The Great Hall at St. George Village Botanical Garden provided an airy and historic venue for the St. Croix Orchid Society’s (SCOS) 53rd annual orchid show and sale, drawing enthusiasts from across the island.
SCOS President Angelita Ortiz welcomed attendees, emphasizing the society’s mission of education, conservation, and raising awareness of orchids. “Our 53rd Orchid Show is a celebration of nature’s artistry, allowing our members and community to showcase their exquisite blooms and share the breathtaking diversity of orchids with friends and neighbors,” Ortiz said. “We hope the show inspires you and ignites your curiosity! Please accept our open invitation to join us at one of our monthly meetings.”
This year’s honoree, Michelle Thurland-Martinez, was recognized for her many years of service as a past president and board member of SCOS, along with numerous other contributions. Thurland-Martinez made history as the first female horticulturist hired by the V.I. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, where she remained for 35 years, eventually serving as executive director of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
A member of SCOS since 2005, Thurland-Martinez became president in 2008 and has earned multiple American Orchid Society (AOS) awards for her orchids and displays. She led a well-attended workshop Saturday, guiding attendees through the often-challenging process of repotting orchids. She discussed different growing mediums and pot selections, passing plants through the audience to illustrate her points.
The show featured vibrant orchid displays alongside three orchid vendors offering a wide selection for collectors. Participating vendors included Aly Gia Dai Orchids and E Orchids from Puerto Rico and Kimberly Orchids from St. Croix. Many attendees left with new additions to their collections.
Judging adhered to AOS criteria, with entries measured against worldwide standards. Judges from the Puerto Rico Judging Center—Julio David Rios, Jose Fernandes, and Egardo Pauneto – evaluated each entry and selected winners. More than 30,000 species of orchids exist, with thousands of hybrids, and orchids in the competition were judged against others in their class. First-place winners received a trophy and a blue ribbon, while second- and third-place winners received red and white ribbons, respectively. In addition, three coveted AOS awards were presented at the show.
Founded on March 1, 1963, with just seven members, SCOS quickly grew, reaching 25 charter members by July of that year. AOS formally accepted the group as an affiliate member in 1963. Over the past five decades, the society has hosted its annual show at various venues, including the Lutheran Church Lord God of Sabaoth Hall on King Street, the Buccaneer Resort, the American Legion Hall on Hospital Street, the Great Hall at the University of the Virgin Islands, and its current location at the St. George Village Botanical Garden’s Great Hall.
For those interested in learning more or becoming a member, the St. Croix Orchid Society’s Facebook page provides updates on meetings and activities and a downloadable membership form.
To view the American Orchid Society judging handbook, click here.
