Etowah Library

Join Marion Allen as she explains the basics of orchid culture so you’ll have a fighting chance to grow these beautiful flowers. You will learn why orchids don’t behave the way other houseplants do and what makes them different so you can understand why they can be such a challenge.

Marion Allen began growing orchids about 50 years ago when she bought her first Cattleya in Newport Beach, California. After her move to Colorado in 1978 she grew in a small greenhouse attached to her home in Aurora. In 1980 she and John moved to Evergreen and built another greenhouse with a house attached. In the eighties she became active with the Denver Orchid Society, serving as the President, show chair, membership chair and newsletter editor over the years. Also, in the 1980’s she went to the University of Denver to take an undergraduate degree in Biology. At the same time, she became active with the American Orchid Society, serving on the Special Funding Committee and the Affiliated Societies Committee, ending as its chair. She then became a trustee and finished her service as the Secretary on the Executive Committee. In 1991 she joined the American Orchid Society judging program and was appointed as an Emeritus Judge in 2016. She is now attached to the Carolinas Judging Center. In 2022 she moved to North Carolina and joined the Western North Carolina Orchid Society. She grows her small collection of orchid species and hybrids under LED lights in Hendersonville. 

 Registration Required | For Adults & Teens