What is the Atlanta Orchid Society?

Updated

The Atlanta Orchid Society (AtlOS) is a non-profit orchid society founded in 1947, open to anyone interested in orchids—from complete novices to experienced growers. It is one of roughly 550 local societies affiliated with the American Orchid Society (AOS), and it meets monthly in Atlanta, hosts guest speakers, and runs an orchid show and an annual auction. If you are looking for a local group to learn about orchid culture, show plants, or meet other growers, this is the organization to start with.

Who it is for and what membership means

Membership is open to anyone interested in orchids, and the society explicitly frames itself as a place where novices and experienced growers learn from one another. Members are encouraged to participate in discussion, hold offices, and offer suggestions. The site does not list dues or a sign-up form on the page; it only provides a "Sign up for membership" link, so check that page for current terms before assuming cost or process.

Monthly meetings

  • When: the second Monday of each month, usually at 7:30pm.
  • Where: usually the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
  • Confirm first: the society advises checking the newsletter to confirm each month's details, since location or timing can vary.
  • What happens: members bring blooming orchids for show, discussion, or questions, and there is a monthly ribbon judging. Most months feature a guest speaker on some aspect of orchids and their culture. Speakers come from across the United States and beyond and often bring plants to sell, including unusual and hard-to-find varieties.
  • Visitors: welcome.

One example from the calendar: the November 9 meeting features Scott Elliott presenting a program on the Catasetinae, covering the group's dramatic flowers, pollination biology, and seasonal growth cycle.

Events beyond the monthly meeting

Event Date Location Notes
2026 Annual Orchid Auction Saturday, November 7, 2026, 1:00pm–4:30pm Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church, 3016 Lanier Dr NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319 The society's second-largest fundraiser of the year; auction begins at 1:00 PM
Orchid Show & Sale March 12–14, 2027 Atlanta Botanical Garden The society's next show

The auction is described as a way to add orchids to your collection while supporting the society; bring friends and come prepared to bid. The show runs three days in March 2027.

Other resources on the site

The site's navigation points to sections on orchid culture, retail sources, a calendar, email groups, newsletter archives, articles, AOS awards, and AOS judging by the Atlanta Judging Center. These are the places to look for growing guidance, local vendors, and past newsletter content.

How to get involved

  1. Check the newsletter or calendar to confirm the next meeting's time and place.
  2. Attend a monthly meeting as a visitor—visitors are explicitly welcome.
  3. Bring a blooming orchid if you have one, for show, discussion, or ribbon judging.
  4. Use the membership sign-up link when you are ready to join; confirm current dues and process there.

The main practical caution: meeting details can change month to month, so verify before traveling to the Atlanta Botanical Garden.