Diablo View Orchid Society
May 2026 Newsletter
Event Information
May 2026 Presentation
Jim Wert's DIY Greenhouse Build
We are happy to announce that Jim will be the guest speaker at our next meeting! Jim brings a wealth of practical experience and a relatable backstory that many of us can appreciate.
His orchid journey began back in 2007 when a persistent friend, Chip Scarborough, gifted him a Christmas orchid. Despite Jim’s early struggles (and a few casualties), Chip encouraged him to join the
Diablo View Orchid Society to "learn the ropes." Nearly 20 years later, Jim has transformed from a self-proclaimed "orchid killer" into an expert grower with a collection of hundreds of beautiful orchids.
Building on a Budget
In his upcoming presentation, Jim will share the secrets behind his recycled-material greenhouse. He’ll discuss how he utilized salvaged building materials to create a custom growing environment, including:
Micro-Climates: How he manages different ecosystems within one structure—from dry, high-light top shelves to the soft, indirect light of North-facing windows.
The Seasonal Shift: A look at his specialized exterior space built with Lexan panels, designed specifically to provide orchids with a necessary dry winter rest.
Diverse Collections: Insights into his success with a wide variety of genera, including Stanhopea, Dracula, Coelogyne, Cymbidiums, Dendrobium, Masdevallia and Cattleya and his recent focus on mounted orchids.
Lessons from the Bench
Jim will also touch on his personal habits for success, such as his meticulous labeling system. By recording the "when and where" of every purchase—whether from an orchid show or our very own DVOS opportunity table—he maintains a living history of his collection, some of which have been thriving under his care for over a decade.
Don't miss this chance to learn how to build your own orchid sanctuary and manage diverse species through clever greenhouse zoning!
President's Letter
Dear Members,
As I write, we are under the full Flower Moon—an especially fitting and auspicious moment for those of us who love orchids. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s also the perfect opportunity for husbands, sons, and loved ones to brighten someone’s day with a beautiful orchid. It’s a gift that never fails to delight.
This month’s speaker is our own Jim Wert, who will share his experience building a greenhouse using found and recycled materials. He’ll also offer practical techniques for achieving success with orchids—sure to be both inspiring and useful.
I’m also looking forward to our potluck picnic at Mary Nisbet’s greenhouses in Bolinas on May 16th, beginning at 10:30 a.m. It promises to be a wonderful day, with plenty of orchids to admire and some available for purchase.
Like many of you, I’ve been navigating the challenges of this spring’s unpredictable weather. My Phalaenopsis appear to have received a bit too much light, yet the persistent winds have made me hesitant to install shade cloth—or even try the new umbrella I’ve been considering. Still, orchids are resilient, and we learn as we go.
Finally, I’m pleased to share that the board has voted to award a life membership to Ulrike Ahlborn in recognition of her many years managing the club’s website. What may seem like a simple task often becomes quite demanding over time, and Ulrike has carried it out with dedication and care. We are deeply grateful for her contributions.
Warm regards,
Mary Christopherson
President, DVOS
UPCOMING ORCHID EVENTS
Event Information
What: Potluck picnic at Mary Nisbet's greenhouses in Bolinas
When: Saturday May 16th, 10:30 am to 2:00 pm
Where: California Orchids, 515 Aspen Rd. Bolinas, CA 94924. Directions are also available on her website: California Orchids Directions
Mary Nisbet has been operating out of her large Bolinas greenhouses since 1987, offering orchid boarding services and growing a wide range of genera for her biannual sales that attracted people from far and wide. Since retiring in recent years, Mary is operating on a smaller scale but is still open by appointment. Her personal collection grows in cool and intermediate greenhouses, and she rents the rest of her houses to other growers. Her website is linked here: Welcome to California Orchids
DVOS will be hosted in the beautiful covered outdoor growing area, so bring a sun hat and a potluck dish to share.
Upcoming Regional Events
2026 Central CA/Bay Area Show and Sales, Auctions
Santa Clara Valley Orchid Society
Yamagami Garden Center
1361 S De Anza Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014
May 9th & 10th, 2026
9 am - 5 pm
April Show and Tell Winners
Henry is presenting Show and Tell with Mary this month
Kathy's Cattleya really pops
What a great Coelogyne
Another beautiful Cattleya
Lancer Smith
Lancer Smith Award
Sarcochilus Kulnura Sherbert 'Bigun'
Grower: Marcia Hart
Novice Growers
Novice Grower First Place
Phalaenopsis Paradise Found
Grower: Mary Christopherson
Novice Second Place
Cymbidium NoID
Grower: Linda Policarpio
Intermediate Growers
Intermediate First Place
Dryadella zebrina
Grower: Mara Kauffman
Intermediate Second Place
Phalaenopsis tetraspis
Grower: Henry Shaw
Intermediate Third Place
Bulbophyllum falcatum 'Standing Tall'
Grower: Mara Kauffman
Advanced Growers
Advanced First Place
Cattleya Arnie's Life
Grower: Kathy Barrett
Advanced Second Place
Rhyncholaeliocattleya Heathers Gold 'MainStrike'
Grower: Phyllis Arthur
Advanced Third Place
Cattleya Beau's Apricot Gem
Grower: Phyllis Arthur
