CLUBS
orchid exhibit for shows.
“Orchids are a very diverse plant,’’ said Bailey. “They can
enhance a special occasion in a simple or vibrant way.”
Orchids are known to be the largest family of flowering
plants and one of the oldest flowers in existence. They have
the tiniest seed in the world, which makes them a challenge
to grow. The plant’s first flowers won’t appear until at least 5
to 7 years after germination, and some orchid flowers bloom
for mere hours while others may last up to half a year.
At the PSL Orchid Society’s monthly meetings, an area is
set up for plant exchanges and homeless orchids. Tables are
lined with different breeds of orchids, many labeled or with a
picture of the “mother” plant in bloom.
“Members are encouraged to expand their collection in
this way and bring a new orchid home to nurture and enjoy,”
DeMarco said. “There are 25,000 documented orchid species
throughout the world. That means the number of orchids on
the planet is four times the number of birds and four times
the number of mammals. That’s a lot of orchids.”
Besides their meetings, the group often takes bus trips
around the state to visit various botanical gardens and orchid
shows. These trips serve as great opportunities to bond with
fellow members and learn more about growing practices in
other parts of the state. The society is also friendly with other
orchid societies around Florida such as the neighboring Fort
Pierce Orchid Society and the Vero Beach Orchid Society.
“The trips are always very fun and allow members to get
to know each other better while having a good time,” Jamie
Lawson, member, certified trade show marketer and orchid
breeder, said. “There are people from all over the world who
attend the Tamiami Orchid Festival. It’s a huge one.” >>
The Vanda is a genera of orchid whose stem grows in a ladder-like progression.
They are monopial orchids that grow from a single stem with roots
that emerge from the end of the stem.
Society member John Erickson volunteers as grounds maintenance for the botanical gardens. Many hours are spent in maintenance and general upkeep.
Port St. Lucie Magazine 41