This month join us to hear Karl Olsen, owner and founder of the website Orchid Wise, share breeding, conservation and culture of Australian Cymbidiums
When: Sunday, March 15: 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave. in Hall F (Enter through door 2 from the rear parking lot)
At our March meeting we welcome Karl Olsen, owner and founder of Orchid Wise in Australia to talk to us about Australian Cymbidiums and the Orchid Wise website; specifically, his breeding and conservation work, what the major Australian breeders current trends are and his website Orchid Wise (https://orchidwise.com/) focused on Cymbidiums, that features articles from different authors (Karl included). Cultural care tips will be covered. Karl's presentation will be both interesting and informative for the latest on Cymbidium orchids news. You will be delighted by the gorgeous Cymbidium hybrids that he will showcase! Their form, colour and pattern are not what we often and/or have seen here. Fun fact - there are clubs and societies dedicated solely to Cymbidiums! Karl will touch upon the Cymbidium Orchid Club of South Australia.
Karl Olsen is the owner and founder of Orchid Wise in Australia. He has been growing Cymbidium orchids for over 35 years. From an early age, he learnt from his grandmother who was a keen grower. So, it is no surprise really that he fell into growing Cymbidium orchids, after following family members around when he was younger. Fast forward a few years, Karl's very small hobby has now grown into a full-blown obsession! He not only grows and collects but hybridizes and sells Cymbidium orchids. His obsession for Cymbidium orchids is apparent on his website. Karl created the www.orchidwise.com website to provide education, information and as a visual record of the Cymbidium genus. His website connects growers, enthusiasts and orchid societies around the world. It is filled with a wealth of experience, knowledge and gorgeous pictures in a collaborative manner that is easy to read and understand. Karl's goal is to hold one of the finest reference collections for species and primary hybrid Cymbidium orchids in Australia, whilst recording them, cloning, and/or remaking plants lost to cultivation over the years in order to preserve them for the future. Karl is also a committee member of the Cymbidium Orchid Club of South Australia and an emerging speaker.
Joyce Medcalf (AOS Judge and winner of many awards for her displays) will offer a short talk for members who would like to set up a display for Orchidophilia 2026. Members are invited to display their orchids – you only need one to five orchids to set up your own display. Please note that posters and coroplast signs will be available for members to take and help us to publicize the show – as well as volunteer forms.
The meeting will be a hybrid meeting. Our in-person meeting is in Hall F at Nepean Sportsplex. We will have the usual Show Table for all and the raffle and refreshments for our in-person guests with a break to chat with our "Ask Me Anything" experts. Members, please bring your plants to the show table by 1:40 pm to allow time for judging. If you are feeling unwell, please join us via Zoom.
