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tails that go into an event like this , Frank Smith for being the consummate event host , and several others who worked so very hard to make it all happen . Carlos then introduced the symposium ’ s first speaker , Frank Smith of Krull-Smith . Frank showed us photos of Phalaenopsis species and hybrids , the quality and visual impact of which some of us didn ’ t even imagine could exist . These photos would merely turn out to be a primer for what we were all about to experience when as we toured his greenhouses during the BBQ Frank hosted at his house on Saturday — but more about that later . Sales resumed after Frank ’ s presentation to wrap up the first day , and it was clear that he had given people some new ideas . Plant sales were again very active and spirited , but now specific requests could be heard for some of the things we had just seen and heard about in the last presentation . It took me almost 20 minutes to navigate through an enthusiastic crowd just get to the front of one sales table . I should have bought that particular Phal . bellina I had my eyes on earlier , because it was no longer there ! The first speaker on Saturday was Mr . Chen-Chung Chen of Mainshow Orchids in Taiwan , who spoke in Mandarin while Norman Fang translated . This presentation on Phalaenopsis species and hybrids in Taiwan included photos of Mr . Chen ’ s own selected rare and high-quality species , as well as those in certain collections so privately and closely held that the locations of these collections are kept secret . Many of the private collection plants we saw are barely known to exist in the orchid hobby because of that level of secrecy . Mr . Chen also showed us some beautiful hybrids , including some outstanding flowers made with Phal . Dragon Tree Eagle as one parent .
After a short break and a little more retail therapy for those who wished to indulge , Norman Fang shared his experience with regard to the effective use of sphagnum moss for growing our Phalaenopsis . Most of us use sphagnum moss with our Phals , but as it turns out , some potting techniques are far more effective than others under certain growing conditions . To illustrate his points , example plants were passed around the room so people could examine the actual results of the Phalaenopsis culture in sphagnum that was being described . Norman ’ s presentation contained so much great information that it led right into the workshop session . Norman answered several questions while input was provided by several other Phalaenopsis-growing experts . ... continued on page 31
1 - Tony Bender and Mike Mims - Photo : Ben Belton 2 - Phalaenopsis bellina and gigantea - Photo : Ben Belton 3 - Mike Mims , host Frank Smith and Graham Ramsey - Photo by Leslie Keller
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4 - Ken Avant , Carol Campbell , Peter Lin and Jason Bennis ( L-R ) - Photo : Ben Belton
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