Monday, April 16th, 2026
OSMT Meeting at Cheekwood In-Person (Massey Hall) & Online via Zoom – Password = OSMT2026
7PM CST: – Jim France – “Sudemer lycastes, Ida’s Oh My“
Join us for a fascinating species-based presentation on Lycastes and their close relatives, including both warmer- and cooler-growing types. Jim will cover the cultural requirements essential for success with these orchids and share practical advice on selecting the right plants for your growing conditions. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, you’ll come away with the knowledge needed to confidently add these beautiful, often under-appreciated orchids to your collection.
A limited selection of Lycastes and a variety of other quality orchids will be available for purchase after the meeting.
About Jim France – Jim France’s orchid journey began in 1993 when he purchased his first orchid—a Cymbidium—after admiring a customer’s collection. Like many of us, his first attempt ended in an accidental drowning, but the experience only fueled his passion. The following week he attended his first orchid show, joined a local society, and quickly immersed himself in the orchid world.
In 1996, Jim established Oakwood Orchids, specializing in species and harder-to-find orchids. He has grown under lights for over 23 years and now maintains two medium greenhouses to support his growing collection and business. An active member of the orchid community, Jim has served as past Treasurer and President of the Miami Valley Orchid Society, as a board member for MAOC shows, and currently serves as Treasurer for the Cincinnati Judging Center. He is also an accredited American Orchid Society (AOS) Judge.
Jim’s hybridization work and keen eye for quality have earned him 35 AOS awards. Notable awards include:
- Catasetum Hilltop’s Dingbat ‘Junior’ (named after his grandson)
- Catasetum piletum ‘Leeann’
- Catasetum osculatum ‘The Boys’
- Phragmipedium Sergeant Eric ‘Hans’
- Lycaste Nobuo ‘Porter’s Play Thing’ (AM/AOS, 2018) – a favorite of his wife that sparked a special place in his collection
- The 2019 AOS Roy T. Fukumura Vandaceous Award for Robiquetia cerina ‘Donna’s Treasures’ (AM/AOS)
Catasetums, Phragmipediums, and Lycastes remain among his favorite genera. Jim continues to be actively involved with his local orchid societies while operating Oakwood Orchids with a focus on quality species and unusual orchids.
Contact:
Jim France
Oakwood Orchids
937-479-2348
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OakwoodOrchids
Twitter: www.twitter.com/OakwoodOrchids
Email: OakwoodOrchids@gmail.com
CLICK HERE!!! for Zoom Meeting Link -> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87359058097?pwd=U5LudoAb5IYhUfNDwbHWlmegMKpSQS.1
Meeting ID: 873 5905 8097
Passcode: OSMT2026