George Thorpe was guest speaker at the meeting of the Iris Garden Club on Tuesday, March 14, at the Parish House.

Mr. Thorpe, introduced by Laura Toburen, gave a most interesting program on orchids. He brought a variety of beautiful orchids from his home and talked about the many hybrids available. He also brought a sample of the type of potting medium he uses to plant his orchids, emphasizing that this is most important in being able to grow healthy orchids. Mr. Thorpe demonstrated how to divide orchids to get new plants and explained how often to water, fertilize and repot orchids in order to keep them healthy and blooming. He also gave helpful hints about increasing blooms and the importance of placing the orchids in a sunny window to get the best results.

Mr. Thorpe has become known as the "Orchid Doctor" to many as friends have brought their sick orchids to him and he has been able to make them thrive and become healthy again.

Everyone found the program most enjoyable and asked many questions after the presentation.

Prior to the program, Karen Stubbs, president, called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone.

She thanked hostesses, Marian Thorpe, Jackie Gale, Anna Gunter and Catherine Hessert, for the delicious refreshments.

Following the program, committee reports were given. Members were urged to turn in their favorite recipes to be published in the new cookbook being compiled by the Club.

It was noted that the next meeting will be Tuesday, April 11, at the Parish House. The program is entitled "Share Your Knowledge of a Favorite Plant". Each member will bring a plant, if small, or cutting and will share about the plant in a short presentation. Hostesses will be Mary Lou Dyer, Oleta McAvoy, Mary Craven and Dot Harris.

Members present were Evelyn Bennett, Eleanor Blackmon, Mary Ann Bentley, Gail Boyd, Sandy Burton, Mary Lou Dyer, Jackie Gale, Anna Gunter, Dot Harris, Catherine Hessert, Debbie Holes, Norma Hopkins, Nita Latimer, Nancy McAvoy, Oleta McAvoy, Marilyn Pasco, Marcia Paxton, Franny Robinson, Cathy Stackhouse, Karen Stubbs, Marian Thorpe, Laura Toburen and Patsy Winn.