Duke Farms

Horticulture Classes

Orchid Classes

The History of Orchids

History, science, and sex are all part of this orchid story!

Discover how orchid cultivation began in early history, how different civilizations have viewed orchids; the extraordinary efforts during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries to collect, cultivate, hybridize, and propagate orchids with their unique floral structure; as well as today's popular appeal of orchids and the conservation of orchid species.  Learn about the surprising role Duke Farms played in the history of orchids.

Cost: $15. 

This class will be held:

Pictured above: Paphiopedilum Pyramus 
 

Beginner Orchids - An Introduction

Learn the basics of caring for orchids. This program is designed for those who are new to orchids and who would like to learn more about this amazing plant. Join the orchid specialists of Duke Farms as they share information about the exciting world of orchids and teach the basics of orchid care.

Participants will get a behind-the-scenes tour of the orchid greenhouses at Duke Farms and will have a chance to see some of the more than 1,500 orchid varieties grown here. In addition, each participant will learn, hands-on, how to repot an orchid that they may take home and enjoy.

Cost: $35.  Space is limited and advance registration is required.

This class is offered from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the following dates:

Pictured above: Phalaenopsis New Moon 'Raygirl' AM/AOS (Karen Collins)  

Intermediate Orchids - A Deeper Understanding



This program is for those who have some experience working with orchids and are interested in a more in-depth look at the diverse varieties of orchids and how to grow them.

This program also will include an overview of pests and diseases.

Participants will review potting techniques and will repot an orchid that they may then take home.

Cost: $35. 

Pictured above: Odontobrassia Kenneth Bivens 'Santa Barbara' HCC/AOS (Karen Collins)  

Intermediate Orchids: A Troubleshooting Workshop 

 
This program is designed for those who have experience with orchids and who wish to learn more about specific issues relating to their own orchids. 
 
Participants who have a concern about their plants may bring in one or two of their orchids in order for the orchid specialists here at Duke Farms to diagnose and address any problems that they should find, including the need for repotting.
 
There also will be an opportunity to go behind the scenes and explore some of the 1,500 varieties of orchids found at Duke Farms.
 
Cost: $20.  Space is limited and advance registration is required.
 
This class is offered 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the following dates:
 

 Pictured above: Cattleya aclandiae (Karen Collins)

 

Intermediate Orchids: A Focus on the Cattleya Alliance

This program was developed for orchid devotees who wish to learn more about the beautiful and exotic Cattleya and related orchids. A variety of Cattleya Alliance Orchids will be examined, using both slides and plants, with a discussion on relationships, intergeneric breeding, growing and flowering practices.

Following an overview of repotting techniques for Cattleya-type plants, participants will have the opportunity to repot a plant to take home.  This program is for people who have some orchid experience and have an understanding of the Alliance concept.

Cost: $35.  

This class is offered on:

Pictured above: Cattleya (Lc.) Drumbeat 'Heritage' HCC/AOS (Karen Collins) 

 

Intermediate Orchids: A Focus on the Cypripedium Alliance

This program was developed for orchid devotees who wish to learn more about the Cypripedium (Lady Slipper) and related orchids. A variety of Cypripedium Alliance Orchids will be examined, using both slides and plants, with a discussion on relationships, intergeneric breeding, growing and flowering practices. Following an overview of repotting techniques for Cypripedium-type plants, participants will have the opportunity to repot a plant to take home.  This program is for people who have some orchid experience and have an understanding of the Alliance concept.

Cost: $35.

This class is offered on the following date:

Pictured above: Paphiopedilum Maudiae (Karen Collins)
 
 

Intermediate Orchids: A Focus on the Vanda/Phalaenopsis Alliance

This program was developed for orchid devotees who wish to learn more about the Vanda, the Phalaenopsis, and related orchids. A variety of Vanda/Phalaenopsis Alliance Orchids will be examined, using both slides and plants, with a discussion on relationships, intergeneric breeding, growing and flowering practices. Following an overview of repotting techniques for Vanda/Phalaenopsis-type plants, participants will have the opportunity to repot a plant to take home.  This program is for people who have some orchid experience and have an understanding of the Alliance concept.

Cost: $35. 

Please check back for future scheduling of this class. 

Pictured above: Ascocenda Suksamran Spots (Karen Collins)

 

Intermediate Orchids: A Focus on the Oncidium Alliance

This new program was developed for orchid enthusiasts who wish to learn more about the  Oncidium and related orchids. A variety of Oncidium Alliance Orchids will be examined, using both slides and plants, with a discussion on relationships, intergeneric breeding, growing and flowering practices. Following an overview of repotting techniques for Oncidium-type plants, participants will have the opportunity to repot a plant to take home.  This program is for people who have some orchid experience and have an understanding of the Alliance concept. 

Cost: $35.

This class is offered on:

Pictured above: Hamiltonara Golden Harry "The Odyssey' (Karen Collins) 
 Odontocidium (Colm) Wildcat 'Bobcat' AM/AOS

 


Did you know?

The Phalaenopsis Doris , which was registered by Duke Farms in 1940, was of unprecedented importance in the breeding of hybrid Phalaenopsis. More than 25,000 Phalaenopsis hybrids have been registered that have the Doris in their background. It was a major factor in the cut-flower industry of the 1940s and 1950s and has had a major impact on the development of Phalaenopsis orchids for the mass market.

The Phalaenopsis has become the typical orchid to most people, as it maintains an ever-present availability throughout garden centers and large retailers.

Pictured above: Phalaenopsis Doris 'A.J. Proebstle'

Download our Winter Programs brochure (235KB PDF).