Welcome to LBAOS!
The More Than Friendly Society Established in 1955
Long Beach Amateur Orchid Society is a non-profit organization formed to promote appreciation of orchids and to provide a source of information, education, and support for all orchid enthusiasts, whether they are novices or experts. Come and join us at our monthly meetings and meet members that range from dedicated growers with hundreds of orchids to beginners who just want to keep a few plants alive. Hear informative speakers and see demonstrations designed for orchid growers of all levels.
Upcoming Meeting Info
November 10, 2025 (7pm)
Roberta Fox: “Outdoor Orchid Growing in California”
Roberta Fox began growing orchids nearly 20 years ago, when she received a Cymbidium plant from a co-worker. She went to the New Otani show that year, and was completely captivated. She was so overwhelmed by the variety, she did not buy anything — the last time THAT happened! She joined several societies, and one orchid followed another. As the collection increased in size and variety, the process of learning how to care for the plants led to an interest in their origins and relationships. This in turn led to a focus on orchid species, since she found that the best way to understand the needs of a hybrid was to learn about the natural growing conditions of the underlying species.
Her current collection is about half hybrids and half species. She has a small greenhouse, but nearly 90% of the orchids (around 1800 at last count) live outside, about 5 miles from the coast. Of those, perhaps 25% are Cymbidiums, the balance a large range of other genera. She gravitates toward those orchids that can handle the Southern California temperature range, because greenhouse space is very limited, but there is “always room for one more” in the back yard.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89193084602
Meeting ID: 891 9308 4602
Plant Judging
There will be plant judging, so please bring your plants no later than 6:45 p.m. if you want to participate.
All members are encouraged to showcase their blooms and plants. Please use “Plant Judging” forms provided towards the end of the newsletter.
Plant submissions for judging must be turned in no later than 6:45 p.m. with neat
and completed information on the plant judging form.
Winning plants will proudly display a First, Second, or Third place ribbon. The monthly
presenter will select an additional plant that will receive the Cultural Award.
Silent Auction
We will have a Silent Auction. Bring cash, checks, or Zelle to pay for plants.
Come and Join Us!
St Gregory's Episcopal Church
6201 East Willow Street, Long Beach