November 2026

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

Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026

Location: Regular Monthly Meeting Location

Meeting Schedule

• 1:00 p.m. – Potluck Lunch & Member Social

• 2:00 p.m. – Presentation Begins

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

A fourth-generation gardener and second-generation orchid grower, Bridget essentially grew up "under the greenhouse benches," following in her father’s footsteps. She officially joined Carter & Holmes in 2002, working 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.

Presentation: “Orchid Mythbusters—The Truth Behind the Tales”

For as long as hobbyists have collected orchids, myths about growing them have circulated. In this live presentation, Bridget will explore common—and not-so-common—misconceptions about growing and propagating orchids, helping us separate reliable advice from misleading online information so we can make better-informed choices for our plants.

Please Note: Bridget had planned to join us in person, but she will instead present virtually while recovering from surgery. Her presentation will be live, so you will still have full opportunity to ask questions during the Q&A session. We wish her a smooth recovery and look forward to welcoming her virtually!

Meeting Highlights & Activities

• Carter & Holmes Plant Giveaway: We will have plants from Carter & Holmes to give away in a random drawing at the end of the presentation! You must be present to have your name entered, so be sure to stick around for your chance to take home a new orchid.

• The Orchid Exchange: Our member-grown orchid market (formerly the Farmer's Market) returns this month! Bring plants to buy, sell, or share with fellow members. Whether you have extra divisions, a plant that needs a different growing environment, or blooms you're ready to swap, the Orchid Exchange is the perfect place to find them a new home.

We look forward to seeing everyone for an afternoon of orchids, learning, and good company!

December 2026

December 13, 2026
Holiday Meeting

Details forthcoming

January 2027