Are orchids too hard to grow?

On Wednesday, Nov. 3, Linda Thorne of Seagrove Orchids will answer this question at a special 10 a.m. workshop at the Ball Visitors Center of the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens located on the campus of Sandhills Community College.

Thorne will demystify orchids by addressing the misconception that these special plants are difficult to care for. A self-taught expert in the field, Thorne is an 18-year veteran grower, whose greenhouse boasts more than 33 genuses, nearly 400 species and more than 1,000 orchid varieties.

Thorne will examine a number of topics, including what defines an orchid in comparison to other flowering plants; care of orchids in the home; longterm care, growing orchids on wood (as in nature); and orchid reproduction. As orchids are native to every continent except for Antarctica, Thorne believes that "unlearning how to water this exotic house plant" is the key to success.

This special program, "Orchids Are Not Difficult, Just Misunderstood," is presented free to the public by the Sandhills Council of Garden Clubs and Sandhills Horticultural Society. Reservations are required, and space is limited.

Contact Tricia Mabe at (910) 695-3882 to make reservations.

A wide variety of orchids will be for sale after the program.