The St. Croix Orchid Society will hold its 54th annual orchid show and sale, “Orchids for All Seasons,” Friday through Sunday at The Bodine Center at St. George Village Botanical Garden on St. Croix. The event will honor Luther Edwards for his long-standing work with and dedication to orchids.
For the past 25 years, Edwards has grown and collected orchids, building what he describes as a “small” collection of more than 800 plants. He gives his wife, Martha, an orchid for every occasion, including her birthday, their wedding anniversary, Christmas and other holidays, and includes her plants as part of his collection.
The show opens Friday, from 2 to 5 p.m. and continues Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5. Children under 12 are admitted free with a paying adult.
Workshops will be offered Saturday. At 10 a.m., Mary Duggan will present “You Have a Home Depot Orchid, Now What.” At 2 p.m., Angie Ortiz, SCOS board president, will present “In the Zone: Growing Orchids in Your Micro Environment.” Show attendees are invited to participate in both sessions.
Two vendors from Puerto Rico will offer new orchid varieties for sale. Local vendors will include an orchid seller and an orchid-themed jewelry artist.
“Anyone wishing to exhibit an orchid(s) may come on Thursday, February 19th between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,” Ortiz said.
The show is registered with the American Orchid Society and will be judged according to its criteria. Plants and blooms will be evaluated against worldwide AOS standards, with each variety measured by guidelines outlined in the organization’s judging handbook. Judging will take place Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the public is invited to observe.
“This year’s raffle gifts are fabulous. Items include a flat-screen TV with stand, an orchid bench, orchids and an original painting by well known local artist, Gene Rotter.” Ortiz said.
Raffle drawings will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Winners do not need to be present.
There are more than 30,000 orchid species and thousands of hybrids. In an American Orchid Society show, entries are judged within their respective classes. First-place winners receive a trophy and a blue ribbon, second-place winners a red ribbon, and third-place winners a white ribbon. Additional American Orchid Society awards may also be presented.
“We are dedicated to educating, conserving and raising awareness of the enchanting world of orchids on our beautiful island. Our 54 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. We hope the show inspires you and ignites your curiosity! Please accept our open invitation to join us at one of our monthly meetings,” Ortiz
