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Our next meeting is on Tuesday 2nd December, 2014 commenc-ing at 7.30pm. At the Murray Valley Centre, Pearce Street, Wodonga. Benching of orchids before 7.25pm.

Novice growers—are welcome to meet between 7.00 and 7.25pm for a ‘Summer Survival’ talk with Adrian before the main meeting.

We will have a slide show this meeting and a popular vote of the popular votes of the last twelve months.

Pick up your Orchid Calendar—a great Christmas Gift only $25.00

Members Draw is $5.00

All club correspondence should be ad-dressed to—

The Secretary AWDOC INC. PO Box 281 Lavington NSW 2641

President Keith Kilo……..………. (02) 6026 2595

Secretary Dione Garwell................. 0413 901 530

Treasurer Malcolm Sang.................(02) 6059 8725

Vice President Stephen Sang.................. (02) 6059 1420

Editor Jenny Kilo.......................(02) 6026 2595 e-mail. jkilo@bigpond.net.au

Committee Joe & Jill Wooding, Anna Christesen, Jock Campbell, Lesley Sang and Chris Godde

Novice Coordinators Anna Christesen & Adrian Goodall

Editors Notes—

Hello orchid club members,

We have another bumper issue this month, with lots of orchid infor-mation, not to mention my Christmas quiz and word search.

As this is our last newsletter for the year, and on reflection of the past year I would like to thank our members for the help and contri-butions to the club at meetings, our show and various other things we have had along the way, this is extremely appreciated.

I would also like to thank Anna and Adrian for helping our Novice growers with their evaluations in growing their orchids, the past and present committee for their tireless work, commitment and organiza-tional skills in holding a very successful show and the running of our meetings. To Stephen and Lesley for their organization of the very successful bus trip to Mingara and to all who have submitted bits and pieces to our newsletter, thank you.

I would also like to wish everyone a very Blessed Christmas and Prosperous New Year. Please have a safe holiday season and we will see you all back in February. Happy reading,

Editor Jen.

Volume 1412 DECEMBER 2014 ABN 16 471 510 342

AWDOC Committee for 2013/14

Albury - Wodonga & District

Orchid Club Inc.

The Orchid Spike

The Orchid Spike December 2014

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

When we remember a special Christmas,

it is not the presents that made it special,

but the laughter, the feeling of live, and

the togetherness of friends and family

that made that Christmas special”

Catherine Pulsifer

December Meeting—

2 The Orchid Spike December 2014

Committee Notes—

CONGRATULATIONS—OCTOBER MEETING WINNERS

Lucky Door— Lesley Sang

Raffle Plant—Graham Bartel

Members Attendance Draw was won by Joe Wooding

Club Competition Plant Recall winner—David Robb

Welcome to our new member Leanne McKenzie who was present-ed with a new orchid to add to her collection. Please make yourself known to our new members and welcome them into our club.

Thank you to Rob Monteith and Jock Campbell for your informative talk and presentation on PH. It was suggested that we should test our bark at least twice a year, your handouts will be very valuable to all our members.

ALDI WODONGA BBQ—FUNDRAISER

Saturday 29th—More helpers are urgently required please phone Leslie Sang on 6059 1420 if you could help cook some sausages, make some sausage sandwiches, sell some sausages and drinks, or sell raffle tick-ets. Times required—from 9.30 to 3.00pm. Aldi supply all the ingredients we just have to cook and sell—a great fundraiser for the club.

CHRISTMAS LUNCH GET TOGETHER—Sunday 7th December at Browns Lagoon.

Arrival Time—11.00 –11.30am.

Bring—A Kris Kringle present up to the value of $10.00

- A salad and sweets to share

- Cutlery, crockery, cups etc if you prefer not using plastic

- Own Drinks

- Chairs

- $3.00 for a Club Plant.

QUITE ACHIEVER NOMINATIONS

Its that time again to nominate a quite achiev-er, could you please fill in the form nominating someone who you think has helped within the club and deserves recognition. Please bring your form to the December meeting or email me your nomination.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

The Committee would also like to wish every-one a safe and blessed holiday season.

