August 9, 2026

Our guest speaker this month is the world-renowned grower Bill Thoms. Join us for an extraordinary afternoon as we explore the fascinating and diverse world of Bulbophyllum orchids.  Bill describes this talk as "the WAFL-HSE program of general orchid culture with the emphasis on bulbophyllums, the largest genus in the orchid family".

Bill Thoms has grown and shown orchids for more than 45 years in the central Florida area. He now resides near Greenville, SC.  He has more awards for Culture in Bulbophyllums than anyone else in the world (51 so far) – and he and Doris Dukes together have 105 Cultural Awards in 30 different genera. The American Orchid Society has added a new Annual Award for the Bulbophyllums, the Bill Thoms Award.

Bill gives talks all over the world. They all are presented in a funny style that helps growers understand how the plants work and they all revolve around the culture of Orchids. He helps beginner growers fix problems and has a wealth of accumulated information for more advanced growers, too!

He has a book, Bulbophyllums; the Incomplete Guide, From A to WHY?, which you may purchase from him. His web site (Bulbophyllums.com) has his book, special food and super eBook, which is more than 5 years' worth of videos of their plants, all his articles, fabulous photos and lots more.

Whether you are looking to fix a problem with a single windowsill plant or want to refine the parameters of a large collection, this session is packed with practical, timely advice. Bill’s famously humorous and highly informative presentation style will break down exactly how these unique orchids work and how you can get them to grow and bloom better. Come join us! 

September 13, 2026

Fall Plant Auction

Calling all orchid enthusiasts! Get ready for the premier event of the year. The Triad Orchid Society is thrilled to invite you to our Grand Orchid Auction, happening on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

This is your exclusive chance to acquire stunning and rare orchids, from delicate seedlings to magnificent large specimen plants. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your orchid journey, we have something special just for you.

What's in store:

• A Breathtaking Collection: We're bringing in top-tier plants from renowned growers, including Orchid Eros, Krull-Smith, Tim Culbertson with SVO, Florida SunCoast Orchids, Carter & Holmes, and many more! Discover a world of award-quality hybrids and species in every color, shape, and size imaginable.

• The Thrill of the Auction: Experience the excitement of live bidding as you compete to take home your dream orchids.

• Preview & Expert Insights: Arrive early for registration and a chance to preview the auction items at 12pm. This is a great opportunity to inspect the plants and plan your strategy. The auction will begin promptly at 1pm.

Important Details:

• Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026

• Time: Registration & Preview at 12pm | Auction Starts at 1pm

• Location: Butterfly Cafe, Caine Conservatory, High Point University

• Food & Refreshments: No Show Table. Instead, please bring your favorite desserts, snacks, and drinks to share.

• Payment: For your convenience, we accept Cash, Check, or Card.

Don't miss out! This is an event you won't forget. Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and join us for a day of beauty, passion, and blooming opportunities.

October 13, 2026

Guest Speaker Announcement: Jeff Adkins (Adkins Orchids)

We are excited to welcome Jeff Adkins, AOS Judge and owner of Adkins Orchids, as our guest speaker for October!

Jeff is a third-generation orchid grower, continuing a rich family tradition sparked by his mother and grandmother—both celebrated in their own right for cultivating extraordinary show plants. With over 30 years of hands-on experience as both a commercial grower and an accredited American Orchid Society Judge, Jeff brings a wealth of expert knowledge to our meeting.

His nursery, Adkins Orchids, is widely recognized for specializing in large, show-stopping Cattleya, Vanda, and Dendrobium species and hybrids. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the region's most accomplished growers!

November 11, 2026

Guest Speaker Announcement: Bridget Uzar (Carter and Holmes Orchids)

We are thrilled to welcome Bridget Uzar, Chief Grower and Hybridizer at the renowned Carter and Holmes Orchids in Newberry, SC, as our guest speaker for October!

A fourth-generation gardener and second-generation orchid grower, Bridget essentially grew up "under the greenhouse benches," following closely in her father’s footsteps. She officially joined Carter and Holmes in 2002, starting hands-on with daily potting and watering before taking charge of the collection and breeding houses.

Bridget made her very first Cattleya cross in 2008 and hasn't looked back since. Beginning in 2009, she expanded her role to manage digital photography, catalog production, and marketing. Today, with over a decade of experience as Chief Grower and Hybridizer, she oversees greenhouse production, manages breeding programs, and leads the company's digital outreach and social media.

Bridget loves sharing her lifelong passion and technical expertise with tour groups, open houses, and orchid societies.