So, I finally joined AOS!

[Royal]

Although I've been growing orchids for about 8 years now, I have never really had the inclination to join a society. There have been discussions on this board about the AOS and I understand that there are varying opinions about its usefulness. I think I can understand the negative view a little, orchid-growing is a really variable activity and it would be impossible to accommodate all of the niche growers with one publication.

Finding this forum has expanded my horizons (and my collection ), and I now have species I had never even heard of a year ago! There is soooo much out there to learn, and I live in an orchid black hole. You know it's bad when you've read through your only orchid book so many times that you move on to old catalogs just to stare at newer pictures! I have nobody locally (that I know of) to trade with or just talk orchids. No local society, no shows within a few hours drive. What's an orchid freak to do? Well, at least I'll get a magazine with a few neat pictures.

[Becca]

Hi Royal! I feel your pain...lol. I love the magazine that the AOS sends out....I hate to say it, but that is the main reason I have renewed my AOS membership....and I also get a $30.00 off of $100.00 coupon, which I can't use currently because of money restrictions (paying off my credit cards) for the next year....bummer! We don't have many shows here as well....but we do have a local orchid society. Oh...and the Orchid Digest is another good publication to drool over!

[Scruffy]

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

Although I've been growing orchids for about 8 years now, I have never really had the inclination to join a society. There have been discussions on this board about the AOS and I understand that there are varying opinions about its usefulness. I think I can understand the negative view a little, orchid-growing is a really variable activity and it would be impossible to accommodate all of the niche growers with one publication.

Finding this forum has expanded my horizons (and my collection ), and I now have species I had never even heard of a year ago! There is soooo much out there to learn, and I live in an orchid black hole. You know it's bad when you've read through your only orchid book so many times that you move on to old catalogs just to stare at newer pictures! I have nobody locally (that I know of) to trade with or just talk orchids. No local society, no shows within a few hours drive. What's an orchid freak to do? Well, at least I'll get a magazine with a few neat pictures.

You'll love the magazine, but the AOS is about so much more! The magazine is just a little bonus! Welcome!