Category: Meetings

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Meeting – February 11, 2026, 7:30 pm. 

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“Santa Barbara International Orchid Show Grand Champion Cymbidiums”

This Month’s Meeting:  Santa Barbara International Orchid Show Grand Champion Cymbidiums, presented by Jim Sloniker

Setting the stage for next month’s 78th Santa Barbara International Orchid Show (SBIOS), American Orchid Society Judge Jim Sloniker will present an overview of Grand Champion Cymbidium Award winners. 

Since the 1950s and continuing today, orchid nurseries along the south coast of California have been instrumental in producing these highly awarded cymbidiums. Although the standards for judging the prize winners have adapted to evolving esthetics over the years, many of the most prized flowers continue to be bred and grown here.  The winners have been selected by judging experts at each show for nearly 80 years of cymbidium orchid hybridizing.  The Samuel B. Mosher Trophy is given to the Grand Champion Cymbidium which recognizes the most superior cymbidium in the show.

Cym (Beautiful Orphan x Big Strike) ‘Macho Macho Man’. 2025 SBIOS Grand Champion Cymbidium winner, exhibited by Cal-Orchid.

2026 Membership Dues
Annual membership fee is $40 for individuals, $50 per household.  Due in January, pay no later than March.  See Treasurer Angela Watt during the meeting.

Are you interested in being more involved with the OSSB? 
We are seeking candidates for President and Vice President (includes Program Chair).  Please contact PJ Sanderson for more details:  pj-sb@hotmail.com or see her at the meeting.

Meeting refreshments
Remember to sign up to bring in light refreshments and beverages to each monthly meeting.  Please see Hospitality Chair, Richard Hughes during the meetings.
February:  Nancy Augustine
Mar:  (no meeting)
Apr:  Leslie Jones
May:  We need volunteers!
Jun:  We need volunteers!

Location Reminder
Meeting at Maravilla on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, except March and August. 
Directions:  From Calle Real, enter Maravilla and bear left.  On the right is a lawn with a flagpole.  The meeting rooms are to the left of the lawn with a flagpole.  To park, continue to drive around a loop that will lead you to the parking lot.  Additional parking is available to the right as you drive in, any parking space without a number is available.  Meeting Rooms:  AOS Judging in the Galleria Room, Orchid Society in the Valencia Room.

OSSB on the web:  Orchid Society of Santa Barbara

Upcoming Orchid Events
March 20-23, 2026, Santa Barbara International Orchid Show ‘Orchid Escape’.
Held at Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara.  Display setup on 18 March (Wed) and Orchid Judging on 19 March (Thurs).  Be sure to check out this year’s show website that captures some highlights of last year’s show (and watch for some familiar faces!):  sborchidshow.com

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Meeting – January 14, 2026, 7:30 pm. 

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“Oncidium Intergeneric Orchids – A Survey”

This Month’s Meeting: 
“Oncidium Intergeneric Orchids – A Survey” is presented by Arthur Pinkers

Our January 2026 meeting will be an in-person presentation by AOS Judge Arthur Pinkers on oncidium intergeneric orchid hybrids.  Intergeneric hybrids are crosses of plants of differing genera.  Warm growing intergeneric oncidiums are very popular because of their beauty and ease of culture.  Arthur’s presentation discusses the relationship between warm growing genera of this group and their hybrids.

Oncidiopsis Bizarro ‘Sun Downers’, AM/AOS 86 pts

2026 Membership Dues
Annual membership fee is $40 for individuals, $50 per household.  Due in January, pay no later than March.  See Treasurer Angela Watt during the meeting.

Are you interested in being more involved with OSSB? 
We are seeking candidates for President and Vice President (includes Program Chair).  Please contact PJ Sanderson for more details:  pj-sb@hotmail.com or see her at the meeting.

Meeting refreshments
Remember to sign up to bring in light refreshments and beverages to each monthly meeting.  Please see Hospitality Chair, Richard Hughes during the meetings.

Location Reminder
We are now meeting at Maravilla on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, except March and August. 
Directions:  From Calle Real, enter Maravilla and bear left.  On the right is a lawn with a flagpole.  The meeting rooms are to the left of the lawn with a flagpole.  To park, continue to drive around a loop that will lead you to the parking lot.  Additional parking is available to the right as you drive in, any parking space without a number is available.  Meeting Rooms:  AOS Judging in the Galleria Room, Orchid Society in the Valencia Room.

