Doors open at 6:30 pm for Show & Tell setup and conversations

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!