Three members braved the weather to attend the last meeting on Sunday, December 14, at Howard's (really only two members since Howard was already there, but he did have to brave the cold to get Laura's car "unstuck.")

Members enjoyed checking out Howard's greenhouse, photos of the orchids Howard found on his latest trip, and some tips on fitting orchids into a small space. Laura brought cookies and Howard's wife Laurel provided yummy cranberry bread and hot cider.

The next meeting will be Sunday, January 11, 3:00 p.m. at the Columbia Public Library, 100 W. Broadway, Room B (on second floor, up the stairs and to the left).

The meeting will feature a presentation on vanilla. There will be vanilla plants available for purchase and members should bring their favorite vanilla flavored refreshments!

The Missouri Botanical Garden's annual orchid show, An Orchid Romance opens on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004 and continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Sunday, March 14 inside the Garden’s Ridgway Center. The cost is $3 for adults and $2 for seniors, in addition to regular admission ($7 adults, $5 seniors; St. Louis city and county residents, $3 adults, $1.50 seniors). Members and children 12 and under are admitted free to both the Garden and orchid show.

Our friends in the Missouri Orchid Society will be hosting their annual orchid show February 7 & 8 at the Missouri Botanical Garden.