Slip into this lecture on paphs
The South Coast Orchid Society of Long Beach will host a program by Tim Culbertson on “Historic Paphs: Passions and Paradigms of 150 Years” on May 23 from 7-9 p.m. at Whaley Park Community Center in Long Beach.
Whether they’re called slipper orchids, paphiopedilums or paphs, these strange flowers from Southeast Asia have intrigued generations of gardeners. Once orchid enthusiasts in England started cross-breeding them, dramatic colors, spots and stripes appeared—and on ever-larger flowers. In the 20th century, American growers joined in, including a succession of SoCal orchid enthusiasts who have brought their hybrids to the South Coast Orchid Society’s monthly meetings ever since it was founded in 1950.
Culbertson is uniquely qualified to tell this story, having worked with the plants for years at major botanical institutions and in his own collection. Orchids grown by the society’s members will be on display.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information,
Tim Culbertson's Paphiopedilum Stone Crazy 'Beauty'
© American Orchid Society (Arthur Pinkers)
