A Love Affair With Orchids

The Cattleya C. labiata was discovered in Brazil in 1818. This orchid is enhanced by the vibrant colors in the center.

When Doug Mew retired after 30 years on the Miami police force, people asked him what he was going to do with all his free time. “I told them I was going to grow orchids, and sure enough, that’s what I did.” Grinning, Doug recalls the beginning of his love affair with Cattleya, Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium. 

Having had no previous experience with the orchidaceae family, he was determined to learn everything he could about cultivating the popular plant. He succeeded. By the time Doug moved to Vero Beach, he had over 250 orchids and couldn’t wait to become part of the Vero Beach Orchid Society.

Founded in 1974 by longtime Vero Beach resident Dominic Lettiere, the society got its start when a handful of orchid lovers began to meet in his home. Word quickly spread. Before long close to 40 people were involved and meetings were moved to the Community Center in downtown Vero Beach. The group enthusiastically adopted a charter, elected officers and voted to become affiliated with the American Orchid Society. 

Today the nonprofit organization boasts 120 members who learn from one another and hosts guest speakers at meetings held at the Garden Club of Indian River County the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. The exceptions are May, when the society holds its annual picnic at Riverside Park, and December when members gather for a Christmas party. Members also get together for spontaneous potting sessions in their homes.