About Greater Las Vegas Orchid Society
Our Mission
Our Activities
Our Mission
Our mission is to educate our members so they can grow orchids, even here in the desert. People are always surprised to learn that we grow orchids in Las Vegas, but we do - big, gorgeous, blooming orchids! In a challenging environment, we learn how to fool our orchids into thinking we are still in the rainforest with a combination of evap
Our mission is to educate our members so they can grow orchids, even here in the desert. People are always surprised to learn that we grow orchids in Las Vegas, but we do - big, gorgeous, blooming orchids! In a challenging environment, we learn how to fool our orchids into thinking we are still in the rainforest with a combination of evaporative coolers, humidifiers, misters, patience and love. In a city where every blade of grass is precious, orchids are a special gift. Join us as we educate our members about everything orchids.
Our History
Our Activities
Our Mission
Fifty years ago, the Greater Las Vegas Orchid Society was just a few friends meeting in each other's houses to share our love of orchids. Our club owes much to Betty Shriner, whose enthusiasm for and knowledge of orchids was so instrumental in starting our club. She had a big greenhouse in front of her house, and early members would flock
Fifty years ago, the Greater Las Vegas Orchid Society was just a few friends meeting in each other's houses to share our love of orchids. Our club owes much to Betty Shriner, whose enthusiasm for and knowledge of orchids was so instrumental in starting our club. She had a big greenhouse in front of her house, and early members would flock to see her beautiful orchids and to help her repot and tend her plants. She and her friends would get spent orchids from the hotels, nurse them back into bloom, and then bring them to meetings. They put on little shows at local malls, and the displays would attract new enthusiasts to join us in their passion. Ed McCormick and Dan Mumau were there in the beginning and recall the fun they had as the club grew. Tony Billitere, an early president, attracted members with his charm and smiles and served the club into his eighties, getting the club orchids from the casinos. Nobody could say no to Tony! Phyllis Bond, charming past president of the club, still remembers the wonderful days when she and her husband would grow beautiful orchids in their greenhouse. Bill Tontsch and Mike Levin inspired our club with their leadership. As our club matured, we became a non-profit 501 C3 organization, dedicated to educating the community about our beloved orchids. We moved from the little room in the Lorenzi Park Garden Club to Easter Seals and finally to a big auditorium at the Rainbow Library. In the past decades, we have added walks to see our native orchids, orchid shows, displays on native orchids, endless education- and a lot of fun! In the past decades, Carol Siegel, Diana Smith, Cathy Loftfield, and Ole Borresen helped our club grow to more than 100 happy members. Come grow with us!
Our Activities
Our Activities
Our Activities
Join our warm, friendly group of orchid enthusiasts, 100+ strong, the second Sunday of every month. You will be sure to learn a lot, have lots of fun, and make wonderful friends. We pride ourselves on our spectacular speaker program, including many important names in the orchid world including our widely published President, Carol Siegel.
Join our warm, friendly group of orchid enthusiasts, 100+ strong, the second Sunday of every month. You will be sure to learn a lot, have lots of fun, and make wonderful friends. We pride ourselves on our spectacular speaker program, including many important names in the orchid world including our widely published President, Carol Siegel. At every meeting we have plants available for members to take home. We have Show-and-Tell, educational programs, live piano music, lots of food and great fun. We have virtual greenhouse tours, shows, and demonstrations. Each year we take a walk on the wild side to Calico Basin to see one of our own native orchids, Epipactis gigantia. Growing in the shadowy seeps in the mountains west of town, it blooms by the thousands just minutes from the strip. One of Nevada's 14 native orchids it is a thrill to see - three feet tall with brilliant red flowers.
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Discover Greater Las Vegas Orchid Society
Explore new interests and make lasting connections with fellow members who share your passion for orchids, learning, and growing in the desert.
Contact Us
E-mail us at growlove@cox.net or call Carol at 702-525-3714
Greater Las Vegas Orchid Society
