Clark has four popular presentations which he gives at various orchid, garden, rock garden, and other society meetings. Other topics of scientific explanation can be developed with enough notice.
|
Presentations Available
by Clark T. Riley
"Cinderella's Slippers Found! The Cypripediums and Selenipediums."
(slides)
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.
"Down and Dirty Orchids, Terrestrials for Everyone"
(slides)
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.
"Orchid Taxonomy for Fun and Profit - A Beginner's Introduction and Veteran's Relief"
(digital)
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.
"50 Years of Orchid Growing Mistakes"
(digital)
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.
"Orchid Resources on Overdrive"
(digital)
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.
This talk works best with a high-speed internet connection available for audience interaction, either wired or wireless, but this is NOT necessary.
Presentation Considerations
Travel expenses are expected for trips over 200 miles from Baltimore, Maryland. If the trip requires an air travel, round trip coach air fare is required. Lodging is expected, with a member of the Society or group preferred. For a bio, print out my home page. A slide projector for the first two programs must be provided and a digital projector for the last two programs or sufficient notice that I can bring one, with sufficient controls and cord to allow slide changing from the front of the audience, and a screen.
My speaking fee is $150, but I offset the speaking fee one-for-one with plant sales, if permitted. I bring a variety of inexpensive ladyslippers and terrestrials, primarily Paph and Phrag seedlings.
Clark may be contacted at the address below, by phone at: (410) 591-9201, or by e-mail
at: DrRiley@aol.com.
Clark T. Riley
1205 St. Andrews Way
Baltimore, Maryland 21239
|