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TOC Officers 2009 - 2010

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Tampa Orchid Club was founded in 1957 by Mrs. R. A. Davis, an avid garden club member and horticulturist.  Also being a lover of exotic orchids, she felt other orchid friends might want to study with her.  So, one Tuesday morning in 1957, she invited them to her home and it was decided they meet one day each month to study culture, displays, shows and all phases of orchids.  At that time, emphasis was given to “The Use of Cut Orchids”.

She also established the Club philosophy of always being friendly and making the meetings a pleasure as well as informative.

We, the members of  Tampa Orchid Club, extend a warm welcome and hope you will join us in exploring this fascinating world of orchids.

Meetings

General meetings are held on the 4^th Tuesday of the month. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. and the meeting starts promptly at 10:00 a.m.

After adjournment, a potluck luncheon is served to all attending.  This is a wonderful time to socialize, exchange growing experiences and query the experts.

Starting in May 08  we will be temporarily meeting at the Ragan Center, 1200 E. Lake Blvd., Tampa, while renovations are being done to the Seminole Garden Center.

Directions

From I-275 take the M.L. K. Blvd. exit.  Travel east to N. 12^th St. (3 blks), go south to E. Lake Ave. (4 blks.), turn left, the Ragan Center will be on your left.  The building is handicap accessible.  

Programs/Field Trips/Parties

In addition to seven general meetings during the year, there are five “special” meetings.

The Annual Orchid Auction is held in March at USF Botanical Gardens.

In April the Annual meeting is also held outdoors at USFBG. 

May is our Spring party and installation of new officers.  A luncheon is  provided by membership and all members attending receive a gift orchid.

November is field trip month.   We visit growers, browse their greenhouses and purchase orchids for our collections.   

December is the annual Christmas party with a wonderful luncheon provided by membership.  Members bring orchid related gifts to exchange. 

At general meetings, in addition to a featured guest speaker, orchid supplies can be purchased and the library is available for members to check out orchid books, magazines and videos.  

Membership also receives a monthly newsletter that keeps everyone informed of upcoming events, club and membership accomplishments, culture tips, and offers informative news on the orchid world.

Community Project

Tampa Orchid Club has as its Community  Project the support, care, and maintenance of the orchid collection at USF Botanical Gardens.  TOC provides both volunteers  and funding to help care for and maintain the collection.  Therefore, many of our events have this goal  in mind.  We feel this is a rewarding  project for both USFBG and TOC.