QUITE ACHIEVER NOMINATION FOR THE ALBURY WODONGA & DISTRICT ORCHID CLUB

I …………………………………..…. would like to nominate ….…………………………………… for the Quite Achiever Award. Reasons ……………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………...

FOR SALE The Canberra Orchid Society has an excess stock of cocohusk chips. These are stock which the society has had for several years. These would be availa-ble at $10 per block. We understand some of your members may be interested. For further information could you please contact Laurie Woods on 6258 6187 or 041262346 after 8pm on weeknights.

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Dates for your Diary—

The Orchid Spike December 2014

DECEMBER

Tuesday 2nd December—Albury Wodonga & District Orchid Club Meeting—Murray Valley Centre at 7.30pm.

Sunday 7th December—Albury Wodonga & District Orchid Club Christmas Get together at Harry’s Hut Browns Lagoon..—See notes for further details.

JANUARY

Please note there will not be a meeting in January.

FEBRUARY

Tuesday 3rd February—Albury Wodonga & District Orchid Club Meeting—Murray Valley Centre at 7.30pm.

MARCH

Tuesday 3rd March—Albury Wodonga & District Orchid Club Meeting—Murray Valley Centre at 7.30pm.

Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd March—Eurobodalla Orchid Club—Orchid Workshop

PEARDS NURSERY &

WATER SHOP ALBURY Multi Award Winning Business

Visit the new all-weather, under-cover

Courtyard Canopy for pleasant shopping all year

round.

Open 7 days a week 8.00am – 6.00pm

Borella Road ALBURY.

PH. (02) 6041 3346

10% discount to club members.

Not on specials

Monthly Flowering Competition Winners—November Meeting

Plant of the Month (S. hartmannii x Dove’JW’) x Heide benched by Geoff Milton

Popular Vote Phal. Mini harlequin benched by Geoff Milton

Best Species S. Fitzgeraldii benched by Keith and Jenny Kilo

Best Novice Onc. Unknown benched by Tina Treasure

Best Potted Plant benched by Jacques Garnier Illumination ‘Truss’

benched by G Milton

Sales Bench—

Teddy and Stephen will have the sales bench open at the November meeting—please note the time 7.10pm to 7.25pm. Remember to buy your new pots ready for your repotting.

Available will be various size Pots and Squat Pots, Pole Hangers, Labels, Trays, Pot Carriers, Can Caps, Large and Small Bark, Perlite and Slugout. We also have Club Caps for sale.

4 The Orchid Spike December 2014

Monthly Flowering Competition—November Results

OPEN SECTION

Cymbidium Standard 1st Cym. Illumination ‘Truss’—benched by G Milton

Cymbidium Intermediate 1st Cym.Freeling ’Green Ice’—benched by R Monteith 2nd Cym. Dr Len ‘Gegserland—benched by G Milton 3rd Cym. Freeling ‘Green Ice’—benched by J & G Campbell

Cymbidium Miniture 1st Cym.Mad Magic ’Bambi’—benched by G Milton 2nd Cym. Tethy’s Black Magic x Devonianum—benched by D Robb 3rd Cym.Pee Wee ’AP’—benched by G Milton

Novelty Phalaenopsis 1st P. Cherie’s Giant—benched by G Milton 2nd P. Mini Harliquin—benched by G Milton 3rd P. Purple Gem—benched by G Milton

Dockrillia 1st D. Virgina Jupp x fuligonosa—benched by J Campbell 2nd D. hybrid—benched by J Campbell

Australian Native Species 1st S. fitzgeraldii—benched by K & J Kilo 2nd S. olivaceous—benched by C Godde 3rd S. australis—benched by C Godde

Soft Cane Dendrobium 1st D. Christmas Chime x Hagokomo—benched by G Milton 2nd D. Yukidaruma ‘King’—benched by E Crispin 3rd D. White Christmas ‘Maiko’—benched by S & L Sang

Species Any Genera 1st Den. thrysfloram—benched by E Crispin 2nd Den. Nobile—benched by T Robinson 3rd Den. Thrysflorum—benched by R Monteith

Hybrid Any Genera 1st Zygo. Titanic x Elfin Jade—benched by C Godde 2nd Sartylis Toowoomba Sparkle—benched by A & K Goodall

