Should I join an orchid society?

[Discus]

I drive over 135km (one way) once a month to attend my "local" orchid society meetings in another city; I consider it very worthwhile! In the meeting this last week, I was randomly invited to stop by one member's greenhouse next time I was in town - most orchid nuts (seed pods?) are like this - only too keen to share their addiction and knowledge with others. The meetings are also valuable in and of themselves, but the opportunities to network are amazing.

I'm naturally pretty shy, but there are always some outgoing members there that will hunt new members down and engage them

[Paul Mc]

Hey Lund! I don't live that far from MOBOT either, maybe about 5 minutes or so. The issue for me is that by the time Friday rolls around I'm completely zapped of energy and need the evening to just relax. Saturday is my big physical training day and I need all the energy I can muster to handle what the trainers throw at me. Again, it boils down to priorities for me and what is the highest for the time being.

I think I will try to attend on April 18th as a test then. I guess part of my reservation is that I heard there were a lot of politics in this particular society and I'm not so much about that.

The class is actually being held by MOBOT. Here's their link. Growing Orchids I believe it's like 20 or 25 dollars to go.

Again, the only reason for not attending is my rigorous Saturday schedule. However, I might have to make an exception this time around. That was a very good point about learning from people who live in this area how they grow their orchids in this environment.

[Discus]

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

I'm completely zapped of energy and need the evening to just relax.

Red Bull. Coffee. mmmm. Your orchids will say thanks

I find you can usually avoid group politics if you tread carefully... Of course, if it's cliquey in-group politics, it makes getting anything out of a society impossible. Your first visit will let you judge this for yourself!

[Lorraine]

Hi Paul,

I would for sure go to a meeting and check it out. I went to 1 meeting joined that night and the next week I was helping set up the annual show. I really was a newbie. The members were so nice to me and I have made great friends in the last 4+ years. Just like any other group you find your niche and have fun. Someone mentioned politics..so what?? Go have fun, learn and participate...You will be amazed seeing all the plants that show up at meetings the members grow. I won't memtion the guest speakers & their topics....Wow!

[peeweelovesbooks]

I was a member of one of the societies here in So. Florida and for me, it wasn't worth the time.

1) I never really learned anything new. Nope. I do extensive research on my own and I belong to the online orchid message boards. I attended meetings for an entire year and I'll be honest and say that I didn't learn much.

The beginner's classes--well, I experiment on my own and I was stunned that they were mainly comprised of, "this is a vanda basket. You tie the plant with this," type of thing.

2) I never really meshed with any group either. The society I went to (who shall remain unnamed) was very clique-ish. People weren't generally friendly and so it wasn't all that exciting. Roly used to belong to the same society.

3) It was inconvenient for me to go. The meetings were held about 1 hour from my house and got out really late (around 10pm or so). That started to interfere with my work schedule (I get up very early).

4) The plants--most of my shopping is done online and so I never connected with anyone else who grew the same plants.

So, it wasn't ever worth the trouble. Gosh...I sound like such a downer!!!

Having said that, it's worth going--just for the experience.

There are other societies here, but I hesitate to go. Maybe I'll consider a different one.

[cb977]

I think it's a great idea to join a society...but it's an even better idea if you join with the intention of becoming involved in the club's itinerary. A club is only as successful as what's put into it. There are always plenty of volunteer jobs up for grabs. Some require a bit more physical activity but even a person who doesn't get around very well can be a fully participating and contributing member.

I'd suggest you going to a meeting...or even more than one. See how you like the atmosphere....are the members friendly and ready to jump into an orchid-based conversation at the glimpse of a smile...
then, make sure that your schedule allows for your decision...and if you are still interested after all that, I say...

Go For It!!! I love being a member of the Tampa Orchid Club...I learn something new all the time and we have a good time being together

[Paul Mc]

Well, I went to my first meeting last night. Let me tell you, they know how to win over the newbies! I won an orchid in a door prize raffle, lol...

The speaker was wonderful, and I learned a lot about growing in St. Louis such as the lime and PH content of our water here.

Also, next month they are teaching a class on mounting orchids and you get to walk away with the mini you mount!

Done! I'm joining as of today!

[RJSquirrel]

I think you should .. I just joined my local society and the American Orchid Society bec they are veritable gold mines of knowledge and hands on experience from some of the best in the world at what they do. We can all read, and learn from that alone, but being around people who are committed to the science of Orchidology is a very special thing. I joined bec I was dying to show my plants to someone who freekin cares as my family and friends dont give a hoot about orchids. I need to be around people who like what I like. Its inspiring me to become better in all aspects of the Orchid world.They are great, as we all know from the people here, at keeping a young orchid lovers hopes up and freely share their knowledge. Why wouldn't you want to join is more a question