The next CSUN-al Gardening workshop explores the world of growing orchids.

Orchids have been called the “aristocrats” of the plant word. Their exotic, often long-lasting blooms are an obsession with many plant fanciers.

Not all orchids require a greenhouse to flourish, and some even thrive in the shade of a protected patio. Arthur Pinkers, president of the San Fernando Valley Orchid Society, will share their secrets at the next CSUN-al Gardening class, “Orchid Mania: Grow These Exotic Beauties at Home,” on Saturday, Aug. 17, at California State University, Northridge.

“Arthur will provide how-to information on growing house-adaptable orchids, such as Phalaenopsis and Cymbidiums,” said Brenda Kanno, manager of the CSUN Botanic Garden. “With Arthur’s secrets of successful orchid growing, almost anyone can have these exotic flowers in their home.”

Kanno said Pinkers’ passion for orchids started when he was a teenager, when, at age 16, he received his first orchid, a “Glittering Jewel.” He has worked as a lab director of Beall Orchid Company on Vashon Island, Wash., and served as a board member and president of the Northwest Orchid Society. Since 2016, Pinkers has been president of the San Fernando Valley Orchid Society. He also is an accredited orchid judge, a distinction he has held for more than 20 years.

Registration for the free class is required. To request a space in the class, email botanicgarden@csun.edu. Include your name and the number of seats you are requesting in the email. Driving and parking instructions, as well as the class meeting location, will be sent upon registration.

CSUN’s Botanic Garden is operated by the university’s Department of Biology, and serves as a field site for botany, entomology, photography, painting and other classes. In addition to geographically themed plantings and a butterfly garden, the garden also features greenhouses where noteworthy botanical specimens are grown.

The garden is open to the community. Visit the Botanic Garden website at www.csun.edu/botanicgarden/for more information.

College of Science and Mathematics, CSUN Botanic Garden, CSUN-al Gardening, Department of Biology, Orchids