I attended the auction and donated some rare divisions. NO they were not lowly mericlones but rare original division donated by highly respectable growers like myself. Unfortunately, I didn't write down what each plant went for, but some plants were sold for a fair price while others (of course the most rare) went for high prices. Some plants were bought a real steal. The main thing is that it (the auction) benefitted the AOS directly and to add to the AOS heritage collection fund. I did manage to buy some very rare plants myself and was quite happy. It was as wonderful event. A weekend of meeting some of the greatest orchid growers and AOS members ever. And to spend time at the DuPont Hotel and Longwood Gardens was as treat and an honor.

Chokolate: I'm glad you enjoyed the photos, I sure enjoyed taking them! Depending on exactly where you live, there are a few top-notch societies here in L.A. I live in Santa Monica, and am a member of the Sunset Succulent Society, which meets in Marina Del Rey. There is obviously the Long Beach Cactus Club (the longest running succulent society in the US), and the San Gabriel Valley Society, which meets somewhere out in the I.E. I'd guess there is something way up in the Valley, and at least a few in OC too. These societies are more than just a way to meet people and have fun. They are also a great way to find exceptional plants at truly fair prices. I bought this Euphorbia cylindrifolia for $20. It wasn't staged in that pot when I got it, but I was happy to pay that and the grower was satisfied too.

Sounds like fun - we're going!! :)

Went to Meadow View today. There was quite a chill in the air yet the place was still quite full of gardeners. The check out line was long but moved very quickly...I was only in line for maybe 5 minutes. FYI, They only take cash or check. It is located just over the border from Granby Connecticut on Route 10 in Southwick, MA. They had an enormous selection of roses, annuals and perennials, and veggies. Didn't see any shrubs though. They had some hard to find items (rose campion, for example, which can be hard to find) and a huge daylily section with unusual varieties. Also lots of unusual alpine plants. I just was in the mood for a drive (took me about 35 minutes from my house in CT) and didn't have any plants in mind so I mostly got fillers for my beds and some plants for my go-crazy-and-spread garden on a sunny bank. I got 11 plants for 31 dollars. Can't beat it. I will definitely go back with more specific ideas. Thanks for the tip! Patty