Presentations

Orchid Presentations by Sarah Hurdel

All talks are 1 hour + time for Q&A.

Bio and photos for newsletter - see About Me page!

Presentation History below

    All presentations listed are appropriate for a wide variety of orchid experience levels - making them perfect for societies with beginners and advanced members.  Most are from the perspective of an under lights grower.  However information is useful for windowsill and greenhouse growers - beginners to advanced, and presented in a way that keeps the audience engaged with original animations, illustrations and lots of pretty pictures.  

Available Talks 

What's Eating Your Orchids?

    Not just another pest talk!  We begin by looking at a newly acquired plant, and share in the horror of what can be found in an otherwise healthy looking plant. You'll learn the importance of identifying pests at different life stages, the damage they cause and how to choose the least toxic, yet most effective treatment.  And also understand why some are so difficult to get rid of! Includes information for home and greenhouse growers, and suitable for all levels of experience.

New! Layer Cake Orchids - No Bark Recipe for Happy Plants!

    Originally developed to make moisture loving orchids happy when growing under lights in dry conditions such as Bulbophyllum, Phragmipedium, Coelogyne and Dendrochilum, I discoverd it works for just about every Orchid Genera I grow.  Cattleyas, Paphs and Phals, are all grown in a variation of Layer Cake, too!  Perlite, Packing Peanuts and Promix, that's all you need.

Layer Cake Orchids - Recipe for Happy Bulbophyllums!

    Variation of the Layer Cake talk specific to Bulbos.  I explain how to get them started in Layer Cake, and how to manage a plant once it takes off.  Covers many different sizes and types of this very large Genus!  Truly the easy way to grow them, even in low humidity.

Home Grown Orchids - Under Lights

    An entertaining and informative presentation packed with tips, tricks and creative solutions for growing a wide variety of orchids successfully without a greenhouse.  I share exactly what I use in my basement setup, and where to purchase it - and turn a few 

Habenaria - Best in Show!

    Learn about this often misunderstood, yet surprisingly easy to grow Genus. Provides an introduction to the species, hybrids and closely related genera, with a detailed look at cultural needs and what makes this the ultimate showy orchid for growers without a greenhouse!

Basement Tour and Chat

    Live tour and chat with Sarah in her basement grow room.  See what's blooming and how she grows such a large variety of orchids under lights!

Judging Talks - for Societies

Orchid Judging - What a judge wants

    Discover what judges are looking for, and the differences between ribbon judging and AOS judging, cultural and flower quality awards.  Also learn what it takes to become a orchid judge!

Judging Talks - for Judges

Judging Habenaria

    Very well received talk highlighting what makes the Genus Habenaria different from other orchids, and what we should consider when judging them.

Other Future Topics -

The following talks are unfinished or in need of revision, but can potentially be finished.  If you are interested, let me know!

Orchids 101 - Redesign and splitting into two talks - Intro and Culture

    An eye opening introduction to the world of orchids. This presentation is suitable for garden clubs and new orchid growers. From what makes an orchid….an orchid, the extraordinary diversity, the beautiful and bizarre, and which ones we can actually grow for ourselves!

Staking and Grooming for Show and Show Table

    Tips tricks and techniques for prepping your plants for display.

Exhibit Design – Tabletop

Exhibit Design – Staging

Past Presentations

Pre-2020 Talks include - Charlottesville Orchid Society, Catoctin Orchid Society, Maryland Orchid Society, National Capital Orchid Society, National Capital Judging Center, Orchid Hobbyists of Delmarva, Southeast Pennsylvania Orchid Society, Susquehanna Orchid Society, including local orchid shows, workshops and Garden Clubs.

 

2023

Fort Worth Orchid Society – Zoom
Victoria Orchid Society – Zoom – Basement Tour
Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania – Growing Under Lights
Triad Orchid Society - Habenaria
Triangle Orchid Society - Habenaria
Sand Hills Orchid Society - Habenaria
Cape Fear Orchid Society - Habenaria
New Orleans Orchid Society - Zoom
Lord Fairfax Orchid Society – Layer Cake Bulbophyllums
Susquehanna Orchid Society – Habenaria
Western North Carolina Orchid Society – Habenaria
Ann Arbor/Michigan Orchid Societies – Zoom, Layer Cake Orchids
North Jersey Orchid Society – Habenaria
Deep Cut Orchid Society – Habenaria
Maryland Orchid Society – Layer Cake Bulbophyllums

2022

Genesee Region Orchid Society – Zoom - Habenaria
Central New York Orchid Society - Zoom
Diablo View Orchid Society - Zoom - Habenaria
Private Group - Zoom - Habenaria
Saskatchewan Orchid Society – Zoom – Habenaria
Windsor Orchid Society – Zoom – Habenaria
Oregon Orchid Society - Zoom
St. Augustine Orchid Society – Zoom - Habenaria
Orchid Digest Speakers Day – Habenaria
Niagara Region Orchid Society – Zoom - Under Lights
Lord Fairfax Orchid Society - Zoom - Under Lights
Central Louisiana Orchid Society - Zoom
Maryland Orchid Society – Habenaria
Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania - Zoom - Under Lights
Essex County Orchid Society – Zoom - Under Lights
Susquehanna Orchid Society – Zoom - Under Lights
Sunday Night Zoom - Layercake Orchids

2021

Lord Fairfax Orchid Society - Zoom - Habenaria
Northwest Orchid Society – Zoom – Habenaria
Orchid Society Greater Kansas City - Zoom - Habenaria
Basement Tour and Chat – Zoom
Basement Tour and Chat - Zoom
National Capital Orchid Society – Zoom - Orchid Pests
Orchid Society Greater Kansas City – Zoom - Basement Tour and Chat
Central Iowa Orchid Society - Zoom – Habenaria
Triad Orchid Society - Zoom - Habenaria
Virgin Islands Orchid Society – Zoom - Orchid Pests
St. Croix Orchid Society – Zoom - Orchid Pests
Virginia Orchid Society – Zoom - Under Lights
Pacific South JC – Zoom - Judging Habenaria
Hilo Orchid Society - Zoom – Habenaria
Lord Fairfax Orchid Society – Zoom - Orchid Pests
Lehigh Valley Orchid Society - Zoom - Habenaria
Catoctin Orchid Society – Zoom - Basement Tour & Chat
Southern Tier Orchid Society – Zoom - Under Lights
Peninsula Orchid Society – Zoom - Habenaria