Orchid Show a Chance to Nurture Love of Flowers

Article Written by Brad Piini

People often purchase an orchid at a market because of its irresistible beauty, but then they aren't sure about its care.

That Phalaenopsis that you bought is just one of 25,000 orchid species found in the wild. Orchids are one of the largest plant groups on earth and have been found on every continent except Antarctica. Orchids used to be a very expensive and rare possession afforded only by society’s elite class. But with today’s mass production techniques, orchids are within everyone’s budget. That store bought Phalaenopsis can give you years of pleasure and beauty with just some minimal care tips. They’re one of the easiest orchids to grow and rebloom. They grow well on a windowsill with indirect light and weekly watering and occasional transplanting.

Those individuals that want to further educate themselves on orchid care, or wish to expand into different types of orchids, are welcome to attend the Diablo View Orchid Society (DVOS) meetings held at the Contra Costa Water Board Building Board Room, 1331 Concord Ave., Concord on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 7:15 to 10:00 p.m. This is the only orchid society located in Contra Costa County. The society has a membership that has extensive knowledge and passion for orchids and is more than willing to share that knowledge with anybody interested. Orchid societies are a great way of mastering the cultural requirements of orchids or to experiment with collecting and growing other species of orchids and expanding your collection.

The society has monthly meetings with expert guest lecturers who present various topics on orchids. It also has monthly raffles, which is an easy way to expand and diversify your orchid collection. The DVOS will be hosting a one-day show and sale on Saturday, February 9th at the First Lutheran Church, 4000 Concord Blvd. in Concord from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Orchids from around the world will be on display. The event will include ribbon judging, orchid workshops throughout the day, orchids and supplies for sale, raffle, repotting service ($5 up to 5" pot), and a free orchid with new member sign up (day of show only). Admission is $5 or $3 with attached postcard and available to print at www.dvos.org. Under 12 free. We look forward to seeing you there.