Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance's THIRD THURSDAY Member Event Set for 12/19

Great things come in small packages! And there's nothing greater than a free orchid plant along with the knowledge to make it bloom.

That's the Christmas gift that attendees will receive at the Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance's "Third Thursday" Member Event on December 19, 2013 at the Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church at 1255 Piper Blvd., Naples, FL 34110 from 6:30-8:30 pm. (Look for the tall steeples across from Sam's Club on Immokalee Road.)

Award-winning hobbyist Jim Longwell will play "Orchid Santa" as he hands out free Christmas seedlings (subject to limited supply), along with pots, mounts and potting mix, to those who attend this special holiday orchid event.

Jim Longwell has been growing orchids for over 25 years and has accumulated more than 50 American Orchid Society (AOS) awards. He won "Best of Show" at the Miami International Orchid Show as the first place hobby grower and has won the AOS show trophy at three different Florida orchid shows. He served in the AOS judging program for several years and was formerly the owner of Sanctuary Orchids for eight years.

Jim will demonstrate potting and mounting while attendees follow along with their own plant. Everyone is asked to bring clean clippers or scissors to use during the seedling potting session. "These will be hybrid seedlings that are already several years old and that have high possibilities of getting awarded," said Jim, who will explain the difference between a seedling and a clone. As a fun challenge, everyone will be asked to bring his or her grown seedling to the December 2014 Third Thursday orchid event for a friendly competition for a special award to see who grew the best plant.

Each month Alliance members are encouraged to participate as exhibitors as well as judges in the Monthly Exhibition Judging, where exceptional plants win special recognition and awards. (Jim Longwell serves as part of a member team of experts who look for exceptionally grown plants brought in for exhibition.)

Also during the December 19 event, a special raffle will be held for new and renewing members, with each having a chance to win an exquisitely grown orchid plant. Additionally, orchid plants will be available for purchase, some of which will be bare root blooming size plants so you can add value to your collection without adding high cost. It's time to deck your halls!

The non-profit Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance was formed in 2012 to promote interest in orchids. The Alliance's mission focuses on orchid education, community outreach and orchid conservation, and brings people together in an enjoyable, inclusive atmosphere.

Please mark your calendar for December 19! For information please call (239) 498-9741 or visit www.GulfCoastOrchidAlliance.com.