Clark has eight 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.
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Presentations Available
by Clark T. Riley
All presentations are digital. Clark brings a good digital projector but having a backup is always recommended for any speaker if available.
“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.
“Down and Dirty Orchids, Terrestrials for Everyone”
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”
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.
“60 Years of Orchid Growing Mistakes”
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”
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.
“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.
“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.
“Beyond Phalaenopsis”
The ideal program for garden clubs and growers groups who are are new to orchid growing. A lively history of the myths surrounding orchid culture. Helps the newbie enjoy the special culture features of orchids (definitely INCLUDING Phalaenopsis).
Presentation Considerations
Travel expenses are expected for trips over 200 miles from Baltimore, Maryland. If the trip requires air travel, round trip coach air fare is required, though I prefer to drive to destinations East of the Mississippi. Lodging is expected, with a member of the Society or group preferred. For a bio, print out my home page. I bring my own digital projector (local backup always a good idea), and the society provides a screen.
My speaking fee is $150. When available, I offset the speaking fee one-for-one with plant and book sales where permitted. I occasionally have extra orchids and companion plants from my collection, and my published books.
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
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