Howdy,

   With temperatures often below freezing point, it's difficult to imagine orchids growing in Tennessee. Well, if you attend our upcoming meeting on Sunday, I'm sure you will find out more from the program "Native Orchids of Tennessee and the mid-South" given by Dennis Horn. February, the last full month of winter, definitely brought us a couple cold surprises. Of course I'm talking about the cold weather we've all been experiencing now. It is not easy for us and even more difficult for our orchids. Keeping temperatures above 60-65 F is first on the list for our greenhouse growers. On the other hand we, who grows inside of the house should always remember to keep a high humidity around orchids with the heater working non-stop. I myself lost a couple buds on one of my Phalaenopsis when I let the humidity fall below 40%. This is also the perfect time for Phals/Paphs growers to enjoy their orchids with many in spike and starting to open.
   We're in the process of forming an ad-hoc committee to resolve all of our questions with the Memphis Botanic Garden.
   Get your orchids ready - Memphis will be sending exhibits to both the Heart of Dixie Show and the Pensacola Show.
   As usual we will be looking for volunteers and donations for our upcoming Memphis Orchid Show in May. Think ahead and let Michael Rowland (our Show Chair this year) know how you can help (and get your orchids ready for our show, too!).
   If you haven’t renewed your dues for the year, you really need to do so now. Dues are only $25 per year and checks should be sent payable to MOS to Adrian Giles, Treasurer, 6712 Arnette Rd, Millington, TN 38053 (or you can bring them to the meeting this Sunday).
See you soon, Alex Kumok, President   

Alex Kumok, MOS President

   New Year! New President! Does MOS need repotting? Our new and proper president, Alex Kumok, welcomed everyone to the Jan.22 meeting. I'm sorry, but his wonderful accent just lends gravity and import to everything he says! 2006 is looking exciting already; the budget will be brought before our next meeting, a plant sale/garden society Shindig needed to happen AND the best part was ... free orchids! (I keep telling you all to come to the meetings!) Our Phalaenopsis Guru, Marcus Valentine gave an amazing presentation on the mechanics of breeding orchids. More about that later.