[OGD] Final comments on this round of judging discussion.
Title: Final comments on this round of judging discussion. Peter Fowler is clearly, lost in the bog when he says the RHS has nothing to do with orchid judging in the UK. Yes, there is a British Orchid Council but surely the overseas focus is much more likely to be on the RHS awards. O'Byrne is now on record saying that he hates hybrids so he fails the basic credentials to become an orchid judge. I don't hate species but I sure don't waste too much time on the insignificant flotsam and jetsam that appears sometimes at judging. However, I am quite eager to excuse myself from judging the mow over orchids as I believe they deserve a fair appraisal. If a CBR is proposed, I will always support it, knowledge for knowledge's sake eh Peter? I repeat that I have always thought Bert Pressman's plants rather poorly grown, despite his apparent knowledge of their ancestry and how they might uptake fertilizer. This sort of situation is far from rare in my experience. Many hobbyists who wouldn't know an anion from a cation, consistently bring in beautifully grown plants. I do know that when I say that Bert resigned as a SFOS judge, I have my facts correct. As he is not even currently a member of the SFOS, it is quite impossible for him to represent himself as an SFOS judge in Dijon or anywhere else. In Miami in 2008, judge accreditation will be handled by a committee. Such a fact was clearly stated in my e-mail but the two brains who responded negatively seem to have problems in reading and comprehension! I am glad that Australian orchid leader, Roy Lee, has been checking up on me. When I checked up on him, they said he was some little backyard operator in the Grampians who was struggling to make any impact. After that I have ceased to have much interest in his contributions. Off to the AOS Spring Meetings in Minneapolis. Keep fighting you guys, it brightens my day Andy Easton ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Phaius homboldii?
Title: Phaius homboldii? Bert, You're the species expert who claims to have judging ability. I am just a grower of orchids, species and hybrids alike. But you've got me on this species which was supposedly Champion in Dijon. Could you possibly mean, Phaius humblotii?? Just in the interests of accuracy... Andy Easton ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] RE: AOS Center libraries
OK, From the handbook (11th ed.) Section 9.5 pg 70: [snip] Because recently discovered species and new hybrids are frequent occurances, on -the-spot research is essential to intelligent evaluation of plant material in judging. Some publications in section 5.2 are mandatory for use whenever AOS judging is conducted, and others on the following lists should be acquired for the libraries of judging center committees as rapidly as circumstances permit. The following lists are organized by category. The lists are not exhaustive, and other desireable books are now or will soon be available. Peter, the list goes on for 5 columns (2 1/2 pages). The categories include the previous award (like the AQ and the RA), Sanders list of hybrids which has pretty much been superceded by Wildcatt. Under Genera and Species the list starts with Bechtel Cribb as well as Hawkes, and includes KS Bennett, L Bockemuhl, Cribbs paph and antelope books, Christensen's Phal book, J Cullen, DuPuy's Cym book, 2 Fowlie books - lycastes bifoliate catts, Hennesey, Luer, Pridgeon, Oakley, Schelpe, 2 by Sheehan, Joyce Stewart, Herman Sweet, Withner (5 books as well as 2 scientific works) Under Geographical theyy don't list either of your books, but they do list Ames Correll (Guatemala), John Ball (african), 2 by dunsterville, Escobar (Colombian), Garay Sweet (Lesser antilles), Hamer (El Salvador), Hillerman (Madagascar), Holttum (Malaysia), David Jones (Australia), Andree Millar, Nichols (australia), Pabst Dungs (Brazil), Perrier (Madagascar), Rakpaibulsombat (Thai), Schelpe (South African) Schlecter, Schweinfurth, Seinfaden, Upton (2 books: dends sarcs), Valmayor (philippines) Van Royen (New Guinea) Williams Allen (Panama) and the Icones Plantarum Tropicarum. Jeepers, it goes on from there, but I think you see what's in the AOS's mind when it comes to libraries and reference material. I know we added Siegrist's Bulbo book to our library. I'm NOT saying that every center has such a library. I DO know that the Pacific Central has 2 boxes of these books which I was