Orchid shows can be held at any size venue, both indoors or outdoors. Typically, there are Orchid vendors invited to both sell plants, but also to showcase their best plants in displays at the show. Orchid societies also create displays, allowing their members to contribute plants that are then properly arranged to show off their very best attributes. These displays can be as small as a niche, or a tabletop, or a small floor display, or at large shows they can be quite vast covering large areas. These displays give the visitors to the show the opportunity to see so many beautiful blooming orchids, some which could be quite rare or unusual, enticing the orchidists to add them to their Orchid Wishlist.
Orchid Shows are a great way to engage with the general public. Judges work with the society volunteer clerks, who get to see and hear all the reasons that one plant or flower is more deserving than the others while ribbon judging. AOS judging is another great benefit of the show. Plants are nominated for review by the judges, who with their vast knowledge of Orchid species and hybrids, evaluate the nominations to see if they are worthy of an AOS award. Interested parties are always welcome to observe AOS judging, and experience all the research that goes into the decision to grant an award.
If you are looking to attend an Orchid Show, or perhaps even participate in one, check out the show calendar and search for a show near you. You might even plan a vacation around a far-off Orchid Show, where they will surely have different and exciting new Orchids for you to enjoy.
