AOS or local OS?

[mdesmondez]

Which one to join? Both? Or do i go to a meeting and check it out first?

[Raqsharqi]

It depends on what you can afford and how close the OS is. I find some information available from the AOS is very helpful, but I have also learned a lot of hands-on stuff from my local OS. If I had to travel a long ways to get to the OS, though, I don't know whether I'd go to every meeting.

[DeaC]

Hey there! When I became interested in orchids some 20 yrs ago,I picked one up at a local garden shop,didn't know what it was and read all about it...but lost it anyway.That got me hooked and from discovering what were the easier types and learning what home conditions I could provide put me on the right path. Didn't really know about societies and probably felt intimidated by joining. Kept reading and bought many books but eventually discovered the AOS magazine and have kept my membership going. But one of the best things I did was join a local society some 4 yrs ago.This way I came into the fold with some understanding of what was to be discussed and not afraid to ask questions of all the members who are friendly and more than happy to talk of their passion.We have great speakers from near and far,some selling plants! That's dangerous! I think you may want to take advantage of such a society.You and your plants will be pleased!

[mdesmondez]

The meeting will be held about 40 minutes away from me. Thanks for the input. I think i will start with the local one and see from there.

[silken]

As far as I know most local societies welcome guests. So you could attend one meeting and see what you think. There is usually a lot to be gained from belonging to a local society. Plant sales table, guest speakers, joint group orders, sometimes out of country, orchid shows. And the general camaraderie of people with the same interest and varying amounts of experience to draw from.

[tucker85]

Both.

[Leafmite]

Visit the OS and see if you like it. I joined our OS as it was so friendly that I joked to my spouse that it was like a cult (maybe it is...based on converting people to buying and growing more orchids!). However, here on the board, you hear about the not so friendly ones. You can attend meetings without joining so if your first experience isn't great, go a few times and see if people get any friendlier.
If you visit an OS, you still get to enter raffles, hear the speakers, eat the snacks, buy orchids from vendors, show off your own orchids, ask for help and everything else that comes with membership. As a member, though, you get the newsletter and, at our OS, a free orchid at the end of the year that is worth the $20 you paid for the membership (many OSs do that so maybe your new one will, too). I don't know if it is with all Orchid Societies but ours is non-profit.

I live about an hour from where my OS meets, but the OS only meets once a month and the show only happens once a year so it isn't too much of an effort to attend.

I haven't joined the AOS. I am not really certain what benefits it would offer above the local OS. Maybe someday, though.

[Cym Ladye]

I think it depends on what you want to grow. If you are a novice, I definitely would start with the orchid society nearest you. There you can ask questions of the more advanced growers (you will soon be able to pick them out from the group) and get direct answers for your questions.

Many clubs also have "Ask the Doctor" sessions at the meetings where you can bring in a problem plant, properly wrapped. Advanced growers in the clubs are usually happy to answer questions, no matter how silly you think they are. Just do not be afraid to ask!!!!! Join AOS or CSA (Cymbidium Society of America) when you feel you are ready to take that step.

[plantbuddy]

Both if you can. If not I've always found the local orchid society to be more useful. The AOS has a lot on the net that you can benefit from as well.
The more the merrier in any case. You'll enjoy either.