From Our Society to Our Community

Have you ever strolled through a park or walked past a library tree and suddenly spotted a blooming orchid? Chances are, you’ve discovered one of the treasures placed there by the Florida West Coast Orchid Society’s  Orchid Placement Project!
 

Our mission is simple: bring education, beauty and joy to our community by sharing orchids in public spaces.
 

🌿 How It Works

We work with local organizations, schools, churches, and parks to identify trees that make the perfect new “home” for orchids. Once a location is approved, our volunteers carefully install orchids using natural materials like sphagnum moss or coconut husk, secured with gentle netting.

Watering happens every couple of days during the summer to help the orchids settle in. After that, nature takes over! Once the orchids are established and blooming, they only need occasional care. The result? A lasting burst of color and beauty for everyone to enjoy.
 

📍 Where to Find Our Orchids

You can already spot our orchids in bloom at:

• Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Seminole

• Largo Central Park

• Largo Library

• Azalea Middle School

• Lakewood Church of Christ

• Dunedin Library

🙋‍♂️ Get Involved: Volunteer with Orchid Outreach

Our Project thrives thanks to the dedication of our members — and we’d love for you to join in!
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!
Volunteers play a key role in helping orchids get established in their new homes throughout our community.

Here’s what volunteers do:

• Adopt a Location: You’ll be assigned to a public site near your home where orchids are installed.

• Help with Installation: Orchids are secured to trees using sphagnum moss and/or coconut husk and gently fastened with netting.

• Watering & Care: During the summer, orchids need watering every two days until they settle in and get established. Once they’re blooming in their new spot, care can be reduced to occasional check-ins and watering as needed.

This is a wonderful way to give back to the community, spend time outdoors, and see the direct results of your efforts as orchids thrive and bloom for everyone to enjoy.

Interested in participating?
Contact Committee Chair Wouter Vanderhorst or email us at info@fwcos.org to learn more.

🌸 What’s Next?

We’re just getting started, but we need more volunteers to help in our efforts. Here are some of the future spots we’re working on:

• Tarpon Springs Library

• Tarpon Springs Dog Park

• Pinellas Park Library

• Seminole Green Spaces

• Largo Datsko Park

• Largo North East Park

• Largo Ulmer Park

• Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Course & Foundation

• Mainlands Golf Course

💚 Why It Matters

The Orchid Placement Project isn’t just about flowers. It’s about:

• Beautification: Making our parks, libraries, and community spaces more vibrant.

• Education: Showing how orchids can thrive in Florida’s climate, and getting the public involved.

• Connection: Creating little moments of joy for everyone who passes by.

So next time you’re out and about, keep your eyes open — you may discover a colorful surprise high up in the trees, thanks to the FWCOS!