OSSB on the web:  Orchid Society of Santa Barbara

Upcoming Orchid Events
January 17, 2026, 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Slipper Orchid Symposium & 70th Paphiopedilum Guild Meeting.
Hosted by the Orchid Digest and The Huntington and held at the Huntington in San Marino.  Speakers, Vendors, Silent Auction Book Sales.  More information and registration:   orchiddigest.com
March 20-23, 2026, Santa Barbara International Orchid Show ‘Orchid Escape’.
Held at Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara.  Display setup on 18 March (Wed) and Orchid Judging on 19 March (Thurs).  More information and registration:  sborchidshow.com

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Meeting – December 10, 2025, 7:30 pm

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“OSSB Holiday Small Bite Assortment Potluck”

This Month’s Meeting
Celebrate orchids at the OSSB 2025 wrap-up meeting.  Bring your favorite Small Bites (savory or sweet) to share with others.  As always, you are encouraged to bring in your blooming orchids for “show and tell” and pose your growing questions to the attending orchid experts.

We look forward to 2026 with a great lineup of live and streamed orchid talks as well as practical potting demonstrations.  Spring is just around the corner – repotting primetime begins in March!

Are you interested in being more involved with OSSB? 
We are seeking candidates for President and Vice President (Program Chair).  Please contact PJ Sanderson for more details:  pj-sb@hotmail.com

Meeting refreshments
Two members volunteer to bring in light refreshments and beverages to regular monthly meetings.  Please sign up with Hospitality Chair, Richard Hughes during the meetings.

Location Reminder
We are now meeting at Maravilla on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, except March and August. 
Directions:  From Calle Real, enter Maravilla and bear left.  On the right is a lawn with a flagpole.  The meeting rooms are to the left of the lawn with a flagpole.  To park, continue to drive around a loop that will lead you to the parking lot.  Additional parking is available to the right as you drive in, any parking space without a number is available. 
Meeting Rooms:  AOS Judging in the Galleria Room, Orchid Society in the Valencia Room.
OSSB on the web:  Orchid Society of Santa Barbara

Upcoming Orchid Events

January 17, 2026, 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Slipper Orchid Symposium & 70th Paphiopedilum Guild Meeting.
Hosted by the Orchid Digest and The Huntington and held at the Huntington in San Marino.  Speakers, Vendors, Silent Auction Book Sales.  More information and registration:   orchiddigest.com

March 20-23, 2026, Santa Barbara International Orchid Show ‘Orchid Escape’
Held at Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara.  Display setup on 18 March (Wed) and Orchid Judging on 19 March (Thurs).  More information and registration:  sborchidshow.com

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Meeting – November 12, 2025, 7:30 pm “Growing Specimen Plants” by Sandra Svoboda

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This Month’s Meeting: 
“Growing Specimen Plants by Sandra Svoboda”

Our November Orchid Society of Santa Barbara meeting will be an in-person presentation by our own Sandra Svoboda of her American Orchid Society (AOS) Webinar, originally broadcast on September 23, 2025.  Sandra is an AOS Past President and AOS Judge.

Sandra will explore the latest AOS awards for culture, the CCE (Certificate of Cultural Excellence), and present orchid plants that earned this highest honor for their grower/owner. She will also give us tips on how to cultivate orchids to specimen size.

CCEs are awarded to the exhibitor of a well-flowered specimen plant of robust health. The plant must have been in the care of the exhibitor at least 12 months immediately prior to the award and must score at least 90 points on a 100-point scale for culture. Growers receiving this award represent the highest level of orchid culture.

Location Reminder
We are now meeting at Maravilla on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, except March and August. 
Directions:  From Calle Real, enter Maravilla and bear left.  On the right is a lawn with a flagpole.  The meeting rooms are to the left of the lawn with a flagpole.  To park, continue to drive around a loop that will lead you to the parking lot.  Additional parking is available to the right as you drive in, any parking space without a number is available. 
Meeting Rooms:  AOS Judging in the Galleria Room, Orchid Society in the Valencia Room.
OSSB on the web:  Orchid Society of Santa Barbara

Upcoming Orchid Events

Nov 8, Sat, 10:30-7:00:  2025 Cattleya Orchid Symposium in San Marino, CA. 
The Huntington and Orchid Digest present the inaugural 2025 Cattleya Orchid Symposium.  Lectures by experts, orchid sales, happy hour with an auction and dinner.  Registration deadline is Oct 31 to receive the member rate of $99 for in-person registration, $59 for additional guest dinners, $40 for virtual presentations. Full details and online registration:  2025 Cattleya Symposium

