Beautiful and fragrant white and yellow Cattleya orchids are on display with the winning ribbon at the St. Croix Orchid Society’s annual show, held Friday through Sunday at the St. George Village Botanical Garden. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Under the theme “20/20: A Vision of Orchids!” the St. Croix Orchid Society kicked off its annual show Friday.
For the third year in a row, the event was held in the Great Hall of the St. George Village Botanical Garden.
According to Society President, Susan Kraeger “The show is produced by a very hard working group of volunteers, and we are delighted to be able to offer show attendees an ADA compliant ramp.”
The Great Hall was filled with brightly colored orchids ranging in size from huge to almost invisible. Above the displays were booths selling many varieties of orchids. During the three days, five workshops were open to attendees to provide support and knowledge.
Four judges participated in the event, Dr. Carlos Fighetti, AOS/PROS; Dr. Julio David Rios, AOS/PROS; Jose Fernandez, PROS and Debra Tryon, AOS.
Kraeger provided the following information:
– In addition to the 27 special awards sponsored by SCOS supporters and the awards made to outstanding exhibits, plants and flowers, six highly coveted American Orchid Society awards were received by this year’s exhibitors. This is the largest number awarded to exhibitors in recent years, Kraeger said.
– Magda Finch received a CCE (Certificate of Cultural Excellence), awarded for her Epidendrum ciliare “Charmaine”. To win, these plants must have been in the care of the exhibitor at least 12 months immediately prior to the award and must score at least 90 points on a 100-point scale. Plants receiving this award represent the highest level of orchid culture, according to Krager. Finch also won an AOS Award of Merit for her Brassavola Cattleya “Mary Dodson.”
– Debra Tryon won an HCC (Highly Commended Certificate) for her Bulbophyllum maxillare awarded to orchid species or hybrids scoring 75 to 79 points inclusive on a 100-point scale.
– Other AOS award winners were Gertrude Gumb for her Dendrobium Sampran Brown “Gertrude,” and Thomas Hannah’s Caubicomutum x Epidendrum stanfordianum “Iliana’s Delight.” Both of these plants have won AOS awards in the past.
– The AOS Show Trophy – awarded for the best display in the show – was won by SCOS Vice President Michelle Thurland-Martinez for her floor display “A Simple Vision.”
Pointing to lovely white Cattleya orchids, Rosemary Walcott talks about her experiences growing orchids on St. Croix since the 1980s. (Source photo by Linda Morland)Luther Edwards of The St. Croix Orchid Society assists Paul and Denise Langevin of New Jersey with questions. (Source photo by Linda Morland)Many varieties of Paphiopedilum are grown on St. Croix. This specimen seems to be peeking out at those attending the show. (Source photo by Linda Morland)The AOS Show Trophy – awarded for the best display in the show – was won by SCOS Vice President Michelle Thurland-Martinez for her floor display “A Simple Vision. Many growers contributed plants to the exhibit. The many awards and ribbons for various orchids can be seen both on the plants and across the bottom of the display. (Source photo by Linda Morland)Close up of Gertrude Gumb’s AOS prize winning Dendrobium Sampran Brown “Gertrude.” (Source photo by Linda Morland)Phalaennopis or “Moth Orchids” are found in a wide variety of sizes and colors. Popular for decorating, these grow well on St. Croix. This close up shows the wonderful colors and delicacy of a single bloom. (Source photo by Linda Morland)Cattleya “Gold Digger” is a treat with bright colors and a sweet scent. (Source photo by Linda Morland)Debra Tryon, an American Orchid Society Judge, promotes the Orchid Awareness and Education Group and The St. Croix Orchid Society by sharing her depth of knowledge of all things orchid. Debra was one of the four judges working this year’s show. Debra won a HCC (Highly Commended Certificate) for her Bulbophyllum maxillare (not pictured) awarded to orchid species or hybrids scoring 75 to 79 points inclusive on a 100-point scale. (Source photo by Linda Morland)Thomas Kash, a St. Croix Orchid Society member presents “Growing Orchids Using Semi-Hydroponics” to an interested audience. This was one of five workshops offered during the three day show. (Source photo by Linda Morland)Fragrant lavender and purple Cattleya orchids are often thought of as “corsage orchids”. Much loved for their appearance, many ladies treasure memories of wearing these lovely flowers. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
