~ 2011 Venice Orchid Show~

The Venice Area Orchid Society Show is held each year on the first weekend in February.  It may not be the largest show but it is by far one of the best in the area.

The theme of the show this year was "Be Dazzled".

I was lucky to have arrived there early before the after-church crowd.  I had room to move around with my tripod.
There were 12 exhibits this year and all had beautiful orchids.  Here are two of the exhibits.

Exhibit by Quest Orchids~a Miami grower

Orchids Etcetera~a local Sarasota grower

The exhibits are judged as well as the orchids. The judges are American Orchid Society certified. Each display is judged on general appearance, the variety and quality of flowers and how the orchids are labelled. 

The display by the Ridge Orchid Society won multiple awards.

A prize winning Paphopedilum.

Orchids are judged on the American Orchid Society point system.  Points are given for the form and color of the flower and also its size.

This show had an exhibit area, a vendor area and an art and crafts area.  A table of beautiful fresh orchid arrangements was set up, information about the Venice Orchid Society was available and there was a large room of orchid growing supplies.
 The number and quality of orchids for sale was fantastic.  This is usually the most crowded area of any orchid show.

Little plants growing in shells.

Exotic hybrid Phaleanopsis.

The always present show-stopping orchid that is "not for sale"~a teaser.
Usually small non-flowering plants are for sale.
You may have to wait a few years for blooms like this.

The Orchid Boutique.
Beautiful orchid arrangements in exquisite containers!

There were many paintings and photographs in the art & crafts display.
This was the first place winner...a beautiful quilt.

A beautiful basket of 4 mature
orchid plants was being raffled.  This is a real prize.

Now I'd like to show you some of the flowers that really caught me eye.

Blc. " Wanda's Fire"

Bl. "morning glory".

Cattleya skinneri.

This is a prize-winning Cymbidium.

A large stunning Cattleya.

These are Paphiopedilums.  This entire exhibit was "paphs".
Paphs are sometimes referred to as "slipper orchids".

A brilliant Vanda.

Award winning Phalaeanopsis.  This is an incredible
 spray of flowers.

Lots of people come to look (and smell) the spectacular orchid displays; others come to buy for their own collection; then there are alot of people like me, who photograph orchids.  Some with very sophisticated equipment and others using their cell phones.

I think there were at least 5 people taking photos here.

More Beauties~

This is Lc. Secret Love.

A genus I had never seen before Alaceara.

A Vanda

Orchids are very addicting!

Now you know why I look forward to the February Orchid Show.