CLUBS
ORCHID SOCIETY IN BLOOM
FOR NEARLY FOUR DECADES
With just about 90 members as of 2020, the Port
St. Lucie Orchid Society comprises many likeminded
orchid lovers. The group was formed in
1982 by a small group of orchid enthusiasts who
wanted to learn more about the flowering plants. The intention
was to teach and learn from one another about orchid
care, maintenance and growing practices.
“The society was incorporated (in) 1996, as a (non-profit)
corporation and contributes regularly to the community,’’
said Dana DeMarco, president of the society. “Since that time,
the society has become a positive, active organization dedicated
to education, good growing practices and camaraderie
in our local orchid community.”
As the society has grown, so has the number of active
roles. The PSL Orchid Society has a group of officers as well
as chairpersons and many dedicated volunteers for various
events, meetings and other responsibilities. There is even
someone in charge of the ‘homeless orchids’ or orchids in
need of new homes.
“We have a wonderful group of people in the society, many
of us have been involved for years,” trustee and member Jessica
Benford said. “Our monthly meetings are very informative
and fun for everyone.”
The society meets on the second Tuesday of each month
(except in July and August) at 1 p.m. at the Port Saint Lucie
Botanical Gardens in the pavilion building. Every meeting
features a speaker, a workshop and a post-lunch class. In
January, the speaker was Judith Bailey, master gardener and
accredited American Orchid Society judge from West Palm
Beach. She spoke on the qualities of creating an appealing >>
40 Port St. Lucie Magazine
ANTHONY INSWASTY PHOTOS
Volunteers from the Port St. Lucie Orchid Society care for the more than 100 rare and exotic orchids in the outdoor Orchid Room at the city’s botanical gardens.
BY RACHEL CUCCURULLO