Who We Are

The Illinois Orchid Society (IOS) is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organization committed to orchid education and conservation. Founded in 1952, the IOS is an affiliate of the American Orchid Society (AOS), a member of the Mid-America Orchid Congress (MAOC), and the sponsoring society of the Chicago AOS Judging Center. 

We are a group of orchid enthusiasts who meet once a month to share growing experiences and tips with each other, learn from expert speakers, and show off our orchids in bloom. Our members are diverse and represent the gamut of experience with orchids. For example, some members are new hobbyists with one or two orchids that they want to help thrive, while others are AOS-certified judges or experienced growers with hundreds of orchids. We welcome all orchid enthusiasts.

Orchid Education

Through a variety of programming, the IOS provides members with learning opportunities with informative speakers and hands-on workshops. In addition, in June and December, two long-standing commercial members of the IOS open their greenhouses to IOS members for experiences like no other. We have a summer picnic in June that is graciously hosted by Natt’s Orchids, and a holiday party in December that is graciously hosted by Orchids by Hausermann. All these educational opportunities further the mission of the IOS and make the journey of learning about orchids a fun and inspiring one.

Orchid Conservation

In addition to orchid education, the IOS also promotes native orchid conservation by building awareness about local conservation initiatives, and holding an annual dinner and auction in February. All proceeds of the February auction are donated to researchers and organizations who have a commitment to orchid conservation. For more information about recipients in recent years, please visit the page on Our Impact.

Orchid Shows

In partnership with the Chicago Botanic Garden, the IOS hosts orchid shows every March and October that bring together diverse exhibitors to educate and inspire members of the general public. The IOS orchid shows provide a venue for other orchid societies, professional growers, and individuals to exhibit their best orchids for judging by the AOS and learn more about orchid culture and cultivation. 

In addition, the IOS promotes outreach and education by participating in shows hosted by other orchid societies. 

Judging

The IOS is the sponsoring society of the Chicago Judging Center of the AOS. Each month, certified AOS judges serve the IOS membership and the orchid-growing public through participation in the AOS judging system. The Chicago Judging Center provides opportunities for the public to bring plants to be evaluated. Regular meetings are held on the second Saturday of the month. For details, please visit our Events page.

The certified AOS judges also provide judging service at AOS-sanctioned shows throughout the Midwest, including the spring and fall shows hosted by the IOS. 

Participation in Research Initiatives

For decades, members of the IOS have participated in orchid conservation studies by serving as citizen scientists to aid in the collection of data for research projects. These projects are helping to preserve native orchids and monitor several rare orchid species.

Location

IOS meetings are usually held monthly at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL, on the second Sunday of the month. For details, please visit our Events page.

If you are interested in attending a meeting as a guest, please contact us. 

Join us, and discover the beautiful world of orchids.