Because most gardeners assume that “orchids” are strictly tropical plants that must be grown indoors or in greenhouses, Dr. Bill Mathis surprises and delights audiences with the “Best Kept Secret in the Gardening World”:  Wild Orchids WILL Grow In Your Garden.  Since 1970, Dr. Bill Mathis has been nurturing his intense interest in growing hardy orchids, and now enthusiastically teaches others to do so as well.    With a Master’s degree in Botany and a Ph.D. in agronomy, this orchid enthusiast and botanist has literally immersed himself in the plant world both personally and professionally for over thirty-five years.  His passion for growing hardy orchids is palpable and his audiences benefit from his incredible knack for turning the seemingly complicated into simple guidelines and instructions. The Best Kept Secret in the Gardening World: Hardy Terrestrial Orchids YES!  Wild Orchids WILL Grow In Your Garden!   This eye-opening presentation is designed to give the average gardener or orchid enthusiast a broad overview of the cultural requirements for successfully growing hardy terrestrial orchids. Several different species are discussed in detail.  The discussion is divided into three categories covering upland, wetland and transition species, and includes an in-depth look at successfully growing each.   The basic growth essentials emphasized for each species group include soil amendments, soil mixes, fertilizer use, watering requirements, and more.  The complete presentation takes from 45 – 60 minutes depending on audience participation and a projection screen is required. Dr. Mathis is available for presentation as time permits. Travel, domestic or international, is welcome, and travel expenses are expected. Speaker's fee is negotiable.  References can be obtained from any of the following organizations: Past Speaking Engagements * Arkansas Flower Show - Little Rock, AR * Philadelphia Flower Show - Philadelphia, PA * Smithsonian Institution in Washington In-Service Workshop * Dow Gardens Symposium – Midland, MI * New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show * So. Appalachian Plant Society - Johnson City, TN * Bucks County Master Gardeners - Doylestown, PA * Staten Island Orchid Society - Staten Island, NY * Bucks County Orchid Society - Churchville, PA * Mid-Hudson Orchid Society - Newburg, NY * Finger Lakes Native Plant Society - Ithica, NY * South Jersey Orchid Society - Wenonah, NJ * Greater New York Orchid Society * Northeastern New York Orchid Society - Albany, NY * Central Ohio Orchid Society - Columbus, OH * Delaware Valley Chapter of North American Rock Garden Society * Virginia Orchid Society - Richmond, VA * Southeast Pennsylvania Orchid Society * Susquehanna Orchid Society * Academy of Lifelong Learning – Wilmington, Delaware * West Chester, NY Orchid Society * Bucks County Orchid Society * Tamanend Park Garden Club * Delaware Valley College * Delaware Orchid Society – Wilmington, Delaware * Burlington County Master Gardeners - Rutgers EcoComplex, Columbus, NJ * Trevose Horticulture Society - Bensalem, PA * Bucks County Master Gardeners * Adirondack Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society * Berks County Orchid Society - Reading, PA * The Porch Club of Riverton - Riverton, NJ * Doylestown Nature Club - Doylestown, PA * South Jersey Orchid Society * Greater New York Orchid Society * Philadelphia Orchid Society * North Jersey Orchid Society * Central Jersey Orchid Society   **Please note that all plants are for sale in the US only**