Nov 7, 8, 9, Fri-Sun:  Santa Barbara Nursery Fall Open Houses – Look for Laelia anceps and more

Santa Barbara Orchid Estate, 1250 Orchid Drive, Santa Barbara CA
Open Fri 8-3, Sat 8-3, Sun 9-3
Website:  SBOE

Cal-Orchid, 1251 Orchid Drive, Santa Barbara CA
Open Fri 9-4, Sat 9-4, Sun 9-4
Website:  Cal-Orchid

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Meeting – October 8, 2025, 7:30 pm. “New Directions in Zygopetalinae by Tim Culbertson”

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This Month’s Meeting

Our October meeting will be an AOS webinar on Zygopetalinae breeding that was originally presented on January 5, 2023.

Tim Culbertson, noted hybridizer and AOS Judge, introduces us to Zygopetalums and the major genera that are being used to bring new and exciting hybrids to the orchid world.

Location Reminder
We are now meeting at Maravilla on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, except March and August. 
Directions:  From Calle Real, enter Maravilla and bear left.  On the right is a lawn with a flagpole.  The meeting rooms are to the left of the lawn with a flagpole.  To park, continue to drive around a loop that will lead you to the parking lot.  Additional parking is available to the right as you drive in, any parking space without a number is available. 
Meeting Rooms:  AOS Judging in the Galleria Room, Orchid Society in the Valencia Room.
OSSB on the web:  Orchid Society of Santa Barbara

Upcoming Nearby Orchid Events

Oct 16-19, Thu-Sun:  Volunteer at the Huntington Orchid Show,1151 Oxford Road, San Marino CA
Oct 16, Thu:  Ribbon Judging, starts at 9 am.
Oct 17-19, Fri-Sun:  Plant Hotel, Info Desks, engagement with the public.
Note:  Registration is required online for volunteering and social.  Website:  https://signup.com/go/zLvXJPh

Oct 17-19, Fri-Sun, 10am-5pm:  Huntington International Orchid Show and Sale,1151 Oxford Road, San Marino CA
Orchid show, shop orchid plants and related items.
Website:  Huntington International Show and Sale

Oct 18, Sat, 7-8:30pm:  World Premiere of “Orchidées”, translating orchid DNA sequences into music accompanied by time‑lapse footage of blooming specimens from The Huntington’s orchid collection. 
Attend in person (in Rothenberg Hall) or via virtual stream online.  (Note:  in-person Sold Out per website).  Free virtual livestream to Orchid Digest members, $10 non-members.  Registration is required online.  This is a Live event.  Website:  Huntington Orchidees

Nov 7, 8, 9, Fri-Sun:  Santa Barbara Orchid Nursery Fall Open Houses – Featuring Laelia anceps and more
Santa Barbara Orchid Estate, 1250 Orchid Drive, Santa Barbara CA
Open Fri 8-3, Sat 8-3, Sun 9-3
Website:  SBOE
Cal-Orchid, 1251 Orchid Drive, Santa Barbara CA
See website (Home tab) for details
Website:  Cal-Orchid

Nov 8, Sat, 10:30am-7:00pm:  2025 Orchid Digest Cattleya Symposium, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino CA.
The Huntington and Orchid Digest present the inaugural 2025 Cattleya Orchid Symposium.  Lectures by experts Art Chadwick, Fred Clarke, Pepe Portilla and David Toyoshima, orchid sales, happy hour with an auction and dinner. 
Registration deadline is Oct 31 to receive the member rate of $99 for in-person registration, $59 for additional guest dinners, $40 for virtual presentations.  Registration is required online.  Website:  2025 Cattleya Symposium

Note:  The OD Cattleya Symposium is on the same weekend as the Open Houses, but if you sign up for the virtual presentation, you can watch it later.

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Meeting – September 10, 2025, 7:30 pm. “Growing Orchids Indoors and in Terrariums” with Chris Satch.

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Our September meeting will be an AOS webinar on growing orchids indoors and in terrariums that was originally presented on April 16, 2025.

Location Reminder

We are now meeting at Maravilla on the 2nd Wednesday.  Directions:  From Calle Real, enter Maravilla and bear left.  On the right is a lawn with a flagpole.  The meeting rooms are to the left of the lawn/flagpole.  To park, continue to drive around a loop that will lead you to the parking lot.  Additional parking is available to the right as you drive in, any parking space without a number is available.  Meeting Rooms:  AOS Judging in the Galleria Room, Orchid Society in the Valencia Room.

