Alan Koch owns and operates Gold Country Orchids where he specializes in miniature and compact Cattleyas. He started growing orchids in 1969 when he was given Cymbidiums by an aunt. While in college, his interest in other orchids grew, especially when he realized outdoors in Southern California was an ideal environment for many species.

He has moved five times as his orchid obsession has led to the need for more growing space. With the last move, he purchased 10 acres of land in Lincoln, California for his 300,000 orchids. He is recognized as an expert in the Brazilian Cattleya alliance and a trend setter in miniature Cattleya breeding. Alan has been published in both Orchid Digest and American Orchid Society magazines. He has also been published in the proceedings of the World Orchid Conference. Now, he is an internationally known speaker.

Alan is a past member of the AOS Judging Committee and the Research Committee, an Accredited Judge, and is Vice-chair and Training Coordinator for the California Sierra Nevada Judging Center. Alan also served two terms on the Orchid Digest Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and is one of the current directors, as well as a Trustee for the AOS. This month, Alan will discuss all the new advances and new species of miniature Cattleyas.

Plant table

The plant table (opportunity table) will be supplied by Alan Koch of Gold Country Orchids. Also, one of our members, John Humphrey will donate about six Cymbidiums to our plant table. Thank you, John.