HOLMDEL – Thousands of deep colorful flowers will brighten cold winter days at the 16th Annual Deep Cut Orchid Society’s Orchid Show.
The largest orchid show in the tri-state area is scheduled for Feb. 7-10 at the Dearborn Market, Route 35. Exhibit hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8-9; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10.
Orchid experts will present free lectures on How To Grow Orchids and information on popular species during lectures at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9 and 10:30 a.m. and 2 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10.
There will be exhibits from orchid clubs and vendors in the Mid-Atlantic area and across the United States. Certified American Society of Orchids judges will award prizes to the best exhibit and flowers.
Deep Cut is a non-profit organization devoted to educating people about orchids.
Admission and parking will be free. Lunch will be available in Dearborn Market, where visitors can eat in the 11,000-square-foot garden facility, where the orchids will be exhibited.
“Orchids breathe color and fragrance during the winter doldrums. The bright flowers are long lasting and hardy,” said Larry Desiano of Middletown, the orchid society president.
Desiano, who has collected orchids for 30 years, said he sees orchids is a terrific gift for Valentine’s Day. “Flowers can last months,” he said, “and your wife will continue to remember your thoughtful gift longer than cut flowers or a gift put away in a drawer.”
Faye Arnett of Millstone, a society past president and show co-chair, said, “Over my lifetime I have had several passions. Orchids – watching them bud and bloom – has been a lasting love.”
Show co-chair Helen Kroh of Milltown said her love for orchids began 40 years ago when she went to orchid events with her aunt. “There is nothing else like the thrill of seeing a new spike (stem) and then full flower,” she said.
A limited number of special group tours with a knowledgeable orchid expert as a guide can be arranged. There is no cost, but arrangements must be made ahead of time by calling Carol Abaya at 732-536-6215.
For more information about the show, call Arnett at 732-786-8583.
