Meeting March 11, 2013 – Craig Pittman

Our speaker for the March Meeting was Craig Pittman. Craig is the author of works such as “Paving Paradise” and “Manatee Insanity”. His third book, “Scent of a Scandal” has been classified as a True Crime / Gardening genera and true to this explores the dark history of the discovery of  the beautiful Phragmipedium Kovachii and the scandal surrounding it’s scientific description and introduction to the Orchid Community.

Craig is a reporter for the Tampa Bay Tribune and covers Environmental issues from pythons in the Everglades to taxpayer dollars being spent to protect endangered rats! Craig has covered it all. However, when he came across the story of Phrag. Kovachii as it unfolded within the Sunshine State he realized it’s potential as it’s covered in the book. The book takes us through the twisted tale of orchid mania and the characters involved in the trade (and exploitation!) of wild orchids. Interested in finding out more about the scandal surrounding this beautiful slipper orchid? We recommend you read the book! You can find it on Amazon or at your nearest book retailer.

===announcement===

Our March speaker will be Craig Pittman, author of The Scent of Scandal: Greed, Betrayal, and the World’s Most Beautiful Orchid. He’ll have autographed copies for sale. It’s currently ranked five stars on Amazon.com   http://www.amazon.com/Scent-Scandal-Betrayal-Beautiful-Florida/dp/0813039746

 

Click here for meeting location and driving directions.

Meeting May 13, 2013 – Greg Allikas

Greg Allikas is known the world over for his brilliant photographs of orchids. His extensive knowledge of his subject and artistic background offer a unique interpretation that is both accurate, and stunningly beautiful. Greg has been a commercial photographer in the Palm Beaches and is well known for his library of theater photography. An orchid grower since 1970, Allikas is awards photographer for the AOS West Palm Beach Judging Center, Florida-Caribbean Judging Center in Miami, and many annual South Florida orchid shows including Ft. Lauderdale, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Naples, Boca Raton and the Tamiami and Redland Orchid Festivals.

Greg will be speaking on “25 Favorite Orchids of the Last Three Years.”

Click here for meeting location and driving directions.