Erratum

Sincere apologies to John Haggar from the OSGB Journal editor for an error in the February issue which occurred during the editing of his article on Dactylorhiza – a practical guide to successful cultivation.  Please see OSGBJ (2015) 64(1): 38, The plunge bed, paragraph 1.

Although the breeze blocks need to be stood on a waterproof or impervious base, it is crucial that the blocks are not LINED with waterproof material (as the edited article erroneously states) as this would just waterlog the pots and all the plants would die. The whole system works only because the wet and freely watered sand is free-draining via the gaps beneath and between the blocks.

Some of John Haggar's dactylorhizas growing in an unlined and free-draining plunge bed
(photo by John Haggar)

Problem with our forthcoming events page

We are currently experiencing a problem with uploading information to the calendar on our forthcoming events page.  Please bear with us while we correct this.

Full details of OSGB monthly meetings and shows can be found in the latest issue of the OSGB Journal.

Upcoming orchid meetings and shows around the country can be found in the British Orchid Council Year Book 2015 or on the British Orchid Council website: http://www.british-orchid-council.info/

Free prize draw for guests at EOS&C Gala Dinner

The OSGB has arranged a free prize draw to be held at the Gala Dinner it is organising for the European Orchid Show & Conference on Saturday 11th April at the Royal College of Physicians in London.

All  guests will be entered into the prize draw which will be held after dinner.  The Gala Dinner offers a wonderful opportunity to visit this fascinating venue and tickets are still available: £70 per person to include a drinks reception, four course dinner with wine.

A huge thank you to everyone who has so generously donated a wide range of orchid-related items for the draw including paintings, books, magazines, cushions and fine bone china mugs: Deborah Lambkin, Polly O'Leary, Janet Orme, Johan Hermans, RBG Kew, The Orchid Review, Timber Press UK, and Weidenfeld & Nicolson.

A signed copy of Aerangis - Exquisite African Orchids to discover, identify and grow by Isobyl la Croix donated by Timber Press UK (www.timberpress.co.uk)

Two complimentary tickets to Kew Gardens donated by RBG, Kew, and a copy of The History of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

A copy of Highrove - A Garden Celebrated by HRH The Prince of Wales with Bunny Guinness donated by Weidenfeld & Nicolson (www.orionbooks.co.uk)

One year's subscription to The Orchid Review donated by The Orchid Review (www.rhs.org.uk)

A pair of cushions covered in a Phalaenopsis pattern designed and donated by Emily Burningham (www.emilyburningham.com)

A framed watercolour of Phragmipedium Bel Royal painted and donated by botanical artist Polly O'Leary (www.pollyoleary.co.uk)

A framed watercolour of Sarcochilus 'Red Rock Noy' painted and donated by botanical artist Janet Orme (www.janetorme.co.uk)

A copy of The New Encyclopedia of Orchids by Isobyl la Croix donated by Timber Press UK (www.timberpress.co.uk)

A pair of fine bone china mugs decorated and donated by botanical artist Janet Orme (www.janetorme.co.uk)

Two commemorative silver orchid coins featuring Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi donated by Johan Hermans

Exhibitors at the EOS&C, 9-12 April 2015

Exhibitors at the European Orchid Show & Conference London 2015 will include: 


Akerne Orchids, Besgrow Europe, Bournemouth Orchid Society, British Orchid Council, Burnham Nurseries, Buscal Horticulture/Orchidees, Chantelle Orchids, Deutsche Orchideen-Gesellschaft, Devon Orchid Society, Henry Oakeley, Ecuagenera, Equatorial Plant Company, Eric Young Orchid Foundation, French Senate, Helen Millner, In-Charm Orchid Laboratory, Jacques Amand International, Joseph Wu Orchids, Jumbo Orchids, KJ Orchids, Laneside Hardy Orchid Nursery, Laurence Hobbs Orchids, Lavault Paris, Lea Valley Orchid Society, NAFAS, Nagata Engei, Nudlinger Orchideenladen, Orchid Inn, Orchid Society of Great Britain, Orchid Society of New South Wales, Orchideen Tonn, Orchideengarten, Orchis Floriculturing, Orquideas del Valle Colombia, Peter Sander, R F Orchids, Ratcliffe Orchids & Sundries, RHS Wisley Glasshouse, Roellke Orchideenzucht, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Ryanne Orchidee, Societe Francaise d'Orchidophilie, Sun Moon Orchids, Suwada Orchid Nursery, Ten Shin Gardens, Timber Press, University of Kent, Vacherot & Lecoufle, Water Orchids Nursery, Writhlington School Orchid Project, Yih Cheng Orchids


Book tickets for the show, conference and gala dinner now by telephone (0844 776 67777) or through the RHS website, www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-london-shows/European-Orchid-Show-and-Conference-2015

EOS&C Gala Dinner now open to all

The Gala Dinner for the European Orchid Show & Conference is now open to all.  Dinner guests no longer need to be registered for the conference.

The dinner will be held on Saturday 11 April at the Royal College of Physicians, an award-winning event venue by Regent's Park.  Tickets are still available and cost £70 per person which includes a drinks reception in the Dorchester Library and four course dinner with wine in the Osler Room.   All guests will also be entered into a free prize draw, organised by the OSGB, to be held on the night.

The Gala Dinner will be held in the  elegant Osler Room at the Royal College of Physicians

Gala Dinner Menu

Vodka and garden dill-cured salmon, lemon scented leaves, dark rye toast and saffron dressing

Rump of new season, salt-marsh lamb, potato rösti, caramelised red onion, wilted baby spinach, lemon thyme and red wine jus

Passion fruit and vanilla parfait with white chocolate sauce and candied pistachios

Selection of cheese with crackers and fruit

Coffee and petit fours

Vegetarian Menu

Warm ticklemore goat’s cheese tart, tomato and basil salad and walnut vinegar reduction (starter)

Forest mushroom and vegetable crêpe, potato rösti, toasted pine kernels and curried cauliflower purée (main course)

Special dietary needs can easily be catered for and dinner guests will be contacted nearer the time to check on these.  If you have any queries please contact Samantha Hurley, tel: 07900 250247, e-mail: sam@ballyhurley.com

The easiest way to book dinner tickets is via the RHS Ticket Line on 0844 776 6777 (payment needs to be made at the time of booking by debit/credit card - cheques are not accepted).

Welcome to the Harrogate Orchid Society

We are delighted to welcome the Harrogate Orchid Society as an affiliated society of the OSGB.

The Harrogate Orchid Society was formed in the early 1980s by a small group of orchid enthusiasts based mainly in West Yorkshire and has continued to meet in the Harrogate and Leeds area over the past thirty years. More recently, an opportunity arose to hold meetings at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate, HG3 1QB.

However, meetings during 2015 will be held at either RHS Harlow Carr or Beckwithshaw Village Hall, Harrogate, HG3 1QW. Please check the society's website for details of meeting dates and times: www.harrogateorchidsociety.co.uk

For more information about the Harrogate Orchid Society please contact Malcolm White, tel: 01535 661616 or e-mail: twmwhite@aol.com