The American Orchid Society held an open house Monday April 7, 2008 at its visitor’s center and botanical garden at 16700 AOS Lane, off Jog Road, Delray Beach to celebrate 87 years since its founding. Executive Director Jim Jordan and President of the Board Carlos Fighetti gave brief talks to welcome those attending. A cake cutting ceremony was held followed by Garden Tours every 15 minutes until 4 P.M.
Ms. Brenda Castle, a Society orchid grower, gave us a personal tour of the hothouse where many species of orchids are grown, identifying the beautiful specimens I photographed . The photo at left is a Phaleonopsis species orchid.
Photo below is a Cattleya species.
The American Orchid Society was born on April 7, 1921 in Boston, MA. The first step of the newly formed AOS was to compile a list of orchids found and grown in America. Harvard professor Oakes Ames and his wife, Blanche, volunteered for the task. She designed the Society’s official logo that was used for 82 years. In 1949, the AOS had established a Scientific Advisory Board to investigate how it might sponsor orchid research. That year, the first judged orchid show was held in New York City. The Society’s commitment to orchid research is international in scope. To date, the AOS has provided more than $1.1 million in grants and fellowships, supporting students and scientists from all over the world in their studies of such subjects as tissue culture, seed germination, genetics, pest and disease control, fragrance and much more.
The AOS broke ground at the present location for its Visitors Center and Botanical Garden in September 1999. On March 3, 2001, a month shy of its 80th anniversary, the AOS opened its new campus and home in west Delray Beach. This marked the first time in its venerable history the Society would have a facility open to the public. This headquarters is staffed by 33 employees and more than 50 volunteers. More than 250 volunteers serve as officers, trustees and committee members, bringing the organization’s various activities to fruition. This celebration comes during National Orchid Month, disgnated as such by the AOS on its 80th birthday in 2001.
If you want to see nature’s beauty, visit this facility. It is adjacent to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.
One of their upcoming events at the Orchid Society grounds is a Wine & Jazz evening, April 17. Enjoy a wine tasting while listening to jazz in the gardens from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Delectable hors d’oeuvres will be served. Cost: $15 AOS members, $25 non-AOS members.
The AOS facility and gardens are open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Admissions are $8 for adults and free for children under 12. For more information, call 561-404-2000 or visit www.aos.org.