Discovering the best of Philippine flora

The Philippine Orchid Society, together with the country’s major horticultural organizations, will host the 2nd Flora Filipina International Expo 2009 from Feb. 6 to 16 at the Quezon City Hall grounds (lagoon area), East Ave. corner Elliptical Rd., Diliman, QC.

With the theme “Discover the Best and Rarest of Philippine Flora,” the event will feature a floral competition and landscape exhibits, conference, and commercial bazaars.

Registration fee for the Flora Filipina Conference on Feb. 6 and 7 is P2,500/person inclusive of meals, hand-outs, kits, and certificate of registration. Avail of the early registration rate of P1,250 when you sign up on or before Jan. 16.

There will be free lectures on the art and science of bonsai growing, and techniques for vandaceous and phaelaenopsis orchids on Feb. 8; creating dish gardens and terrariums for the home and office growing techniques for cattleyas, dendrobiums, and oncidium orchids on Feb. 9; culture of bromeliad, neoregalia and tillandsia using the Internet in marketing plants on Feb. 10; an overview on the development of public parks, basic principles of landscaping for practical use on Feb. 11.

Other topics include: nutritional requirements of ornamental plants, and disease and pest control in ornamental plants on Feb. 12; basic practices in organic vegetable farming, and establishing a tissue culture laboratory for selected ornamental plants on Feb. 13; floral arrangement for Valentine’s Day, and aroid production on Feb. 14; production of ferns for collectors and landscapers, and production of techniques for hoyas and dischidias on Feb. 15; and the production of culinary and aromatic herbs, and establishing an ornamental plant business on Feb. 16.

For inquiries, call 929-4425, 926-5061 or visit www.philippineorchidsocietyph.org.