Naples' Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance THIRD THURSDAY Set for 10/17

All orchid lovers are invited to attend the Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance's "Third Thursday" Member Event on October 17, 2013 from 6:30-8:30 P.M. at the Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church at 1255 Piper Blvd., Naples, FL 34110.

Seasonal fun while celebrating orchids will be the theme at 'Orchidoberfest,' and attendees are asked to wear funny hats (or complete costumes) to join in the spirit of the evening.

Jerry Meola of Pelican Coast Farms in Ft. Myers will be the Alliance's special guest speaker. He'll talk about landscaping with orchids and other unusual plants, as well as the use of natural organic products and commercial fertilizers. With the rainy season upon us, now is the best time to put orchids into the Florida landscape, so come and learn how. Landscaping tips will include placing orchids in trees as well as the use of terrestrial orchids that can be grown in gardens as perennials.

Jerry and his wife Sharon own Pelican Coast Farms in Fort Myers, where they raise orchids and other exotics like Louisiana Irises, the new addition to the nursery. Unlike northern bearded irises that will not flower in Florida, the Louisiana Iris is native to the Gulf coast and very easy to grow in Florida.

Jerry will have many exotic orchids available for sale, such as Bulbophyllum, Habenaria, Leptodes, and Grammatophyllum, as well as exotic tropicals like the Southeast Asia Bat plant.

Alliance members are encouraged to bring in their blooming orchids for entry into the Monthly Exhibition Judging. Monthly winners receive recognition, and annual winners receive special awards. All Alliance members can participate in exhibiting as well as judging.

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.

Part of the Alliance's community outreach efforts are in conjunction with the Everglades Wonder Gardens in the Historic District of Bonita Springs in creating an enhanced orchid experience, which includes a series of community orchid classes. The next orchid class will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at the Gardens on Old 41 in Bonita Springs.

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