(click hyperlinks below to view each image - requires javascript)
Dear Orchid Friends:
Spectacular. Diverse. Zen-like. A treat for the senses: The 16th World Orchid Conference.
Scenic Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada
hosted the 16th World Orchid Conference from April
28, 1999 through May 2, 1999. Springtime in Vancouver is a sight to behold - flowering cherry trees,
tulips, lilacs. The 16th World Orchid Conference was definitely the Spring
Event with glorious orchids.
This world event is held every three years in a different hosting country. The best of the best are here. The
WOC Conferences provide an opportunity for specialists and hobbyists worldwide to meet and
discuss orchid culture, trends, rekindle friendships. It also allows the most discriminating orchid lover a
chance to find those sought-after species. Participating countries span the globe: Canada, USA, Japan,
Taiwan, Malaysia, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Thailand, Brazil, Venezuela. Truly an
awesome gathering.
 Cool growing orchids were the focus of this wonderful
show. Phragmepidiums,
Masdevalias, Cypripediums, Pleurothallis,
Miltoniopsis, Cymbidiums were in abundance. Brilliant magenta,
pink, orange ondontoglossums were show stoppers. This year's chosen theme, "Conservation and
Environment," reflects the growing recognition to protect orchid species. The displays captured the
essence of this theme through conservation and appreciation of cool growing orchids. There were
numerous miniatures and species. One cannot describe the thrill of viewing miniature species with flowers
the size of pinheads.
An Asian influence and flare was evident in this year's venue. The flowers in the displays were the
highlights rather than the backdrops. Think restful, serene, pure simplicity. The art of plant arrangement was a
crucial factor in the exhibits. Bamboo,
Zen gardens, waterfalls, peaceful music enhanced the powerful
aura of this show. Backdrops never overwhelm - only enhance the beauty of the individual flowers.
Displays allowed for close inspection. One would look up and closely at flowers rather than from afar and down
on a display. Interestingly, many exhibits were round so displays were admired in full and truly allowing one to
scrutinize individual flowers.
The entire show was well thought out and well laid out to accommodate the flow of people without
overcrowding. Special kudos to Dirk Oertel, the show designer. His vision created a peaceful
flow amongst the displays, places for visitors to rest and enjoy orchid gardens, and chat leisurely with
colleagues and friends. Artfully done! The center of the room housed a large fountain with several of the
awarded plants encircling the fountain. From this focal point, exhibits invited one to meander into various
"avenues" carefully cultivated to allow easy flow from all aspects of the room. This flow led to specially
designated areas for the individual judged plants, smaller displays, artwork. A separate sales area was
strategically placed at one end, never obstructing the beauty of the orchid displays. Masterfully done!
Vancouver is a city of diversity, art. The 16th WOC Committee not only
artistically showcased the works of major artists, photographers, stamp collectors from around the world,
but encouraged local schools to participate. Large collections of artwork by school age children were
highlighted, encouraging an interest in orchids and their preservation.
What a wonderful surprise to meet my Brazilian friend, Ronaldo Pangella
(artist). I met Ronaldo at the 1996 15th WOC in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ronaldo paints
native Brazilain species and has been highlighted in the AOS Orchid Bulletins. His watercolors capture
all the details. Ronaldo scales the mountain cliffs in and around Rio de Janeiro to paint his orchid
subjects. Ronaldo tells me his son has also taken to mountain climbing with him!
Table top exhibits were valued. Never have I seen a larger collection of table top exhibits. The WOC
Committee ensured these small exhibits were given premier areas. How refreshing!
Orchids awarded at the World Orchid Conferences are considered some of the most
prestigious awards in the world. Awards are given for artistic displays as well as individual plants.
- Grand Champion
was awarded to Orchis Floriculturing, Inc. (Taiwan) for Pot.
Haw Yuan Gold 'D-J': a large orange-yellow cattleya with rounded, full, flat petals. I was rather surprised
this orchid was named Grand Champion with all the stunning cool growing orchids present.
- Gold Winners:
- Vasco. Precious Mike's Indigo Fcc/AOS by RF Orchids (Florida, USA):
- Ascda. John DeBiase 'Lava Flow' FCC/AOS by RF Orchids
- Cypripedium parviflorum by J. Biro & B. Bischoff (Surrey, B.C.)
- Aerangis lutea alba v. rhodostricta
- Silver Winners:
- Odontioda Jersy Redfan 'Victory Village' by The Eric Young Foundation (Trinity, UK)
Phrag. Jason Fischer 'Bonnie Nuil'
- Acanthephippium mantaneun
- Bronze Winners:
- V. lamellata var. Boxilla 'Mary Motes' AM/AOS by Martin Motes Orchids (Florida, USA)
- Paph. iowii by A&P Orchids (Massachusetts, USA)
- Dtps. King Shiang Beauty x Dtps. Ontario Velvet by Norman's Orchids
- Phal. (Queen Gaster x Taisuco Pixie) 'LSC124'
- Brassia Rex 'Sakata' (Jerry Suffolk)
- First Place Fragrance:
- Coelogyne Ochracea alba 'J&L' by J&L Orchids (Connecticut, USA):small , leafy plant with
white star like flowers with a lemon yellow lip. Indescribably delicious!
