Dear Orchid Friends:

The Miami show is one of the largest in the nation. The show hosted new exhibitors and more vendors than in previous years. It was encouraging to see the interest in orchid conservation and several displays highlighted this aspect. Marie Selby Botanic Gardens had an inviting exhibit about world travels and conservation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture was also present and provided information on CITES, endangered species. Preservation of orchid species is truly an important topic and it is rewarding to learn these species are being spared.

Congrats to R.F. Orchids for their magnificent display "Ariaru Amazonia". "Amazonia" won First Place 500 sq.ft display, Special Award for Artistic Merit and the AOS Show Trophy. A bamboo stilt house took center stage surrounded by islands of breathtaking orchids. This display captured the spirit and beauty of the Amazons and one could envision the macaws in the jungle. Truly a delightful display. First Place 300 sq.ft display was awarded to Whimsey Orchids for their gorgeous art deco scene. A pastel pink deco building was artisitcally surrounded by cattleyas and phalaenopsis. Orange, magenta, pink, red... the color of a Florida sunset. Baldan Orchids won First Place Open Exhibit for a single genus. "Secret Cove" was an entire display of only phalaenopsis orchids encompassing the colors of a rainbow. Soroa Orchids' exhibit also highlighted only phals. Soroa had the most interesting coral colored phalaenopsis--a blending of colors. Truly unique! To my disappointment, the number of exhibits in the hobbyist class was less this year.

Colombian and Puerto Rican Orchid Societies were new exhibitors at the show. The Colombian Orchid Society won First Place Open Exhibit - International, Cut flowers Division. The Society showcased interesting and beautiful odontoglossums, paphiopediliums and masdevallias from the high mountainous elevations of Colombia.

Other Awards:

• Cattleya Species Trophy: C. loddigesii 'Carina' AM/AOS by Whimsey Orchids; flat, pink petals & sepals with fringed lip and dash of yellow.
• Art Shade & Other Cattleya Trophy: : Blc. Edisto 'Newsberry' by Whimsey Orchids; large 6" dark magenta flower, fringed lip, dark red in lip with yellow, interesting wine stripes in lip.
• Catasetum Trophy: : Catasetum pileatum by Soroa Orchids; waxy, green cup like petals, burnt orange & yellow in lip with dark orange spots.
• Yellow Vanda Trophy: : V. Dawn by Living Creations Orchids; double spike, deep yellow flower, greenish tint on edges, green lip with yellow & white, waxy.
• Purple/Blue Ascocenda Trophy: : Ascda. Yeo Geck Bee 'Violet Lady' HCC/AOS by R.F. Orchids; deep purple with darker purple markings.
• Orange Ascocenda Trophy: : Ascda. Su-Fun Beauty 'Orange Belle' AM/AOS by R.F. Orchids; orange blooms with delicate dark red spots.
• Pink Ascocenda Trophy: : V. Thonglor x Ascda. Piswong by R.F. Orchids; melding of deep pink,coral & hint of yellow with muted markings. Beautiful!
• Semi-Alba Phalaenopsis Trophy: : Phal. Su's Red Lip x Phal. China Best Girl #1 by Krull-Smith Orchids; large 4' petals, white with blush of pink on inner aspect of whorl, muted stipes on lower petals, deep magenta lip.

Individual Awards:

• Phalaenopsis Trophy and Blue Ribbon: Phal. Amibilis by L. Trillos; double spike small white blooms, dash of lemon yellow in lip, delicate maroon markings on lip.
• Best Blue Vanda & Best Vanda: V. Ricardo Blue x V. Kasem's Delight 'Tom Boykin' by George & Mona Heider; Gorgeous deep purple of concord grapes with darker markings that become one color, lip nearly black. George & Mona Heider also won first place Vanda for this exquisite plant at the Coral Gables Orchid Society Show.

• Blue Ribbons:
  • C. Swan Lake x C. Lucille Small; large white flower, fringed lip, yellow in lip.
  • Epi. Casatarica: delicate pale orange flower, dark chocolate spots, light lavender lip and dark purple spots on lip.
  • Paphipedilium Estrella: creamy white petals, dark maroon stripes, yellowish lip with delicate brown spots.

  The Miami Show also offers educational classes in orchid culture. The courses run during the three day event and provide a myriad of information by renowned speakers. The growers' short courses are definitely a wonderful addition to the show.

  A brief respite for the "foot weary" would be an enhancement to the show. One suggestion to improve on an otherwise great show is to have more benches/seating available for the attendees. Strategically placed seating throughout the convention center would allow admirers to rest while still enjoying the beautiful displays and provide a place to comfortably change film in a camera.

  Kudos to the South Florida Orchid Society and the fantastic show "Orchid Wonders of the World". It's been a great season for orchid shows and I always look forward to next year's show.

  Until next time,
  

  Vivi