CityView Magazine

22 | March/April • 2014 Orchid Speak If you are a "newbie" planning to attend Grower's Day, you will undoubtedly come away with enough information to impress your friends at dinner parties, but below are a few colloquial buzz words to impress the sea- soned orchid grower, or at least help you interpret what mem- bers of the Sandhills Orchid So- ciety jokingly refer to as "Orchid Language." Epiphyte (EPI-FIGHT) n. A plant that grows on another; either on top of or supported by another plant but does not depend on it for nutrition. Example: Look at the orchid growing in that tree, but not in a parasitic fashion! It must be an epiphyte! Terrestrial (TURR-EST-REE-UHL) orchid n. One that grows on the ground Example: Is that a beautiful weed growing at the base of that tree? No. It's a terrestrial orchid! Growing medium n. The substance in which a plant lives or grows Example: Orchid growers pas- sionately debate the composi- tion of the very best growing medium, but all agree it must be one that drains quickly, but maintains moisture. If you are not yet convinced to try your hand, or potentially green thumb, at orchid cultiva- tion, follow "the" orchid grower's lively advice: "Just buy one and try it!" knowledge with newcomers. Anyone with an orchid, or even an interest in orchids, is welcome to attend. Boasting beautiful plants, an in- fectiously friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable and engaging guest speakers, it is easy to see how one might come with a curiosity, but stay for the camaraderie. Grower's Day Just in time to quell a case of Spring Just in time to quell a case of Spring fever, the Society will host Grower's Day on March 23 at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. fever, the Society will host Grower's Day on March 23 at the Cape Fear Bo- tanical Garden. With a focus on edu- cating the fledgling orchid enthusiast in the art of growing at home, the day will be filled with informative guest speakers and workshops. For a regis- tration fee of $25, participants will re- ceive seminar information, lunch and most importantly, an orchid to take home. Early registration is encour- aged. CV

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