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Meeting: August 10, 2025 at 12:30 pm at SBOE

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Celebrate summer with the Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Picnic at the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate, located at 1250 Orchid Drive.

The August meeting is on Sunday, August 10th at 12:30 pm.  This meeting will be a Summer Potluck Picnic and Silent Auction at Santa Barbara Orchid Estate!

A great time to relax with your orchid friends amongst the summer blooming orchids at beautiful SBOE! 

Potluck
It’s time to flex your culinary muscles and bring your favorite picnic food:  Main Course, Side Dish or Salad, and Dessert.  Also bring your own plate, utensils, and beverage. If you forget, there are usually enough to go around.  SBOE will provide tables and chairs.

Silent Auction
In addition to great food, there will be a Visual Feast of donated orchids at a Silent Auction!  Please bring a few of your spare amazing plants and be prepared to bid!  Proceeds will go to the Society. 

Note: AOS Orchid Judging will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, 13 August at Maravilla.

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Meeting – June 11, 2025, 7:30 pm, Orchid Repotting Demo

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Our June meeting will be a live demonstration of orchid repotting by Phil Watt (and others)

“Orchid Repotting Demo“

Regular repotting of your orchids gives them the boost they need to continue to grow and bloom.  Over time, potting media breaks down and roots can become root-bound or die.  Repotting allows fertilizer and oxygen to reach the roots and prevent root rot and disease.

OSSB member Phil Watt is an orchid expert with decades of experience growing and repotting orchids.  He has spoken to thousands of people during his demonstrations and talks during the annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show.  Phil will share his tips and tricks to help you successfully repot your orchids at home.

Location Reminder

At Maravilla on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (except March and August). 
Directions:  From Calle Real, enter Maravilla and bear left.  On the right is a lawn with a flagpole.  The meeting rooms are to the left of the lawn/flagpole.  To park, continue to drive around a loop that will lead you to the parking lot.  Additional parking is available to the right as you drive in, any parking space without a number is available. 
Meeting Rooms:  AOS Judging (7:00 pm) in the Galleria Room, Orchid Society in the Valencia Room.

Upcoming Orchid Events

July Meeting:  At Maravilla on July 9.  Details TBD.
July Orchid Sales at Nurseries:  Santa Barbara Orchid Estate https://www.sborchid.com/ open July 18, 19, and 20, Cal-Orchid https://www.calorchid.com/ open July 18 and 19 only (closed Sunday July 20).
August Potluck:  Summer Potluck Picnic and Silent Auction on a Saturday or Sunday.  Details TBD.
September Meeting:  At Maravilla on September 10.  Details TBD.

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Meeting – May 14, 2025, 7:30 pm

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“Fragrant Orchids”

Our May meeting will be a live presentation by T.J. Hartung on fragrant orchids.

Maxillaria tenuifolia

Fragrant Orchids by T.J. Hartung

What is your favorite scented orchid?  Join us to learn more about this alluring aspect of orchids.

T.J. is a retired computer systems specialist and systems analyst. He designed computers and wrote computer software to manage hotels. His love for orchids began when he lived in Southern California and started growing Cymbidiums in his yard. For quite a few years, every secretary in the company where he worked received, anonymously, a Cymbidium blossom on Valentine’s Day.

Since retiring to Mexico, he has been rescuing orchids from downed trees and broken limbs before they are eaten by animals or washed down the streams and rivers into the sea. Much of what he knows about orchids he has learned in the laboratory of the great outdoors. The rest comes from online research and numerous books on the subject.  He is on the board of directors of the Vallarta Botanical Garden. In recent years he has given talks to orchid societies in the US, Canada, England and Scotland. He became a Mexican citizen about 20 years ago.

Information

2025 Membership Dues Reminder: Annual membership fee is $40 for individuals, $50 per household.  Due in January, pay no later than March.  See Angela Watt during the meeting.

Location Reminder: We are now meeting at Maravilla on the 2nd Wednesday.  Directions:  From Calle Real, enter Maravilla and bear left.  On the right is a lawn with a flagpole.  The meeting rooms are to the left of the lawn/flagpole.  To park, continue to drive around a loop that will lead you to the parking lot.  Additional parking is available to the right as you drive in, any parking space without a number is available.  Meeting Rooms:  AOS Judging in the Galleria Room, Orchid Society in the Valencia Room. OSSB on the web:  Orchid Society of Santa Barbara

Upcoming Orchid Events: The annual local summer orchid sale weekend will be July 18, 19 and 20.