Speaking Engagement

I was recently honored by being asked to give a talk at the Orchid Society of Santa Barbara.  Word got around that I had delivered a brief talk about orchid propagation methods at my society one month, when we couldn't get a "real" speaker, and the Santa Barbara group was interested in hearing it.

A photo from the first talk, in Lompoc, CA.
©2012 MadOrchidist.com

This was simultaneously exciting and terrifying!  That group is full of world class orchid growers and experts, so I thought, "who am I to try and give them a lecture about orchids?"  But then I remembered that all societies have members of all levels of interest and expertise.  I also realized that I could expand the talk to include some of my home laboratory endeavors, which even veteran growers might be curious about.

After stressing, preparing, rehearsing, and becoming much more cozy with PowerPoint, I delivered my talk "Orchid Propagation: Where Do Orchids Come From?" on Wednesday night.  Success!  It was well received by the club, and there were excellent questions and engagement throughout.

I brought along prepared specimens, including seeds and pollinia, as well as a plant with a pod on it.  I even brought my homemade GloveBox to illustrate that even more advanced culture can be accomplished at home with minimal investment and a bit of effort.

I want to thank the members for being so supportive and interested, and for making me feel like a "real" speaker.  Once I got over being nervous, I actually really enjoyed it!  Also, thanks again to Wayne and Frank (vice-pres. and pres. of OSSB) for their confidence.

If I come up with any pictures from that night, I'll be sure to add them here . . .