President’s MessageHere we are, approaching the end of March already. February is all but a distant speck in the rear-view mirror, and April is just around the corner. Spring has officially arrived but despite the weather, I can feel a shift in the air - the days are getting longer, the birds are chirping, and there is a sense of anticipation and excitement for the new season ahead. Orchids that were brought in from their winter rest are now under the lights and starting to send out their flower spikes. The windowsill orchids are still not showing any signs of flowering yet, probably due to the lack of sunshine and the cooler temperatures. Our 2024 Orchid Show is now behind us and what a great one it was! Thanks to the Vancouver Orchid Society, Victoria Orchid Society, Paramount Orchids, Bryan’s Specialty Plants, Windowsill Orchids, our own Nicole Ta for her display on alternative growing methods. I am grateful for all who contributed plants for the truly stunning displays of a wide variety of orchids, both species and hybrids. The variety of orchids on display was truly breathtaking, and we were thrilled to see so many attendees enjoying their beauty and learn more about these incredible plants.We hope that everyone who attended the show left feeling inspired and excited to continue their own orchid growing journey. A BIG thank you to everyone who supported the show, whether as a volunteer, vendor, exhibitor, judge, or attendee. Your enthusiasm for orchids is what makes events like this so special. We are also grateful to all of the show sponsors who donated items for the raffle, silent auction and ribbon awards. We were proud to offer abundant raffle baskets to our lucky winners. Please keep our supporters in mind when choosing businesses to support during the garden season. I would also like to thank the Nanaimo North Town Centre for allowing us to hold our event in their Atrium making it possible to expose the public to the wonderful world of orchids. And last but not least, a huge thank you to our new members, Dawn M., Ed M., Patty L., Ina K., and Joan M., that volunteered their time for the show. Your dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed, and I am extremely grateful for your support. We hope that you will continue to support the club to create more successful and memorable events in the future. Thank you for being a part of the team and for all that you did to help make our shows a success. I hope all that attended had a wonderful time at the show and that you continue to enjoy your orchids at home. We look forward to seeing you all again at our next Orchid Show in 2025! Warm Regards, Bernard Kespe
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