Vivi's Orchid Corner

Dear Orchid Friends:

Weather patterns even affect orchids in South Florida. Some growers cited late blooms this year - it was definitely a rainy winter season. Albeit, a smaller show this year, kudos are in order for another enjoyable and successful show! Phalaenopsis and paphiopedilums were predominant throughout the displays. Vandaceous orchids were fewer. Much to my delight, Den. spectabiles were abundant! Flowers of chartreuse and mauve twist and curl in such an unusual fashion. H&R Orchids showcased a magnificent Den. spectabile. The plant measured 92cm x 122cm (3 ft x 4 ft) with 560 flowers: a gorgeous sight and such an interesting fragrance.

One of the more interesting displays included a Home Flasking exhibit by JM Orchids and Lab Service. This exhibit demonstrated home Flasking techniques for amateur orchidists. This display was awarded Red Ribbon and Second Place Open Class for Educational Exhibit. A great exhibit!!

Rf Orchids again won AOS Show Trophy and Special Award for Artistic Merit for their exhibit (500 sq.ft) entitled "Garden of the Zulu Princess". Tiki huts with islands of purple, yellow, orange accentuated the display.

Best Dendrobium Species and Specimen Plant Trophy were awarded to RF Orchids for Den capitaliflorum: on bark, 77cm x 77cm ( 2.5 ft x 2.5 ft), green pompon flowers.

Best Blue Vanda Trophy: V. Julia Sorenson, a large four in. platter flower of deep purple with speckles.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens delighted viewers with the camping display "Nature's Most Enchanted Garden" and was awarded First Place Open Class: Educational. This exhibit captured the beauty of the outdoors and one could hear the crickets in the wild. The Cypripedioedeae Species Trophy was awarded to Paph rothschildianum.

Quiet, stately gardens, fountains, lilting harp music became the essence of the East Everglades Orchid Society exhibit. It was a beautiful, calm and soothing garden - a true respite from our fast paced world. Mount Fuji towered over a Japanese garden of paphiopedilums by Affiliated Orchid Growers.

Norman's Orchids won Third Place for a tranquil hideaway of phalaenopsis. Clifford and Byran deserve special mention for a wonderful display of miniatures (Pleurothallis grobyii, Maxillaria minuata) and a lovely mixture of paphs and cattleyas. First Place Hobby Class was their award. The countries of Venezuela and Guatemala were represented at the show. Venezuela won Best Cut Flower Exhibit of cattleyas.

My favorite displays were the Herbavarium and Vivarium exhibits. Enclosed glass cases housed masdevalias, pleurothallis and other cool growing miniatures. It certainly was refreshing to see so many masdevalias in South Florida. A rare treat indeed. Thanks for the wonderful surprise!

Exhibitors and vendors were amiable and talkative. Paintings, orchids, jewelry were nice additions to the show. This truly was a friendly show. The South Florida Orchid Society deserves congratulations for a great job and a wonderful show. Kudos to Mona Heider who headed up the SFOS Hospitality Booth.

A show would not be complete without giving recognition to individuals winning awards for their plants.

Blue Ribbons:

• Phal. Spirit House 'Redwine' AM/AOS: a gorgeous art deco shade of deep port, by Joan & Tom Lindsay

• Den. Violet Yamanii CCM/AOS: the plant was 150 cm x 122 cm ( 5 ft x 4 ft) and covered with deep magenta flowers, by Josh Sirkin. This plant also won Best Dendrobium Hybrid.

Red Ribbon:

• Den. Banyat Pink x Den.Thailand: a compact plant with deep, nearly black flowers, by Vivian Hernadez

Epidendrum Trophy:

• Encyclia ciliare: 92 cm x 62 cm (3 ft x 2 ft) plant, thin green petals, white hairy lip, by Betty Grill

The Miami Show always offers a fantastic lecture series. Guest Speakers are the 'who's who" in the orchid world. Lecture topics range from the technical to the hobbyist. There is something for everyone and the opportunity to get your questions answered. All too quickly the show comes to a close. Much effort and dedication are the backbone of the show. Congrats again to the SFOS for a fine show. We'll see you next year!

Until next time,

Vivi