blooming process has passed.
Please join us at Richland College and see for your self what the
current trends are.
Plants should be in and registered by 12:30 PM at the very latest. If
you need directions, feel free to contact me.
Students should be in class around 10:45 AM. If you are a student, you
know what you need to do.
I look forward to seeing you there,
Ed
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Taxonomical Information --- OR
--- How do I have my orchid identified? |
March 14, 2005 |
 From the AOS web site: "Judges see many new or infrequently seen
species in the course of their service. With more than 30,000 natural
species of orchids, identification becomes a challenge. Since judges are not
scientifically trained taxonomists, the judging system relies on a cadre of
taxonomic authorities. The experts noted here are officially designated by
AOS based on stringent credentials. Their purpose is to assure that any
awarded species is correctly identified."
Not only is this valuable for certain
awards, but it would be handy for all members if they need to ID a plant
in their collection. Please be sure to read all of the
instructions that are in pdf format before shipping any
plants/flowers/etc. for taxonomical identification.
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Your Opinion Counts! |
February 26, 2005 |
What
do you think about the newly designed website? We want to hear your
comments and suggestions. Please send us your thoughts
here. |
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Want to be an ORCHID Judge? |
February 22, 2005 |
Come Join Us! The Dallas Judging Center would happily welcome applicants to the AOS judging program. If
yo  u think you might be interested, please
visit the Judging Center sessions at Richland College Horticultural
Bldg. on the second Saturday of the month, or contact current Center
Chairman, Tom McIntosh, 214-321-1753. Visitors are always
welcome! |
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