Record amounts of snow did not deter area women from Celebrating Spring, the theme of the 32nd Annual Women’s Conference on Saturday, March 21.
The day featured four speakers. First was Ken Lopetinsky of Blue Heron Orchids, who shared his ever-growing knowledge of orchids, the proper growing environment, potting methods, and species of plants.
Blue Heron Orchids started with two plants as a hobby 30 years ago, and since has expanded to a business that sells, trades, and buys orchids in small collections. The Lopetinsky’s have one goal in mind when fertilizing, watering, and growing their plants, to grow the best roots possible.
The presentation included a slideshow which featured facts, and photos of the particularly picky plant.
Orchids are flowers that grow in the rainforest, and require specific amounts of light, heat, airflow, and water to sustain their growth.
Lopetinsky explained to the full crowd the importance of having holes in the bottom of a pot, and how it can affect the longevity of a plant, as the holes help filter out water and any unwanted organics in the dirt.
There are approximately 35,000 species of orchid worldwide, he explained, and new species still being discovered.
The orchid grows on every continent, with the exception of Antarctica; New Guinea alone is host to over 3,000 species of orchid.
Blue Heron Orchids also had a booth of flowers, which were available for purchase.
The second speaker was Queen of Barley, Linda Whitworth, who made an elaborate presentation on barley: the benefits, and the options.
Barley comes in several different forms, and can be used as a substitute for flour, or even rice.
Whitworth explained how sufferers of wheat intolerance have managed to bake and cook using barley flour, without any issues.
A key point, Whitworth added, was barley contains gluten, and is not recommended for anyone suffering from celiac disease.
Using a small burner, Whitworth showed attendees how to make a few recipes out of a cookbook available for sale at her table including a mousse, and a cake.
Other speakers included Sharon Mallon, a retired broadcaster who spent 35 years in radio as a reporter, news director, and DJ, who gave a presentation call “The Gift.”
The final speaker, Judy Bohn, has spent most of her life farming cattle, and shared her travel presentation in the afternoon.
The conference featured several booths, including woodworkers and craftsmanship, homemade blankets and clothes, healthy lifestyle handouts, De Herdt Gardens, and Blue Heron Orchids.