responsible for bringing to each judging session. And occasionally the students and judges would make use of them for their presentations or deliberations. Additionally, in section 3.9.3 (pg 85) reference material should be provided by the sponsoring society at a show, specifically the AQs wildcatt and at a minimum Hawkes and Bechtel/Cribb. If the society doesn't have these material, they can ask the center to provide theirs. In case you (or anyone) was wondering what was covered in section 5.2 (pg 33 for those of you playing along at home) that is a list of material the center should have on hand for each judging session, including the necessary paperwork, and the AQs, Sanders, current AOS handbook, and the handbook of orchid nomenclature registration. Whew! That was a lot of typing, even for me! LOL!! Again, as to Bert's comment, I'm not saying every center has as complete a library as the pac central. Some may have more and some may have less. Some may have a person designated to bring the library to each session, and that depends on their willingness to haul these (damn) books around. K Barrett N Calif, USA Kathy, you said: Also I believe the AOS has required reference books to be in each center's library for use by the judges, and in each judge's personal library.. Meanwhile, Bert posted: Despite the fact that there is no expectation by the AOS about what judging references are or are not to be used, our local teams have limited material on hand including the AQ Quarterly, Wildcat and a few regional flora books in their library. Kathy, do you have any further info regarding this required book list ? Peter O'Byrne in Singapore _ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today - it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/ ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] re: awards to species
Not sure who wrote this, either Peter O'Byrne, or Max [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: [OGD] awards to species "Also I believe the AOS has required reference books to be in each center's library for use by the judges, and in each judge's personal library." Absolutely not true. There are no requirements for any judge's personal library or any judging center library. At shows, there are often NO research materials at all, except for AOS award descriptions (no photos) on Wildcatt. Different judging centers make up their own rules. When I started at the Atlanta JC, I was told that all judges were expected to spend at least $1,000/year upgrading their library (and that's EASY to do if you want to have a decent library). Houston JC has no such requirement. All JC libraries would/ought to have copies of all Awards Quarterlies and the Register of Awards, if possible, as well as copies of award slides as far back as possible. Beyond that, it's up to the funding available. Remember this system is staffed by volunteers and funded by those same volunteers and other donations. Judges pay for their own travel expenses, are expected to maintainmembership in theAOS, keep a subscription to the AQ, and help maintain their affiliated judging center. The judging centers have to pay rent (several hundred $/month), have to build and maintain a library, and staff local orchid shows. Very few of the orchid societies we serve contribute financially to the judging centers.Judges buy books for their own libraires as well as contribute books to their judging centers. We are fortunate that Timber Press publishes several useful titles each year and offers substantial discounts to us for group orders. Despite the fact that judging centers offer not-for-profit service to the orchid community, most orchid reference books are not available to us at a discount. Compounding the issues with regard to JC libraries is that books disappear. Most are out-of-print, and very expensive to replace, if copies can even be found to purchase. We don't know how orwhen it happens, but we all suffer from the unethical and selfish actions of a few. It would be beneficial if more out-of-print titles were scanned and available online. Project Gutenberg, for instance (http://www.gutenberg.org/), makes many titles available digitally through volunteer efforts. Primarily, these are works in the public domain in the US. Surely we would all like to see older ochid texts republished electronically. Nina Rach Houston___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
Re: [OGD] U. S. Orchid Postage Stamps - 2008?
