What Happens at Ramapo Orchid Society Meetings at the Flat Rock Brook Nature Center?

The Ramapo Orchid Society (ROS) meets monthly at the Flat Rock Brook Nature Center in Englewood, New Jersey, except in July and August, and anyone interested in orchids is welcome to attend as a guest. Meetings feature a guest speaker, hands-on workshops, a show table, and orchids for sale from local vendors. The next meeting listed is Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 7PM, with Thanh Nguyen of Springwater Orchids speaking on "Paphs and Phrags, General Notes & Culture."

Meeting Schedule and Location

The society describes itself as a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to growing orchids. Because it skips July and August, plan around a roughly ten-meeting year rather than a year-round calendar.

What Happens at a Typical Meeting

According to the club's own description, meetings typically include:

• A guest speaker — the October 2026 meeting features Thanh Nguyen from Springwater Orchids in Florida, who will also bring plants for sale.
• Hands-on workshops — practical sessions rather than lecture-only programming.
• A show table — members are asked to bring orchids in bloom for display.
• Orchids for sale — "affordably priced orchids from local vendors," per the club.
• Social hour — coffee and refreshments are available; the club suggests a $1.00 monthly contribution to its Refreshment Fund.
• Informal knowledge-sharing — the club highlights the chance to "trade growing secrets with some very experienced members."

Special events during the year include an annual show, an auction, and a holiday party.

Can Guests Attend?

Yes. The club states it is "open to anyone who shares our love of orchids" and closes its meeting notice with "Guests always welcome." You do not need to be a member to attend a meeting, and the suggested $1 refreshment fee is a contribution, not an admission charge.

What to Bring

• Orchids in bloom for the show table, if you have any — the club explicitly invites attendees to bring them.
• A small amount of cash if you want refreshments (suggested $1.00) or plants from the visiting vendor.
• Questions — the workshop and social portions are built around exchanging growing advice.

Related Orchid Activity Nearby

The Northeast Judging Center of the American Orchid Society, which the club is affiliated with, holds monthly judging on the third Saturday at 9:00 AM, with an educational forum starting at 10:30 AM. Plants submitted for judging should arrive by noon, and judging generally begins no later than 1 PM after a lunch break. If you want to see orchid judging in addition to a club meeting, that is a separate event on a separate day.

How to Decide Whether to Go

Attend a regular meeting if you want a low-pressure introduction to orchid growing, access to experienced growers, and a chance to buy plants locally. The October 2026 meeting is a reasonable first visit because the speaker is a vendor bringing plants for sale. If your interest is competitive judging or AOS awards, the third-Saturday judging event is the more relevant entry point. For membership details, meeting-date confirmations, and contact information, check the Ramapo Orchid Society's website and its Facebook and Instagram pages, since schedules can change.