Doors open at 6:30pm for Show & Tell setup and conversations
Ron Parsons
Ron Parsons has been growing orchids for nearly 49 years and has been interested in the species for most of that time. He loves to photograph orchids and other flowers whenever he can and does so as often as possible. Ron has more than 100,000 digital images, most of which are of orchids. He still retains a slide library that exceeds 100,000 botanical images. He has given more than 500 talks on various botanical topics and has nearly 6500 published photos. Ron has co-authored four books on botanical subjects, all with Mary E. Gerritsen. The first two, published by Timber Press, are Masdevallias, Gems of the Orchid World and Calochortus, Mariposa Lilies and their Relatives. Their third book, a two-volume set, A Compendium of Miniature Orchid Species was published by Redfern Natural History Productions in January 2014. In 2019 The American Orchid Society Guide to Orchids and their Culture was released, and is on its third printing. They have recently completed a fifth book, a much-revised second edition of A Compendium of Miniature Orchids Species. It is now in four volumes with 3100 photos (1800 of those are new), including those of more than 500 species not in the first edition. The set was released in early October, 2021.
Madagascar, A Land of Many Contrasts
The vast island nation of Madagascar, is a land that should be visited sooner rather than later. It is home to many hundreds of native orchid species, most of which are as unique as the other flora and the fauna of this fourth largest island in the world. Unfortunately, much of the land is environmentally devastated, but the wild areas are home to some of the most incredible experiences a person can have. Ron may not have had great initial impressions upon arrival and for the first several days, but as the trip progressed his feelings changed and he was filled with indelible and wonderful memories, and a longing to return.
Dinner with the Speakers:
Members of DVOS are invited to a no-host, pre-meeting dinner with our speaker, Ron Parsons. We will meet for dinner at 5 PM on Thursday June 13th at:
Aung Burma, 2151 Salvio St Suite E, Concord, CA 94520
This restaurant is a 5-minute drive from the meeting venue. If you wish to attend, please RSVP to bonddiane9@gmail.com by 5PM Wednesday, June 12th so that Diane can make reservations.
