Saturday, April 6, 2019

Orchid Expo Staged in Oaks Today and Sunday













Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Orchid Society

The tri-county area will be well represented when thousands of orchids, the undisputed queen of the flower world, are on glorious display through April 7, at the Philly EXPO Center in Oaks. 

More than 30 area residents representing the Southeastern Pennsylvania Orchid Society (SEPOS), one of nearly 400 affiliates of the American Orchid Society (AOS), are putting the finishing touches on the spectacular exhibits of the annual International Orchid Show. 

More than100 participants will stage more than two dozen spectacular exhibits showcasing the exotic beauty of the world's largest plant family. Visitors will marvel at the unparalleled beauty, complexity and diversity of these extraordinary flowers.

The AOS was founded in 1921, largely at the urging of Alice B. DuPont. When local affiliates were encouraged, SEPOS became the second such organization in 1947. A non-profit, educational and conservation organization, SEPOS has sponsored it's show for more than fifty years and it is now one of the largest in North America (only FL and CA are excepted). 

 The local society is joined by ten others from the mid-Atlantic area and eighteen orchid growers from around the world (including Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, Brazil and Ecuador) as well as CA, CT, FL, MD, NH, NJ, NY and PA.

No longer confined to estates of the well-to-do, orchids can be enjoyed by everyone. Orchid sales outperform all other plant sales except poinsettias. Interest in orchids has exploded in recent years as they are readily available and more affordable. 

Orchid societies have helped eliminate the traditional mystery surrounding orchids. SEPOS boasts nearly 100 members who meet monthly. Visitors are welcome and the group's activities will help you learn how to enjoy orchids in your home and garden.

SEPOS members will assist certified AOS judges from the U.S. and Canada as they evaluate plants and exhibits. They will also conduct free guided tours of the show, present free lectures and answer visitors' questions.

Mere mention of the word “orchid” conjures up images of steamy jungles and trees festooned with flamboyant corsage orchids. While most orchids do grow in the tropics, they also grow in specialized habitats on all continents except Antarctica. Some even grow above the Arctic Circle. 

There are more than 30,000 orchid species in the world and every US state has native orchids. Pennsylvania boasts more than 40 species which can be found growing naturally in undisturbed places. Some are large and colorful while others are small, green and inconspicuous. All have developed remarkable adaptations to ensure successful pollination and continuation of the species.

The loss of habitat jeopardizes orchids in the wild. SEPOS members participate in numerous research projects side by side with scientists from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Longwood Gardens, Mt. Cuba Center, and the North Branch Land Trust as they attempt to stave off extinction. Proceeds from the show are donated to these organizations as well as the Academy of Natural Sciences, Jocotoco Foundation, Native Orchid Conference and the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research.

For more information and discounted tickets go to: www.sepos.org

No comments:

Post a Comment