August 9, 2026

Our guest speaker this month is the world-renowned grower Bill Thoms. Join us for an extraordinary afternoon as we explore the fascinating and diverse world of Bulbophyllum orchids.  Bill describes this talk as "the WAFL-HSE program of general orchid culture with the emphasis on bulbophyllums, the largest genus in the orchid family".

Bill Thoms has grown and shown orchids for more than 45 years in the central Florida area. He now resides near Greenville, SC.  He has more awards for Culture in Bulbophyllums than anyone else in the world (51 so far) – and he and Doris Dukes together have 105 Cultural Awards in 30 different genera. The American Orchid Society has added a new Annual Award for the Bulbophyllums, the Bill Thoms Award.

Bill gives talks all over the world. They all are presented in a funny style that helps growers understand how the plants work and they all revolve around the culture of Orchids. He helps beginner growers fix problems and has a wealth of accumulated information for more advanced growers, too!

He has a book, Bulbophyllums; the Incomplete Guide, From A to WHY?, which you may purchase from him. His web site (Bulbophyllums.com) has his book, special food and super eBook, which is more than 5 years' worth of videos of their plants, all his articles, fabulous photos and lots more.

Whether you are looking to fix a problem with a single windowsill plant or want to refine the parameters of a large collection, this session is packed with practical, timely advice. Bill’s famously humorous and highly informative presentation style will break down exactly how these unique orchids work and how you can get them to grow and bloom better. Come join us! 

September 13, 2026

Fall Plant Auction

Calling all orchid enthusiasts! Get ready for the premier event of the year. The Triad Orchid Society is thrilled to invite you to our Grand Orchid Auction, happening on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

This is your exclusive chance to acquire stunning and rare orchids, from delicate seedlings to magnificent large specimen plants. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your orchid journey, we have something special just for you.

What's in store:

• A Breathtaking Collection: We're bringing in top-tier plants from renowned growers, including Orchid Eros, Krull-Smith, Tim Culbertson with SVO, Florida SunCoast Orchids, Carter & Holmes, and many more! Discover a world of award-quality hybrids and species in every color, shape, and size imaginable.

• The Thrill of the Auction: Experience the excitement of live bidding as you compete to take home your dream orchids.

• Preview & Expert Insights: Arrive early for registration and a chance to preview the auction items at 12pm. This is a great opportunity to inspect the plants and plan your strategy. The auction will begin promptly at 1pm.

Important Details:

• Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026

• Time: Registration & Preview at 12pm | Auction Starts at 1pm

• Location: Butterfly Cafe, Caine Conservatory, High Point University

• Food & Refreshments: No Show Table. Instead, please bring your favorite desserts, snacks, and drinks to share.

• Payment: For your convenience, we accept Cash, Check, or Card.

Don't miss out! This is an event you won't forget. Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and join us for a day of beauty, passion, and blooming opportunities.

October 13, 2026

Guest Speaker Announcement: Jeff Adkins (Adkins Orchids)

We are excited to welcome Jeff Adkins, AOS Judge and owner of Adkins Orchids, as our guest speaker for October!

Jeff is a third-generation orchid grower, continuing a rich family tradition sparked by his mother and grandmother—both celebrated in their own right for cultivating extraordinary show plants. With over 30 years of hands-on experience as both a commercial grower and an accredited American Orchid Society Judge, Jeff brings a wealth of expert knowledge to our meeting.

His nursery, Adkins Orchids, is widely recognized for specializing in large, show-stopping Cattleya, Vanda, and Dendrobium species and hybrids. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the region's most accomplished growers!

November 8, 2026

Guest Speaker Announcement: Bridget Uzar (Carter & Holmes Orchids)

Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026

Location: Regular Monthly Meeting Location

Meeting Schedule

• 1:00 p.m. – Potluck Lunch & Member Social

• 2:00 p.m. – Presentation Begins

We are thrilled to welcome Bridget Uzar, Chief Grower and Hybridizer at the renowned Carter & Holmes Orchids in Newberry, SC, as our guest speaker for November!

A fourth-generation gardener and second-generation orchid grower, Bridget essentially grew up "under the greenhouse benches," following in her father’s footsteps. She officially joined Carter & Holmes in 2002, working hands-on with daily potting and watering before taking charge of the collection and breeding houses. Bridget made her very first Cattleya cross in 2008 and hasn't looked back since. Beginning in 2009, she expanded her role to manage digital photography, catalog production, and marketing. Today, with over a decade of experience as Chief Grower and Hybridizer, she oversees greenhouse production, manages breeding programs, and leads the company's digital outreach.

Presentation: “Orchid Mythbusters—The Truth Behind the Tales”

For as long as hobbyists have collected orchids, myths about growing them have circulated. In this live presentation, Bridget will explore common—and not-so-common—misconceptions about growing and propagating orchids, helping us separate reliable advice from misleading online information so we can make better-informed choices for our plants.

Please Note: Bridget had planned to join us in person, but she will instead present virtually while recovering from surgery. Her presentation will be live, so you will still have full opportunity to ask questions during the Q&A session. We wish her a smooth recovery and look forward to welcoming her virtually!

Meeting Highlights & Activities

• Carter & Holmes Plant Giveaway: We will have plants from Carter & Holmes to give away in a random drawing at the end of the presentation! You must be present to have your name entered, so be sure to stick around for your chance to take home a new orchid.

• The Orchid Exchange: Our member-grown orchid market (formerly the Farmer's Market) returns this month! Bring plants to buy, sell, or share with fellow members. Whether you have extra divisions, a plant that needs a different growing environment, or blooms you're ready to swap, the Orchid Exchange is the perfect place to find them a new home.

We look forward to seeing everyone for an afternoon of orchids, learning, and good company!