A strange mix of calm and excitement hangs in the orchid world right now — the kind where growers check buds three times a day even though they know nothing has changed. Yet beyond the benches and grow lights, orchid societies, researchers, and show organizers have been busy, and the last few weeks brought quite a bit of movement. Australia made headlines first. The Woolgoolga District Orchid Society hosted the 23rd Australian Orchid Council International Conference and Show, and the turnout was bigger than anyone expected.