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Newcomers

Welcome!

We have a very active Newcomers' Group (get-togethers are held on the third Sunday of every month). The Newcomers Group is open to anyone who has been an HOS member for less than two years).

Above is a photo of the Newcomers award winning display at the AOS Members Meeting and Show hosted by the HOS in April 2009 in Houston, Texas.  The display was a trophy winner and many members received ribbons for their plants.

Newcomer Group Chairperson – Midge Gorman email

Mentors – Susan Dally, Mary Bahn, Claudia Ludwig

Download Newcomers Handbook (Word Doc)

UPCOMING 2010 NEWCOMERS MEETINGS

Meeting Time - 2 - 4 PM

 Etiquette When Visiting a Greenhouse (By Peg O’Neill)

• There have been times when all of us have been tempted to slap some visitor’s hand or even commit murder.  In view of this, I’d like to suggest a few rules of etiquette for visitors (all of us) in other greenhouses.
• This applies to women - leave all purses and floppy coats or capes outside.  How many times have you had a plant knocked off a bench because a purse or coat?
• It’s a good idea not to handle the plants unless asked by the owner.  All kinds of things can and do happen.
• Don’t fondle the blooms.  The owner often does, he’s privileged; and, of course, judges do to check for substance, texture, size and stance.  They are permitted to do this only in judging shows.  Flowers often can be bruised or broken inadvertently.
• Please do not touch the tags in the pots.  So often tags are not replaced properly, and the identification of the plant is lost.  Also, roots adhere to tags and can be broken as well as the tag itself.
• We know your children and mine are perfect and will not do any damage.  But, most kids are not interested and little fingers do touch.  For the sake of the owner, it is best to leave them outside or at home.
• Food and drink do not belong in the greenhouse.  Spills do occur, and, of course fruit of any kind can give off ethylene gas causing the flowers to wilt or buds to drop.
• Don’t smoke unless you are sure the owner doesn’t mind.  Lots of nonsmokers object to the smoke in the greenhouse and believe that the tobacco mosaic virus can be transmitted by smoke or by handling plants with nicotine on one’s hands.
• Don’t ask for seedlings or plant divisions. It puts owners in a difficult position; they may be uncomfortable saying “No” even though they don’t want to give away any plants. If plants are available they will be offered.

For peace of mind of the owner, try to abide by these rules of etiquette and be a good visitor.

rchids in their       Natural Habitat