Title: U. S. Orchid Postage Stamps - 2008? I was involved with the issue of the set of orchid stamps issued at the 11th WOC in Miami back in 1984 and conducted the first Orchids on Stamps Forum at a WOC at that time. I began writing to the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee about 3 years before the Conference. Every letter I wrote was answered with a form letter until, lo and behold, I received a letter informing me that they were considering issuing a set. I then sent them my recommendations as to the orchids to place on the stamps. I was of course most interested in having epiphytic orchids that grow here in South Florida but did recommend the Cypripedium which was pictured. Not too long after that I received a letter that they were indeed going to issue a set. They decided to use orchids from various parts of the country in order to make it a national issue. I don't know what influence my correspondence had on the Committee but I did receive one of the dozen or so Presentation Folders from the Postal Department. At that time I was not aware of any time limits being placed on the issue of a new set. The rules may have changed since then. I understand that the leadership of the Miami Conference also was involved and seem to remember someone telling me not too long ago that they were seeking a set of stamps for 2008. It certainly would not do any harm for as many people as possible to contact the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee about the possibility of them issuing a set of orchid stamps. Maybe someone knows whether the Committee has been approached by the conference leaders about this matter. I too am hoping that another set of stamps will be issued. Let's hope that it happens. Andy Lanier Dear Colleagues:Does anybody know of any efforts to try to persuade the U. S. Postal Service to issue postage stamps bearing images of orchids to correlate with WOC-19 in 2008?The idea has been on my mind for some time and I have done some probing with no positive results so far. I even wrote to a high level official at AOS about a month ago, thinking that organization might be our voice in the high councils of the nation, but I have not received a reply. So, I now turn to this forum, although it may be too late.From a citizens and orchidists point of view it seems like a wonderful idea, especially with some of the terrific orchid artists who are turning out beautiful works of art. It makes sense for many reasons, not the least of which is the growing popularity of orchids (2nd most popular house plant in the U.S.) and a number of other reasons that dont need defending here.I have learned the following:Selection of stamp designs is done long ahead of the time of issuance. A 15-member Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee has been appointed to examine all proposals and make recommendations to the USPS. The composition of that committee and the guidelines for submitting proposals for new stamp designs are found at the following web site: http://www.usps.com/communications/organization/csac_print.htmFor anyone interested in pursuing this matter further, it is worthwhile consulting the information at that web site.Be aware, the prospect of getting orchid stamps in 2008 may be a moot issue, for two reasons. In fine print, the guidelines say that proposals should be submitted to the Citizens Committee not less than 3 years prior to the proposed date of issue. Also, no stamp will be considered for issuance if the same subject has been issued within the past 50 years. There may be exceptions, but . . . Four orchid postage stamps were issued in 1984 at the time of the 11th WOC in Miami. If this is pursued at all, it is probably best not to mention 1984.Is there any hope? If so, it is worth the effort to help move some mountains. Are there loopholes to squeeze through? Has anyone had experience in this arena before? If it is hopeless, none of us has the energy or time to waste spinning wheels. But, I cannot let go until I learn something firm. What a shame it would be to miss the opportunity.Hoping against hope.Charles Bracker__ ___the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD)orchids@orchidguide.comhttp://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Digital orchid library
Thanks, Nina, for bringing up that important topic again. As you no doubt remember, the AOS (the library committee, which I chaired) developed a rather extensive plan for digitizing the world's orchid literature. I still believe it was and is a good plan. However, the powers that be decided to take the library project in a different direction (as far as I know, just getting the AOS print library organized and in place). Sad. One of the positive outcomes that I believe the digital project would have is assisting judges with a more complete resource (and one that included excellent metadata--essentially digital indexing--so that relevant information could be easily found). The plan included not only out-of-copyright materials, but also out-of-print but still copyrighted materials. I won't reiterate all of that here. As far as I know the plan is still available on my personal website. And the initial books that were digitized are still available in the digital library web pages (and the catalog) of Michigan State University, a former partner in the project (I say former because the AOS refused to honor their signed contract for payment for services rendered). One significant event has occured in the digital library world since that time that bears notice, and that is the announcement by Google that they plan to digitize the entire out of copyright collections of some major libraries (my recollection is that they were Oxford, Harvard, Stanford, Berkeley and one other--New York Public, perhaps?). I never heard if this was only books or included serials. I'm sure there are significant orchid resources in at least some of these libraries (after all, the AOS used to be at Harvard), particularly in the botanical area. None of these libraries that I know if has a particular horticulture emphasis or necessarily specializes in botany, for that matter. Given that, and the fact that all of them are in English-speaking countries (and only one in Europe, if one considers the UK to be Europe!), I strongly suspect that some very valuable orchid resources would be missed in such a project. I'd call it a very good first step. A serious digital orchid library project would see if that project could be expanded (or a complementary project begun) to ensure that a comprehensive digital orchid library was developed. And of course, there would remain the issues around materials that are not yet in the public domain (and there might well be some soluttions to those, particularly those that are out of print). Sincerely, Harvey In sunny Seattle! ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Orchids on Stamps
