This is purely a hypothetical question. Every fall the International Aroid Society holds a show and sale in Miami in September. A number of people have been discussing the possibility of a second show, not a replacement show, to be held elsewhere in the United States, possibly in the spring, maybe late May or early June. That show might possibly be held in conjunction with a large botanical garden in order to give visitors more to see and experience. Some sites suggested so far have included San Diego and St. Louis but no decision is even near at the moment and other viable sites would certainly be considered provided there are volunteers in the area to make the show work. This would be a non-profit event. Some of the ideas proposed have been to have conferences directed by recognized experts in their fields on subjects such as: 1. Experiences with Temperate Climate Outdoor Cultivation of Tropical Aroids. 2. Edible Aroids of the World and Their Preparation. 3. Aquatic Aroid Genera Suitable for Aquarium Culture: Cryptocoryne, Lagenandra, and Anubias. 4. Review of the Genus Philodendron [and other popular or unpopular genera] and Cultivation Recommendations. 5. Aroids on E-Bay: Tips and Cautions about Buying and Selling On-Line. 6. Aroid Photography: Aesthetic and Scientific Pointers. 7. Hybridization of Aroids for the Amateur Enthusiast. 8. Landscaping with Aroids and Advice on Grounds Maintenance. 9. Successful Storage of Dormant Tubers. 10. Harvesting, Storage, and Germination of Aroid Seeds. 11. Tissue Culture: A Step-By-Step Introduction to Mass Cloning. 12. Artificial Lighting for Aroid Culture. 13. Coaxing Inflorescences from Reluctant Bloomers. 14. Native Cold Climate Aroids of North America [or Europe, or Anatolia, or Asia]. 15. Some Scientific Mysteries about Aroids. 16. What is Known about Aroid Odor and Fragrance. 17. Hybridizing Anthurium species. 18. Botany 101, Why you should consider a career in aroid botany. And possibly other topics. In addition to the conference, there could be a show of rare aroid specimens as well as a sale. Possibly a rare plant auction. This show would not be exclusively Anthurium. It would include all aroids such as Philodendron, Alocasia, Colocasia, Amorphophallus, and other aroid species. Would you attend? What would make you want to attend? Would you volunteer your time? Would you travel from outside the United States if there was enough to see and do to entice you to attend? If this type of show could support itself, we just might be able to see that one is produced. Your input would be much appreciated.
i would definitely attend something like this - regardless of things for sale. just the knowledge to be gained would make it worthwhile to me. i wouldn't travel too far tho (travel is difficult as i don't have anyone to take care of my ferrets) so if it where to be done in philly or baltimore or at one of the other cities around here that have botanical gardens (like winterthur or longwood - both in delaware) it would be very workable - for me anyhoo.
Been to 4 conferences on conifers, but sorry, I'd not go to this - I can't get up enough enthusiasm for aroids to go to a conference on them.
You know I would Steve, but if its in USA, that would be a big ask for me, as I would have to prioritize it. If I made it there I would volunteer my time... Ed
I need more help like you Ed! As you are aware from notes on other boards to which you subscribe, there is a lot of interest. I would just like to know how much and where the interest is concentrated.
I am a Treasurer for a committee on a fishing forum for a fishing competition with proceeds going to charity. What we have found is that a lot of people pledge their time etc at first, but when it come to the crunch, the forum suddenly went quite! I have noted a lot of interest on Aroidl, for this and hopefully this doesn't happen here. We just need more aroid 'nuts' to get involved to get this "hypothetical question" off the ground... Ed
I tried to reply to this on Aroidl but the mailbox was full. This idea might be bigger than Ben Hur, but what about a travelling show that went to major cities and finished up for the finale in Miami? I am unaware of the state to state plant tranportaion laws that may hinder this idea... Ed
i was going to mention something similar. having this in conjuntion with the major flower shows in the spring might be a good idea. philly has the flower show the first week of march - not sure when other cities hold theirs so i don't know if there would be conflicts or not.
To some extent, that has been suggested by a few. All I can hope is the "higher authorities" are considering the input. If you've tried to send suggestions to Aroid l, try again!!!
