Welcome to the Triad Orchid Society!
Whether you just brought home your very first grocery store Phalaenopsis, are trying to get a stubborn rescue plant to rebloom, or manage an advanced collection in climate-controlled indoor enclosures, you have found your community.
The Triad Orchid Society is a passionate group of plant lovers, hobbyists, and growers based right here in the Triad region of North Carolina. We believe that anyone can grow beautiful orchids, and we are dedicated to demystifying their care through shared knowledge, hands-on experience, and a welcoming environment.
Our Mission
To promote the appreciation, conservation, and successful cultivation of orchids throughout our community.
We achieve this by providing engaging educational programs, hosting monthly meetings, and fostering a collaborative space where orchid enthusiasts of all skill levels can connect, learn, and grow together.
About Our Society
The Triad Orchid Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on building a community where the love of orchids thrives alongside practical horticultural skills. Our purpose is to broaden public appreciation for these fascinating plants by providing accessible, high-quality education on the care, biology, and historical background of both natural species and complex hybrids. Through our rotating monthly presentations, hands-on workshops, and active presence at regional botanical exhibitions, we work to cultivate real-world growing knowledge, reward excellence in plant care, and foster meaningful connections among growers of all experience levels.
We look forward to welcoming new faces and building a supportive environment where anyone, from windowsill hobbyists to advanced collectors, can find inspiration and peer guidance. We invite you to join us at an upcoming gathering, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and discover something new to help your collection flourish!
2026 Board Members
President: Tracy Isley
Vice President: Tammy Goldberg
Treasurer: Will Bottoms
Secretary: Martha George
Trustees:
Dennis LaJeunesse
Pat Hedrick
Nicky Makruski
Gaye Sharpe
Digital Media Manager: Rebecca Short
Why Join Us?
Monthly Meetings & Guest Speakers: Learn from regional experts, commercial growers, and advanced hobbyists covering everything from basic potting techniques to specialized genus care.
The "Show & Tell" Table: Bring in your blooming plants to share your success, get friendly feedback, and see what other members have that are flowering and see what your orchid would rate if it were being judged in an orchid show.
Member Exchange & Plant Sales: We encourage members to bring plants to our monthly meetings to exchange or sell with fellow enthusiasts. These sessions are a great way to diversify your collection and share your own successes. Please note that when a guest speaker joins us and brings their own plants for sale, we pause member exchanges for that meeting to support our visiting experts.
Annual Orchid Show & Exhibition: We are proud to host our annual orchid show, a vibrant showcase of botanical diversity featuring an official American Orchid Society (AOS) judged competition alongside displays from visiting societies and select regional vendors. As a centerpiece of our year, this event invites the public to view prize-winning blooms, shop specialty growers, and celebrate orchid excellence with our local community.
Regional Orchid Society Shows: Our passion extends beyond our own walls. The Triad Orchid Society actively participates in regional orchid shows and exhibitions throughout the area. These collaborations allow our members to display their specimens alongside fellow hobbyists, share knowledge across societies, and represent the Triad’s thriving orchid community on a larger stage.
A Resource Network: Get real-time advice from local growers who understand our specific North Carolina climate, humidity challenges, and indoor setups.
Want to Join Us?
Whether you want to attend a meeting as a guest, formalize your membership, or simply ask a question about a plant in your collection, getting connected is easy.
Join Us Monthly: We meet the second Sunday of every month at the beautiful Caine Conservatory on the High Point University campus (1 N University Pkwy, High Point, NC 27268). Join us for lunch at 1:00 PM at the Butterfly Cafe, followed by our main speaker presentation at 2:00 PM.
Get Cleared for Arrival: Visitors are always welcome! If this is your first time joining us, please send us a message in advance so we can ensure your name is left at the campus security gate for a smooth entry. We highly recommend using the gate on Montlieu Ave, as it provides the quickest and most direct access to the Caine Conservatory.
Become an Official Member: Ready to join the society? Talk to our membership coordinator at your first meeting or fill out our digital registration form to unlock full member benefits, plant sales, and show exhibitions. It is the perfect way to share knowledge and grow your passion alongside a supportive local community.
