I attended the American Orchid Society’s annual members’ meeting and the 100th Anniversary Celebration at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida, on April 7, 8, and 9. At that meeting the AOS awarded Anita Aldrich, from Galveston, the status of Emeritus Judge. I believe she truly deserves it and has shown her talent at providing to orchidists from all over the world much research, many beautiful hybrids (in Tolumnia), and a wealth of service. Hurrah!

I also got to judge with a large group of very professional judges at Fairchild Gardens on the same day, Thursday. Shown below are some random pictures of awarded plants.

As for the recent judging in Houston on April 16 (Holy Saturday, the first day of Passover, and three weeks into Ramadan), we granted three HCC (Highly Commended Certificate) awards to two Paphiopedilums and one Clowesetum.

Brent Arnspiger, who has been absent for a while, brought 10 Paphiopedilum plants to judging and went home with two awards for his Paph. Hawaiian Joy (French Jewel ‘Tall Elegance’ x Jewel Green ‘Greenery’) ‘Arnspiger’ HCC 75, and Paph. Majestic Fred (Grand Fred ‘Dorsal Red’ x President Fred ‘Pink Intrigue’), ‘Arnspiger’ HCC 76. Congratulations!