Dr Clark Riley


Phone: 410-591-9201 Email: DrRiley@aol.com
http://clarkriley.com/speaking/

SpecialtiesOrchid culture. Terrestrials. Taxonomy, Cypripediums and Selenipediums, Greenhouses and more
FormatOnline and in-person
Provides plants for sale?No

Biography

Clark Riley has been an active orchid grower since 1957. At the age of six, he got his first plant, a probably-collected Yellow Ladyslipper (Cypripedium pubescens) from a perennial nursery. The plant died a miserable death in a short time, but not before blooming and cementing a love of orchids that has lasted over half a century. He has labored ever since to make amends by promoting the sound cultivation of Ladyslippers. He grows a wide range of orchids, including several thousand terrestrials, hardy species, and ladyslippers, Brazilian Laelias, and specialty Phalaenopsis, often from seed. He was the producer for the book and CD of Proceeding of the North American Native Terrestrial Orchid Conference. He is a member of the Maryland Orchid Society and the American Orchid Society. He can be reached at DrRiley@aol.com or visit his web site at http://cyps.us.

Talks and Abstracts

1

60 Years of Orchid Growing Mistakes (Including the Top Ten Orchid Growing Mistakes -- and how to fix 'em)

At the age of six, Clark got his first plant, a [probably collected] Cypripedium pubescens from a perennial nursery. The plant died a miserable death in a short time, but not before blooming and cementing a life-long love of orchids. He has labored ever since to make amends by promoting the sound cultivation of orchids. Clark talks about the mistakes he's made and the plants he's killed like every other orchid grower and — most importantly — how he's changed his culture to overcome these difficulties. This practical digital talk features his "Top Ten Cultural Mistakes (and how to fix 'em)". The program is 45 to 50 minutes in length depending on questions.
2

Down & Dirty Orchids, Terrestrials Come of Age

Terrestrial species are becoming increasingly popular. This illustrated talk covers many of the most beautiful species with culture hints. This program is about 45 to 60 minutes in length, and uses one tray of slides. The actual time varies with the number of questions asked.
3

Orchid Taxonomy for Fun and Profit - A Beginner's Introduction and Veteran's Relief

Yes, it is easy to have fun with taxonomy. Clark brings to bear his experience working in a genetic laboratory combined with 50-plus years of very practical orchid growing. Learn what is important and what is trivia with taxonomy and live at peace with your labels! This program is about 45 to 60 minutes in length, and uses a digital projector. The actual time varies with the number of questions asked.
4

Cinderella's Slippers Found! The Cypripediums and Selenipediums.

An illustrated introduction to the biology, history, and beauty of the hardy ladyslippers and their rare South American cousins. This program is about 45 to 60 minutes in length, and uses one tray of slides. The actual time varies with the number of questions asked.
5

Orchid Resources in Overdrive

"A hundred fifty years or so ago, orchids entered our gardens. If you wanted to know how to grow them then, you talked to other growers, visited their habitats, or read the few available books. Those three sources of information are more important than ever. But there are so many more sources of information available today. There are thousands of books, dozens of magazines, the telephone, and, of course, the internet. This talk provides a concentrated guide for the new grower to the veteran for ferreting out cultural and historical information in the most efficient way. Want to grow Sophronitis rosea? Want to find a plant of Slc. Brandywine? Want to see what Habenaria medusae looks like? Whatever you want, the answers are often just a few clicks away. We'll try to take some of the mystery out of resources like Google Earth, search engines, major libraries, sister societies, and even eBay (an amazing source for orchids). Clark will bring with him a concentrated handout of resources as well as a selection of plants for sale from his home-grown collection. He's been growing orchids for over half a century and from the standpoint of culture wouldn't want to live in any other time."
6

Orchid Breeding for the Beginner or Veteran

If you've got a toothpick and a mailing envelope, you've got all the extras you need to create new orchid hybrids. Clark began pollinating orchids twenty-five years ago for the purpose of propagating rare species. He has also made and remade a number of hybrids. Why hybrids? New colors, new forms, new easier culture for starters. Clark will explain with examples crosses he's made and some of the classics of orchid history. He'll include for the beginner and expert alike factors to consider such as compatibility and time. Most importantly, he'll go over when and why to NOT make a cross.
7

Building the 21st Century Hobby Greenhouse

Clark’s first half century of growing was indoors, under lights. After 50 years of planning and 5 years of badgering all his greenhouse-owning friends, he finally made the leap to a greenhouse. His talk,“Building the 21st Century Hobby Greenhouse,” will illuminate why you may or may not want to make the leap yourself, costs involved, and tips on avoiding mistakes.
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