President’s Message:As I step outside, the crisp air stings my cheeks, it's a refreshing change from the heat of summer and I can't help but feel invigorated. Fall is in full swing, the trees are shedding their leaves in an array of yellows, oranges and reds, and the rains have started once again. Fall is a season of abundance, gratitude, and reflection. It's a time to slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate the simple things in life. As I head back inside, I'm grateful for this moment, for the beauty around me, and for the opportunity to witness the changing of seasons. With less light and temperatures dropping, we need to focus on ways to keep our orchids happy and healthy in the months to come. Here are some tips for orchid care during winter months: 1. Avoid cold drafts: Orchids don't like cold drafts, so make sure they are not near windows or doors that are opened frequently. If you must keep your orchids near a window, use a window insulator kit to prevent cold air from entering. 2. Adjust watering schedule: During the winter months, orchids don't need as much water as they do during the summer. Check the soil moisture before watering and only water when the soil is dry to the touch. 3. Adjust fertilizer schedule: Orchids also don't need as much fertilizer during the winter. Reduce the frequency of fertilizing to every other watering or even once a month. 4. Use supplemental lighting: If your orchids are not getting enough light during the winter, add supplemental lighting. Use LED grow lights and place them about 12 inches above the plant. 5. Increase humidity: Central heating can make the air in your home very dry, which is not good for orchids. Use a humidifier to increase humidity levels in the areas where you keep your orchids. By following these tips, you can ensure that your orchids stay healthy and thriving during the winter months. The October meeting was a resounding success with 32 in attendance. Our speaker, Bryan Emery, gave a captivating presentation on orchid growing tips, tricks, myths, and science and shared some of his wealth of knowledge on orchids and was able to engage the members in the audience effectively. The fact that his presentation generated a lot of questions from the audience indicates that they found it informative and interesting. It also suggests that Bryan Emery was effective in addressing common myths and misconceptions about orchid growing, which helped to clarify people's understanding of this fascinating plant species. I look forward to seeing everyone again at the November meeting, the clubs 50th anniversary. Dora will do a short talk on how the club was formed and managed to continue to be successful for half a century, so be sure not to miss out on this milestone event. As a special treat, coffee/tea, sandwiches and cake will be provided by the club after the meeting, giving members the opportunity to socialize and catch up with one another. Let’s come together to celebrate this momentous occasion and reflect on all the memorable moments that have made this club great over the years. See you there! Bernard Kespe CVIOS President Cheers, Bernard Kespe, CVIOS President
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