Maybe this is a stupid question - Orchid Board

Bulbofett · #1 08-01-2014, 10:57 AM

My orchid society is holding their annual plant auction on Aug 10th. I'm super stoked. I've been saving my money for this event, and hope they have some plants that are on my wish list.

What I'd like to know is where do they get these orchids from? I was going to e-mail the secretary, but they don't have any contact info for anyone except the vice pres and pres. I feel sheepish in asking the higher ranking members.

So, where does your orchid society get their plants for auction? I have a few uglies I'd like to donate. They're extremely healthy plants, but didn't bloom the way I thought they would.

DeaC · #2 08-01-2014, 12:20 PM

In my society,we have an Auction Chairwoman who coordinates the event and approaches vendors from areas near and far. I'm sure the person handling that job in your society would give you info. Our auction is in Oct. and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! Have fun!

Bulbofett · #3 08-01-2014, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeaC

In my society,we have an Auction Chairwoman who coordinates the event and approaches vendors from areas near and far. I'm sure the person handling that job in your society would give you info. Our auction is in Oct. and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! Have fun!

Awesome! Anything in particular you're looking for at the auction? This will be my first society auction. No idea what they will have. I guess I'll be contacting the vice president for more info.

isurus79 · #4 08-01-2014, 01:53 PM

We get our plants from the members and I would estimate we have over 100 plants that get donated each year. Some are great, some not so much. Its always fun though!

We often have other auctions throughout the year as people get rid of their collections for myriad reasons.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulbofett

I feel sheepish in asking the higher ranking members.

You should never feel sheepish asking the higher ups about anything! I've been a member in many different societies across several states and two different countries; not to mention I'm the 2014 President and 2012 & 2013 1st VP of the Heart O' Texas Orchid Society. I've always found the ranking members of the societies to be very approachable and very willing to answer any and all questions that the membership pose. Asking questions is also a good way to get to know your OS board, which is often where many of the best growers end up.

Orchid Whisperer · #5 08-01-2014, 02:05 PM

The Northeast Georgia Orchid Society hasn't done auctions or sales in the past. We mostly rely on various member's experience for monthly programs, so we don't really need dues to pay for programs, and therfore have not done much in terms of fund raising.

However, various people do have plants or divisions that they want to trade or give away from time to time. We bring the divisions to the meetings, or make arrangements to trade outside of the meetings. One of the members is a commercial grower, he occasionally brings a few plants to sell, but mostly it is only when someone asks him to bring something in.

Bulbofett · #6 08-01-2014, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isurus79

We get our plants from the members and I would estimate we have over 100 plants that get donated each year. Some are great, some not so much. Its always fun though!

We often have other auctions throughout the year as people get rid of their collections for myriad reasons.

You should never feel sheepish asking the higher ups about anything! I've been a member in many different societies across several states and two different countries; not to mention I'm the 2014 President and 2012 & 2013 1st VP of the Heart O' Texas Orchid Society. I've always found the ranking members of the societies to be very approachable and very willing to answer any and all questions that the membership pose. Asking questions is also a good way to get to know your OS board, which is often where many of the best growers end up.

Thank you for giving me the kick in the butt to contact my local members

I just sent them an e-mail. Whatever the outcome, I'll just be excited to attend another meeting. The club meets every other month, sometimes every 2 months. Last 2 meetings I had to work. So, I'll be excited to finally get to gab with fellow enthusiasts.

Orchid Whisperer · #7 08-01-2014, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isurus79

You should never feel sheepish asking the higher ups about anything! I've been a member in many different societies across several states and two different countries; not to mention I'm the 2014 President and 2012 & 2013 1st VP of the Heart O' Texas Orchid Society. I've always found the ranking members of the societies to be very approachable and very willing to answer any and all questions that the membership pose. Asking questions is also a good way to get to know your OS board, which is often where many of the best growers end up.

I quite agree! If the higher ups in your OS make you feel sheepish, time to elect new higher-ups, volunteer to be a higher-up, or lacking that, find a better OS! Steve, my experience with my local OS has bee quite positive, like yours. No question too big or too small, the leadership is always helpful to members who are newer to the hobby, or just new to our OS.

Paul · #8 08-01-2014, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulbofett

So, where does your orchid society get their plants for auction? I have a few uglies I'd like to donate. They're extremely healthy plants, but didn't bloom the way I thought they would.

That is one common reason plants get donated to auction. As others have mentioned, divisions of plants is another. Then too. sometimes plants get donated because the owner has simply gotten tired of that particular plant/tastes have changed or the plant has gotten too big/tall for a person's space.

Ray · #9 08-01-2014, 04:56 PM

We rely on members and vendors in the vicinity.

The last couple of years, we've had between 200 and 250 plants to sell off.

DeaC · #10 08-01-2014, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulbofett

Awesome! Anything in particular you're looking for at the auction? This will be my first society auction. No idea what they will have. I guess I'll be contacting the vice president for more info.

I've only been a member for 3 yrs. and am now a Trustee along with 3 others and its been on the job training but fun and informative. Many members do bring in their own plants for auction but we also have a raffle table at our monthly mtgs. for such donations-brings in a bit of revenue gives buyers a chance to try something new. My desire for plants is varied but I now know what I can't grow so it limits what I'll buy...champagne taste,beer barrel pocket,ya know. Oh to win the lottery!