Rafael Romero was born in Caracas, Venezuela, in March of 1960. He studied for 2 years in the United World College of the Atlantic in Great Britain and that is where he learned English, graduating in 1978. He graduated as a Biologist from the Universidad Simon Bolivar in 1984.

Rafael Started Working with Orchids in 1986 with his father in law, Henrique Graf, owner of the largest Orchid Nursery in Venezuela.(Plantio La Orquidea). He and his wife started the Laboratory in 1986, where they produce the species and hybrids they sell.

Rafael moved to the US, in August of 2003, settling in Sarasota, Florida. They now have a small nursery, approximately 4,000 sq ft, where they are trying to establish a good sample of the species and hybrids they produce.

Tonight's program will be a 40-minute PowerPoint presentation on Venezuelan Cattleyas and their distribution, growing conditions, habitat, and color varieties. It is a basic talk, for anyone, including growing tips. Rafael will also donate the plants for the silent auction table, but will not be bringing any of his plants to sell.

This is going to be a great program, especially for those who like South American species, and we hope to see all EEOS members there. And don't forget to bring a friend along! As you know, the EEOS meetings are open to guests.