Our purpose is to foster the growth and preservation of native and hybrid orchids in Sonoma County and around the world.
The Society is open to hobbyists and professionals, novice to expert, all are welcome. We are here to learn, share and have fun!
Monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month. Please join us at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building, 1351 Maple Ave. Santa Rosa. Doors open at 6:30pm, meeting begins at 7:00pm. Face Masks are Required.
In Person Meeting – Tuesday June 14th
Ron Parsons – Bulbophyllum; A Study in Diversity
Bulbophyllum is one of the largest genera, if not the largest genus in the orchid family with nearly 2000 species, it is also one of the most diverse in many ways. Known for their often, not so appetizing floral “fragrances”, being fly-pollinated, and flowers that usually have a hinged lip, there is a range of shapes, colors and sizes that is hard to match in the orchid family. This talk features some highlights of this incredible group of orchids! Opportunity table from Hanging Gardens!
Ron Parsons has been growing orchids for nearly 48 years and has been interested in the species for most of that time. He loves to photograph orchids and other flowers whenever he can and does so as often as possible. Ron has more than 90,000 digital images, most of which are of orchids, and still retains a slide library that exceeds 100,000 botanical images. He has given more than 500 talks on various botanical topics and has nearly 6500 published photos.
Ron has co-authored four books on botanical subjects, all with Mary E. Gerritsen. The first two, published by Timber Press, are Masdevallias, Gems of the Orchid World and Calochortus, Mariposa Lilies and their Relatives. Their third book, a two-volume set, A Compendium of Miniature Orchid Species was published by Redfern Natural History Productions in January 2014. In 2019 The American Orchid Society Guide to Orchids and their Culture was released and is on its third printing. They have recently completed a fifth book, a much-revised second edition of A Compendium of Miniature Orchids Species. It is now in four volumes with 3100 photos (1800 of those are new), including those of more than 500 species not in the first edition. The set was released in early October 2021.
Make A Donation!
Please consider making a donation to the Sonoma County Orchid Society. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. Simply click the DONATE button below to be directed to our PayPal Donation Page.