SOOS

[TylerK]

Does anyone here belong to the Southern Ontario Orchid Society?

What's it like? What all does it involve?

So far, my only interaction with other people who grow orchids is online. Thinking about taking it into the real world too, and just curious as to what goes on?

Tyler

[Brenda Aarts]

Not a member of SOOS, however do attend their orchid shows. I belong to LOS (London Orchid Society) and would highly recommend joining your local Orchid Society. We have had many interesting speakers and vendors to our meetings and I learn something new every time. It's also nice to know that you're not the only lunatic around.

[cowboy51278]

I'm a student judge out of the Toronto Center and have judged the SOOS show several times and know many of the members as well as the past President, Jay Norris and several of the directors. I think it is well worth your time and effort to make a few of the meetings and become a member. Best of luck......Paul

[maxwellt]

I am a member of SOOS. Its a great society - one of the larger ones in Canada so we get some great speakers. The November 1st meeting features Dr. Henry Oakeley - one of the biggest names in Orchids. You should come just for that. There is also a good selection of plants and supplies for sale.
Our meetings are usually the first Sunday of the month (with some exceptions check the website) Sales start at noon. The meeting starts a 1:00. We have announcements, a raffle, experienced judges review plants that members have brought in for the "Show Table". Then we have the guest speaker. We are usually done by 3:00ish.
The first meeting is free. If we see you hanging around after that, we'll steer you towards the membership table ($25/year)
Our big public show is in February - not to be missed!
Hope to see you there,
Max

[TylerK]

Thanks for the replies. I went to the show last February, and it was great. Came home with eight new plants

Is it a fairly relaxed/friendly group? Easy to get to know people?

[maxwellt]

Its a very relaxed and mixed group. The meetings are quite casual. For a lot of people this is mainly a social event.
There are people at a help desk to answer any questions you may have and all the vendors (usually about 7 or 8 at an average meeting) are happy to talk about their wares.
They put on a big urn of amazingly mediocre coffee so you are all set for a great afternoon of orchids.

[Ray]

I spoke at SOOS a few years back:

• VERY nice group of folks.
• LARGE group of folks. (Could be intimidating, if the people weren't so nice.)
• Unique among orchid societies in that they have several vendors at every meeting, while most only have the speaker, and/or a few members bringing in plants to sell.