Paphiopedilum 1st Paph. Chouvettii ‘Van Dyke’—benched by K & J Kilo 2nd Paph.Dendi’s Candy—benched by C Godde 3rd Paph. Dramatic x hirsutissimum—benched by E Crispin

Cattlea 1st C. Mini Song—benched by H & K Beazley 2nd Sl.. Orpetii—benched by E. Crispen

Sarcochilus White 1st S. Fitzhart x Susan—benched by A & K Goodall 2nd S. Fitzhart x Richard Jost—benched by A & K Goodall 3rd S. Rebbecca—benched by S & L Sang

Sarcochilus Red 1st S. Burgandy On Ice—benched by A & K Goodall 2nd S.Velvet x Topaz—benched by G Milton 3rd S. Zoe x Elegance—benched by A & P Cochrane

Sarcochilus Other Colours 1st S. (Hartmannii x Dove) x Heidi—benched by G Milton 2nd S. Galaxy—benched by A & K Goodall 3rd S. Heidi—benched by A & K Goodall

NOVICE SECTION

Australian Native 1st Sarco. Ice Magic—benched by T Treasure

Standard Cymbidium 1st Cym. hybrid—benched by T Treasure

Any Other Genera 1st Onc. Hybrid—benched by T Treasure 2nd Den. White Christmas ‘Maiko’—benched by K & M Sang

Sarc. Fitzhart x Susan— benched by A & K Goodall.

D. Christmas Chime x Hagokomo— benched by G Milton

5 The Orchid Spike December 2014

Orchid Culture Notes for December and January

Cymbidiums—

Generally four main areas should always be at the back of our

minds, I.E. ventilation, watering, shading and temperature. If your

keep these points in mind at all times, you are half way there. Re-

ally these four go hand in hand for ventilation helps keep temper-

atures down as well as being loved by the orchids at this time of

the year.

Keeping the temperature down decreases the amount of water lost

through the leaves from evaporation. Shading, as well as prevent-

ing burning of the leaves also keeps temperature down and there-

fore moisture loss down. By the same token, increased water cre-

ates more humidity, off-setting the high temperatures which we

are about to receive over the next couple of months.

Most plants are in a period of rapid growth, and we must see that

nothing inhibits this growth. Factors that can inhibit this growth

include dry roots, excessive temperature, burnt leaves, and lack of

nutrients. All these factors can be achieved if we take time to ensure that ventilation, watering, shading, tempera-

ture and feeding are at a premium for Cymbidiums.

Be particularly careful with small pots, these tend to dry out quicker than the large ones. Hanging pots dry out even

quicker.

The usual pests are still around, and one which revels in the hot dry conditions is Red Spider Mite. If you water

and mist regularly you shouldn’t have many problems with this pest, they dislike humid conditions. White oil must

not be used in the mornings on hot sunny days, as you can get severe burning on your plants, use in the evenings

only and a lot of the burn of the oil goes out overnight.

Potting Mix—

This can vary from grower to grower, it consists mainly of coarse pine bark, 12mm to 18mm in size, which can be

used by it-self, or additives such as charcoal, polystyrene, rice hulls, granite, scoria, or perlite can be added in as

well. The proportion of additives should be 1 part additive to 2 parts bark, mix well and soak overnight.

With the shortage of aged pine trees being replaced by a newer faster maturing variety with long string soft bark,

good quality pine bark for potting mixes is becoming scarce and expensive. Many growers are now starting to use

chopped coconut husk chips as an alternative. This is becoming more popular by many large nurseries and is at a

very competitive price. Many growers mix this 50/50 with pine bark, while other use it straight or with the addition

of perlite or styrene balls. One advantage of this appears to be an improved control of the acidity (pH.) of the mix,

as bark is naturally acid and has to be treated before use, besides as it breaks down becomes more acid and there-

fore needs to be treated by the addition of lime throughout the year. Coconut husk chips (Coco Coir) is almost neu-

tral in regard to acidity, and does not appear to change

throughout its life as much as pine bark. One other ad-

vantage is the plentiful supply allowing a very competitive

price.

