CV Horticultural Society Meeting: April 20, 2026
Where: Florence Filberg Centre – In person (& via Zoom)
What Time: Doors open at 6.30pm, Meeting at 7.15pm
Speaker: Ronald Long
Topic: Wild Orchids & other Botanicals in Western Australia
Website: https://comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca
On Monday, April 20, Ronald Long will be the guest speaker at the CV Hort. Society meeting, held in person and via Zoom. With over three decades behind the lens as the sciences photographer at Simon Fraser University, Ron has turned his passion for the natural world into a globe-trotting botanical adventure – and this month, he’s bringing Western Australia to Courtenay.
Western Australia is home to one of the most extraordinary and ancient floras on Earth. Stable climate and ancient soils have given evolution millions of years to run wild – producing thousands of orchid species and equally fascinating plant families that most of us have never encountered. Ron describes this as the most rewarding plant-hunting trip of his life, and one look at his photography makes it easy to understand why.
Ron is past president of both the Native Plant Society of BC and the Scientific and Industrial Photographers Association of BC. Since 2000 he has led a biodiversity study on Pink Mountain, working to protect one of BC’s most unique natural sites. He also taught photography at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and lectures widely on nature and photography topics across British Columbia.
Don’t miss this chance to armchair-travel to Australia’s wildflower paradise without leaving Courtenay!
How do I register for Zoom?
CVHS members will receive a separate Zoom invitation. Non-members can register online for just $5.50 at www.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca Registration must be completed by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 17 (two days processing time required). CVHS 2026 memberships are also available on the website, or by downloading and mailing in a registration form. Join the community — your garden will thank you.