These are only a few of the awards presented at the show. The list is endless.
Displays are also judged for artistic merit. Congrats to Rod McClellan Orchids (San Mateo,
CA) for winning Reserve Champion Display for an exhibit I named "Full Moon Rising". A
Gold Medal was given to J&L Orchids (Easton, CT) for Edwardian Cases of
cool growing species. Magnificent! Kudos to Sunshine Orchids (Richmond, B.C.) and
T.K.Y. Nurseries (Richmond, B.C.) for Silver Medals for the Japanese Gardens.
This was an interesting display of Chinese Cymbidiums. This was my first exposure to these unique
cymbidiums. Highlighted were Cymbidium farberi : variegated, thin leafed cymbidiums. (Think
leaves of a spider plant).Cymbidum farberi are found only in Zhejiang, South,
West provinces of China and Taiwan. They typically bloom February - March and are fragrant. This
display also showcased Cymbidium goeringii: and orchid plentiful in Taiwan and Japan. This
orchid has a single flower. Confucius called it the "King of Fragrance". It has small leaves and blooms
February - March. Not being familiar with Chinese Cymbidiums I enjoyed learning more about these
orchids and the qualities by which they are judged. The variegated leaves of the plant are highly
prized.
Martin Motes Orchids (Homestead, FL) was given a Silver Medal for their
display.
 A Bronze Medal was awarded to  J. Biro & B. Bischoff (Surrey, B.C.) for their
display of "Native Terrestrial Species of North America." This exhibit captured the essence of a forest
floor highlighting terrestrials.
Calypso bulbosa and Goodyear oblongifolia were two of the many species in this display.
'Species From Around the Globe" by C. Bischoff & R. Elvidge (Vancouver, B.C.) also won
a Bronze Medal for their display. Showcased were orchids from Madagascar, China, New
Guinea.
The Santa Barbara Orchid Estate (Santa Barbara, CA) had a wonderful cut flower display of Cymbidium lowianum. Large displays of green, olive green and yellow cymbidium
inflorescences were the focus of this display with paintings of these particular cymbidiums from Lindenia circa
1893. It is incredible to think these flowers are still around after over 100 years. The black backdrop
accentuated the beauty of these flowers.
The Eric Young Foundation (Trinity, Jersey, UK) had a magnificent forest floor display of
phragmipediums and cymbidiums. Sommerville Orchids (Vancouver, B.C) had an unusual
display of orchid arrangements. Orchid plants in eye-catching clear acrylic planters of interesting shapes
potted in fine gravel and pebbles were show stoppers. This display should have won most artistic orchid
arrangements!
Taiwan Sugar Corporation stole the show with its magnificent display of pink
and white phalaenopsis.
Archways of braided trunks held white phalaenopsis in crystal tear drops
suspended from the archways. Gorgeous..like dew drops glistening in the sun. One walked under and
through phalaenopsis lined canopies while white and pink phalaenopsis beckoned and mesmerized.
 The 16th WOC showcased cool growing orchids and what a delight for the senses. Nearly
150 growers from around the world participated in this spectacular event. The displays all were
eyecatching and pleasing. Orchids were vibrant and bursting with color combinations that
Mother Nature can appreciate. I am certainly drawn to the splendor of odontoglossums,
masdevalias and miltoniopsis. Each orchid flower is more beautiful than the
next.
The 16th WOC is also a forum to attend lectures by renowned experts. It is fascinating to meet people from
around the world. Lectures ranged from scientific discussions to topics appropriate for novice orchid growers.
Definitely the "Who's Who" in the orchid world.
The 16th World Orchid Conference Committee,
Vancouver Orchid Societyand the
Canadian Orchid Congress must be highly commended for this prestigious conference.
Congratulations for a job well done. It was a stunning show! Vancouver's hospitality certainly welcomed. Participants and
visitors were courteous, friendly and most waited until the photo was shot, avoiding passing in anyone's
viewfinder!
I yearn for another WOC.... I'll have to wait three years. The 16th World Orchid Conference
was a huge success. I learned so much about cool growing orchids and appreciate their timeless
beauty. My only regret is that I cannot grow these varieties in South Florida. I left the show inspired,
awed, rested and mesmerized by their beauty. Thanks for an enjoyable adventure!!
Until next time,
Vivi
|
Bemvindo Brasileiros!