Sarcochilus—

Care must be taken over the hottest part of summer to make

sure your Sarcochilus are kept just damp, watering either

early in the morning or after the hot sun has gone.Water left

on leaves can cause great problems, starting off as burn and

then turning into a fungal problem. Humidity can be kept up

by frequent misting under the benches on days of extreme

heat, taking care not to get water on the leaves.

Dendrobiums—

Water and fertilize while the plants are in active growth

now. Water early morning or late afternoon or both on very

Cym. Freeling ‘Green Ice’

benched by Rob Monteith

Oncidium benched by Tina Treasure

6 The Orchid Spike December 2014

Eurobodalla Orchid Club Inc—Orchid Workshop—

Cymbidium Cultural Notes for December and January— cont. hot days. Mist under the benches to help keep humidity up.

Terristrials—

Most plants will now be dormant, and can still be repotted this month

if needed. Cease watering as when flowering finishes. Cool shade

house by watering floor and walls on hot days.

Oncidium Allilance—

Water and fertilise regularly, damp down on hot days.

Soft Cane Dendrobiums—

Keep constantly moist, preferably with a humid atmosphere. Weak

fertilizer may be applied weekly.

N.B. White oil should never be

used on hot sunny days. Spray foli-

age with pyrethrum to keep scale

down making sure to do the under-

side of the leaves.

Above—Sarc. Burgundy On Ice ‘Australia’ Benched by A & K Goodall

Left—Zygo. Titanic ‘June’ x Elfin Jade ‘Purple

Heart’ benched by C Godde

The Eurobodalla Orchid Club invites you to an Orchid Workshop Dates—21st and 22nd March, 2015.

Held at Kyla Hall in Kyla Park Tuross Head. Times Saturday 8.30am to 5.30pm and Sunday 8.30am to 12.30pm.

Cost—Two Day Registration $50.00 includes morning and afternoon tea and BBQ lunch Saturday. Dinner on Saturday Evening at the registrant’s own expense at the Tuross Country Club.

Registration will close and must be paid for by 20th Februray 2015. Presenters—Clive Halls from Mt Beenak Orchids, Wally Rhodes from Camira Orchids and

Kevin Hipkins from Royale Orchids. Contact Eurobodalla Orchid Club, The Secretary, PO Box 3004, Tuross Head 2537. Ph 02 4473 9547 or

0409911087 Email danddhay@bigpond.com

BORDER JUSTFOODS Wholesale and Retail Specialist Foods

Cereals, Dried , Nuts, Rice,

Pasta, Herbs and Spices

Tony & Robyn Schulz 1/560 Hume Street ALBURY NSW 2640

Ph. 02 6041 2729

Email—bjfoods@bigpond.net.au

Www.borderjustfoods.com.au

10% discount to purchases over $10.00

7 The Orchid Spike December 2014

2015 Orchid Calendar—

2015 Orchid Calendar

Cost $25.00 will be available at the Club Meeting and Christmas Get To-

gether

Pick up your copies at our December meet-ing—please see Jenny or email jki-

lo@bigpond.net.au.

This will be a wonderful Christmas gift to purchase for those who have everything

and you don’t know what to buy for. Don’t forget to get one for yourself too.

Sarc. Hartmanii x Dove ‘JW’ x Heide— benched by G Melton.

My Christmas Wish To YOU By Catherine Pulsifer If I could wish a wish for you, it would be for peace and happiness not only now, but for the whole year through! I wish that there always be food on your table. And that you always remember those less fortu-nate. May you always take time to share, and thank those who share with you. I wish for time, so you may reflect on the blessings that you have, and that you ex-press your love to those who are dear to you. May you never feel lonely, because there are those who care. That you realize: you are special, you are unique, you make a difference, not only at Christmas, but all year! I wish for your thoughts to be positive ones, that you never quit, that you never give up, and that you continue to learn. I wish for the love, peace, and joy of Christmas be yours always.

8 The Orchid Spike December 2014

2014 Speciosum Competition—

As flowering of our magnificent rock lilies begins

now is the time to get those cameras out and start photographing all those potential champi-

ons that are not going to make it to a show.

With the early flowering season there will proba-bly be a few this year. Don't forget those that do

get to shows. Once you have captured your prize winners at their best why not enter them in the

2014 Speciosum Comp.

An entry form is available on the website:

https://www.anos.org.au/files/

pdf/2014EntryForm/06082014094341/

You can enter as many plants as you like. Total cost of entry for all plants entered is just $5 which will

cover the cost of sending you a DVD/CD of all the entries received.