Charles posted the following Dear Colleagues: Does anybody know of any efforts to try to persuade the U. S. Postal Service to issue postage stamps bearing images of orchids to correlate with WOC-19 in 2008? * Our experience down here is about 3 to 4 years, but ... the sooner the better. We have had a few orchid stamps trickle through, the last set being in conjunction with the Asia Pacific Orchid Conference held in Townsville in 1998. However, those involved came up with a novel approach. Singapore issued a similar set of stamps at the very same time for the conference. There were four stamps featuring two orchids from each country. Hope this helps. Colin Hamilton Webmaster Australian Orchid Council/OrchidsAustralia Rockhampton, Qld. Australia www.orchidsaustralia.com Award winning website, World Orchid Conference 2005 ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Aspects of judging
This is in response to no one in particular, and to everyone who has been arguing the pros and cons of various judging systems in the world. Lets face it, none are perfect, but we can hope for improvement in all of them. In the meantime, with few exceptions, everyone being served by any judging system is dependent upon the one serving the area where he lives. As such, one should learn to play the game to fit the locale. It has long been my observation that, with few exceptions, gardeners are a competitive breed: note the fellow who starts his tomato plants on the windowsill in late winter, and gets them outside and braggs when he has the first ripe tomato on the block. In my opinion the most competitive of all are the orchid hobbyists: Note the exhibition of plants on the show table at monthly society meetings; the exhibits at the annual society shows; the frequent posts on forums of how to grow such and such orchid; and the posting of pictures to demonstrate their prowess in growing. Frequently, the ones taking part in these activities are the ones downing the AOS judging system, although they accept ribbon judging at shows. I practiced surgery during a time when the admonition was publish or perish. As an amateur hobbyist I have tried to carry over in growing orchids, by playing the game to its fullest. I try and grow the best I can; I exhibit at the monthly meetings; I have my own exhibits at the annual shows in the area; I try and write a few articles on culture; and try to give an occassional talk o n what my current interest might be. I also attend judging sessions for my own education, and when I have a suitable plant I take it for evaluation. There are probably few growers who would turn down an award, including those who claim to have no interest in awards.. Botanical awards are easy-simply grow an oddball and show it first. Flower awards are, in my opinion, luck of the draw. The best award is the cultural award as it goes to the grower for excellence in culture. Does getting this make one a better grower? Probably not, but it is a sign of accomplishment, and for the hobbyist this is visible evidence that they at least know how to grow that plant. As an amateur hobbyist I have now received 127 official awards: one, a GM for culture, from the RHS; 9 for the AOS Show Trophy; and 117 from the AOS for individual plants-33 were AMs; 30 for culture, of which 10 had scores between 90-96 points; 22 were CHMs; 11 were HCCs; 4 were CBRs; 3 were JCs; 2 were ADs, and 2 were FCCs. Among my awarded plants I have four which mean a great deal: A CHM on Onc flexuosum Trident, a species which has been in cultivation for over 100 years, and used in hybridization numerous times. Why it had never been shown at any judging is a mystery, but I received the award. To demonstrate that I also know how to grow it, I received a CCM on it two years later. I rceived an AM on a lycaste which had been a gift when it was still an unnamed seedling, Lycaste Wylde Wine Ruby, named for my wife; and nine years later I received a CCM for culture. I also have one plant on which I have all three awards-a CHM, an AM, and a CCE-this is for one of my natives which I grow in pot culture, Pogonia ophioglossoides Tridents Sugar Baby. Best of all I have an FCC on Den kingianum Tridents Baby which was my own creation from an outcross of Inferno x Jazzy, on each of which I had previously received an AM. This was also the first FCC for this species in the AOS judging system For those who might think the above is bragging, I would quote the great Dizzy Dean-it aint braggin if ya done it. I would urge anyone growing orchids to take part in all aspects of the hobby to enjoy the benefits to the fullest, and not get bogged down in the pros and cons of comparing different judging systems in the world. I have been observing the judges in the Northeast Judging Center for about 25 years, and it is my opinion that they are knowledgeable, fair, and evaluate each plant with an open mind. Furthermore, in this center, all judges take part in evaluating every plant, and do not use teams. This means that when a somewhaat obscure species is submitted, there will usually be a more experienced judge who is capable of leading the discussion on that plant. I would challenge those who might think they are easy to submit a plant and observe first hand the amout of research that takes place on every plant, and the hard-nosed discussion that takes place before a decision is made to either pass, or nominate the plant for a specific award. Wilford Nepune ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] WOC and Orchid Stamps
For the16th WOC in Vancouver, Canada issued a booklet with several orchid species postage stamps. These were sold at the WOC, so people did not have to get out of he building and finda post office. ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] ORCHID CLIP ON RINGS
COULD ANYONE TELL ME WHERE TO PURCHASE 6INCH CLIP ON POT RINGS? [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
