OUR MISSION
OUR MISSION is to promote the conservation of native species in their natural habitat by
supporting artificial propagation of these species.
In view of the great diversity of orchids, the Society pursues an educational component by spreading knowledge, particularly through courses, conferences and through personal exchanges between its members.
Every year the Society participates in many orchid shows and puts on its own show, Orchidexpo, a major international event where its members have free admission.
This show is the major highlight of the year's activities. Visitors have the chance to see many beautiful orchid genera. The plants, displays and works of art are all judged by judges of The American Orchid Society (AOS), and awards are granted. The sales area offers one of the largest selection of plants for purchase.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Céline CAMIRAND
President
" I have been a member of the Société des Orchidophiles de Montréal since 2003 and a member of its executive committee since 2006. I am now enjoying retirement after a career in accounting. I served as accountant and treasurer for the Société before taking up the role of president in 2019.
I am co-recipient of six AOS awards for educational exhibits on orchids. I grow more than 100 orchids with a variable degree of success depending of the genera, but with a passion that is growing year after year. "
Gilberte BENSOUSSAN
Treasurer
" As a member of the Orchidophiles de Montréal since 1987, I have held several positions such as secretary, registrar, treasurer and coordinator of the volunteers and the cafeteria at Orchidexpo.
I am very proud to serve the Société des Orchidophiles de Montréal, which I consider to be my Quebec family. "
Mario MIREAULT
Vice-President
" As an active member of the Orchidophiles de Montréal since 1977, I became a member of the executive committee following the 1989 Canadian Orchid Congress. Moreover, I had the chance to receive several awards of merit from the American Orchid Society, for both creating and setting up of displays and quality awards for the plants displayed.
My passion for orchids remains as strong as it was 40 years after joining the Orchidophiles de Montréal!!! "
Danielle JOANISSE
Secretary
"My interest in plants started when I was in elementary school. My neighbor lived in an old stone house which had window sills measuring close to 45 cm. There she would grow a variety of plants, and she would give me cuttings of these plants. I would use soil from my family's garden to plant them and as for pots, I would use various empty plastic containers.
I joined the Société des Orchidophiles de Montréal in 2003 following my visit to Orchidexpo. The following year, I became secretary of our executive committee, a position that I still hold with great pleasure."
Oksana BIRIOUKOVA
Administrator
"My passion for orchids represents only a fraction of my passion for plants in general, whether it is for their flowers or their magnificent leaves. I discovered orchids in 2012. My first orchid collection consisted of about 40 Phalaenopsis. I was very proud and considered myself a true connoisseur ... only to discover how little I knew about orchids when I visited OrchidExpo 2013. Oh boy! This is when my journey into the world of orchids really started.
Today, a large part of my collection is made up of miniature plants that I grow in vivariums. It is always a pleasure to see plants grow, and especially to see them flower!"
Anne-Marie GUAY
Administrator
"I have loved plants since I was a child, but my passion for orchids dates back about twenty years. I joined the Société des Orchidophiles de Montréal 15 years ago, and have been a member of the executive committee since 2017. I am particularly proud to have won a AOS award, as well as several trophies at various orchid shows."
Denis LAPERRIÈRE
Administrator
" My interest or even my passion for orchids dates back to 1985, when I bought my first Phalaenopsis. After several more acquisitions, I was able to build a nice collection, all cultivated under artificial lighting. I joined the Société des Orchidophiles de Montréal in 1988.
I graduated from the École d'horticulture du Jardin Botanique in 1986. In 1988 I was hired as a gardener for the Montréal boroughs and the Jardin Botanique de Montréal, responsible for both the outdoor gardens and greenhouses. As a specialized horticulturist, I was responsible for the orchid collection of the Jardin Botanique de Montréal in temperate and cold climates from 2009 to 2019. "
Yvon LESSARD
Administrator
"I had been growing several plants for many years, including a few Phalaenopsis. During a trip to Guadeloupe in 2018 where our host was growing several varieties of orchids, I got hooked. A visit to OrchidExpo 2018 hit the nail on the head, as they say, and I enroled in the Orchidophiles de Montréal. Since that time I try to get involved as best I can in our activities.
Today, horticulture is my main retirement hobby; I grow an impressive number of tropical plants including, among others, orchids, hoyas and aroids."
Nicole ROY
Administrator
"Member of Les Orchidophiles de Montréal since 1991, I was also a member of the Board of Directors in 1997-1998 and 1998-1999, editor of l'Orchidofilière from 2014 to 2017 and continue to be actively involved in all the activities of the Society. My collection includes over 350 orchids – mostly species mounted on vertical supports. I’m proud to have won around 20 AOS awards for the quality of the plants, their cultivation, their horticultural recognition, as well as for plant displays and an educational display.
A biologist by training, I recently took a well-deserved retirement after a long career in environmental management in the industry. I now devote myself to my passion for orchids and hope to contribute to the growth of the Société des Orchidophiles de Montréal while improving my knowledge of these fascinating plants."