Good Luck.

John Zietsch, Secretary, ANOS Mid North Coast Group

Further information: http://www.anos.org.au/groups/mid-north-coast/2014-speciosum-

competition

Den. Spesiosum ‘North Meade’

Santa Word Search—

MERRY CHRISTMAS

9 The Orchid Spike

CHRISTMAS TRIVIA—

1. Where would you go to hear Silver Bells? ________________

2. Who was it that danced with the silk hat on his head? ______________

3. Where would you find Reindeer Paws?? ______________

4. What did the cattle do to wake the poor baby? ______________

5. When did I see those three ships? ______________

6. What size were those Kings of the Orient?? ______________

7. What is it that helps to make the season bright.? ___________________

8. Who wants a pair of hop-a-long boots, and a pistol that shoots? ________

9. Who still wants a hula a hoop? ____________

10. Who kept time to the drum? ______________

11. Who and what colour was the animal that gave the hay to pillow his head ? _______

12. Where do the hopes and fears of all the years meet? _________________

13. What would keep me warm all the way home? __________________

14. What does Susie want? ___________________

15. Why does the child want his two front teeth? __________________

16. What was the other reindeer's name?? (she used to laugh and call him names)________

17. What was the horse in Jingle bells named??? ______________

18. When will I finally go? _______________

19. What color is Christmas without you? __________________

20. What is the parson in the meadows name? _______________

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Trivia Answers—

The Orchid Spike December 2014

1. Where would you go to hear Silver Bells? "And on every street corner you hear", Silver

Bells… 2. Who was it that danced with the silk hat on his head? Frosty of course

3. Where would you find Reindeer Paws? Up on a housetop Reindeer Paws…

4. What did the cattle do to wake the poor baby? The cattle were Lowing

5. When did I see those three ships? Sing it with me, I saw three ships come sailing

in on Christmas day in the morning.

6. What size were those Kings of the Orient?Well sing the first lines for the answer

They were tiny little Kings, they were wee… 7. What is it that helps to make the season bright.? Everybody knows some turkey and some

Mistletoe, help….. 8. Who wants a pair of hop-a-long boots, and a pistol that shoots? That’s the hope of Barney and

Ben - cause it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… 9. Who still wants a hula a hoop? ALVIN!!! still wants a hula

hoop 10. Who kept time to the drum? Along with the drummer boy

"The Ox and Lamb kept time" ba rum bum bum bum 11. Who and what color was the animal that gave the hay to pillow

his head ? I said the cow all white and red , I gave him my

hay to pillow his head.

from "The Friendly Beasts" 12. Where do the hopes and fears of all the years meet? "Thee" or

in the little town of Bethlehem. 13. What would keep me warm all the way home? But if you really

hold me tight,

all the way home I’ll be warm. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. 14. What does Susie want? Jolly old St Nicholas says "Susie wants a Dolly"

15. Why does the child want his two front teeth? So he can wish you Merry Christmas or

(whistle?) 16. What was the other reindeer's name?? (she used to laugh and call him names) "Olive the other

reindeer" 17. What was the horse in Jingle bells named? The bells on Bob-tail rang, so his name was Bob

18. When will I finally go? I’ll wish you a merry Christmas, but I won’t go until I get some,

(or figgy pudding) 19. What color is Christmas without you? Elvis said it would be a blue Christmas without you

20. What is the parson in the meadows name? Frosty says that he is Parson Brown.

When we're walking in a winter wonderland..

Beazley Meats—Ph. 02 6024 2126

Border Just Foods—Ph. 02 6041 2729

Cubtrans Express—Ph. 0438 577 014

Fifields Family Pharmacy Albury—Ph. 02 6021 3255

Gluten Free Delights—Ph. 0409 208 276

Muffin Break—Albury & Wodonga Ph. 0408 477 457

Peards Nursery—Albury—Ph. 02 6041 3346

Disclaimer—Albury-Wodonga and District Orchid Club does not take responsibility for any loss or damage that may be caused by the use of any products or information mentioned in this bulletin.