About NWOS
Our Mission
The aims and objectives of the Northwest Orchid Society shall be to disseminate information concerning the culture and conservation of orchids, and generally to extend the knowledge, production, use and appreciation of orchids of all kinds.
The Northwest Orchid Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1947 with the goal of creating a community for orchid growers while promoting and educating people about this rewarding hobby. We welcome both beginner and experienced orchid growers who would like to learn more and meet other people with similar interests. We host monthly meetings with guest speakers, plant raffles, special event planning, and a display table where our members show off their latest blooms.
The Northwest Orchid Society (NWOS) is an affiliate of the American Orchid Society (AOS) and the Orchid Digest Corporation (ODC).
An Early History of The Northwest Orchid Society
Monthly Meetings
Meetings are normally held the second Monday of each month with the exception of July and August. Meetings typically run from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Our meetings feature informative programs, guest speakers, orchid exhibits, plant raffles, and sales. One Meeting each year features a special auction. The auction is a chance for members to sell their extra plants and to bid on new ones to add to their collection.
Meetings are free and open to the public, however we encourage you to sign up for a membership to support the society and receive all the benefits the society has to offer.
Register for the next meeting:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are hosting meetings on Zoom. Register for the next meeting on the Events page by clicks on the button below.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Shortly before the meeting time, follow the directions in that confirmation email. You will enter a “waiting room” and will be let into the meeting when it starts.
Normally, meetings are held at the University of Washington Botanic Gardens, Center for Urban Horticulture, in NHS Hall (Northwest Horticultural Society). Get Directions.
Meeting features
Orchid Exhibits
At our monthly meetings there is an exhibition table where members can display their blooming plants. During the meeting a member does the “plant table walk,” points out unusual, interesting, or exceptionally well-grown plants and asks some of the growers for information about their plants and growing conditions.
Virtual Plant Table
Since our meetings are conducted via Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic, we present a virtual Plant table. In this way we can still see your wonderful blooms. Please send your photos to the newsletter editor to be included in the newsletter as well as in the virtual slideshow during our meeting.
Plant Sales Table
Members may bring a maximum of 5 orchid plants or compots to each regular monthly meeting to sell. Fifteen percent of money collected goes to the society. Although only members may sell plants, anyone in attendance may purchase plants.
Plant Raffle
Our raffle table is stocked with orchids donated by local botanic gardens and by members. Members may purchase raffle tickets at meetings for $1 each. The raffle is held at the end of every regular meeting and is a great way to expand your orchid collection.
Library of Orchid Publications
The NWOS maintains a library of orchid books, videotapes, and periodicals. The Society librarian brings a small selection of items from the library for check-out by members at monthly meetings, though all items are available by arrangement with the librarian. See what’s in the library here. If you’d like to check out a book or tape from our Library, please contact our librarian a minimum of two (2) weeks before the next meeting.
Orchid Auction
One of our monthly meetings is devoted to an auction of orchid plants. It is a chance for members to sell “surplus” plants and to add new ones to their collection.
August Picnic
Instead of a meeting in August, the society holds a picnic for all of its members. The picnic is a social gathering held during a weekend in August, the date and location depending on weather.
Holiday Gift and Potluck
In the month of December our meeting is a holiday potluck where each member receives a holiday gift orchid.
