American Orchid Society Welcomes ‘Orchids for Dummies’ Author for Lecture & Book Signing, May 10 May 10, 2008

Growing orchids is so incredibly simple that even a dummy could do it, right?

Steven A. Frowine, author of “Orchids For Dummies” – of the ubiquitous “…For Dummies” series – absolutely thinks so and will be sharing just how easy it is to make an orchid thrive at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on May 10 at the American Orchid Society, 16700 AOS Lane.

Frowine will be giving a free lecture and signing his “Orchids For Dummies” book at 1 p.m. and “Miniature Orchids” books at 3 p.m. for AOS visitors. The Delray Beach stop kicks-off Frownie’s book tour, which takes him to different orchid venues throughout the state.

“Some people are intimidated by the seemingly complex nature of orchids,” said Brandy Upright, membership and marketing director for AOS. “But with the right care and understanding, they can be as low maintenance as any other houseplant or flowering plant. Frownie’s visit is another way AOS is trying to spread knowledge and foster a true love of orchids.”

Frowine is a professional horticulturist and an active garden writer and speaker. As a horticulturist at the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Hawaii and as Chairman of Indoor Horticulture at the Missouri Botanical Garden, he managed one of the largest orchid collections in the U.S. – more than 10,000 plants. He has grown hundreds of orchids in his home for almost 40 years. He resides Ajijic, Mexico, where he enjoys growing orchids and other tropicals year-round. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in horticulture from Ohio State University and Cornell University, respectively. He has made various TV appearances on The Today Show, CBS Morning News, Home Shopping Network, and House and Garden TV.
“Orchids For Dummies” (Wiley, Inc.; ISBN: 0-7645-6759-4; $ 16.99; 288 pages) is an easy-to-follow, handy guide, that shows you step-by-step how to select the right orchids, keep them healthy, encourage blooms, and even propagate your own plants. The book is available for purchase at the AOS Gift Shop.

Beginning with an introduction from the National Gardening Association, “Orchids For Dummies” directs readers through the process of selecting and caring for orchids. Chapters include: The Best Orchids for Beginners; The ABC’s of Pots, Potting and Potting Media and Keeping Your Orchids Healthy and Flowering.
On the same day, but in the morning, Craig Morell, horticulturist for Pine Crest Gardens, will be teaching the class, “Growing Orchids and Companion Plants on Trees,” from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at AOS. The class will cover numerous facets of terrestrial and epiphytic orchid and companion plant selections, planting styles and long-term care. Morell will offer myriad choices, especially with new plant introductions, while still paying respect to some of the old standbys. Cost is $20 for AOS members; $30 for nonmembers. To register, call 561-404-2011 or email [email protected].

And the following day – May 11, or Mother’s Day – AOS will welcome all mothers for free to enjoy all the venue has to offer.

Official Website: http://www.aos.org