Orchids galore

It will be a blooming paradise today and tomorrow as the Manitoba Orchid Society hosts its annual orchid show and sale at Breezy Bend Golf and Country Club in Headingley from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

With hundreds of orchids for sale, including rare species and hybrids from expert orchid growers from across the country, this event is the place to be for orchid lovers and anyone who wants to learn more about how to grow and care for unique plants.

“Our members have many methods for successfully nurturing orchids from around the world and adapting them to growing conditions in our Prairie homes,” says Denise Fortier, longtime member of the MOS and one of the event’s organizers. “We can provide reliable growing tips and tricks that work here in Manitoba. If you grow an African violet, you can grow an orchid.

“The educational talks held daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., are really popular,” says Fortier. The talks are free with show admission ($10).

This year’s presenters include Taras Kowalczuk, owner of Flora Peculia in Toronto, who specializes in Japanese miniature orchids. Terry Kennedy, an accredited judge with the American Orchid Society, and owner of Orchids in Our Tropics in Toronto, will offer a presentation on unique orchids. Monica DeWit, an AOS judge and expert grower who lives in Edmonton, will highlight the orchids of Ecuador.

“Each of these presenters will have tables full of rare orchid species and incredible hybrids,” says Fortier.

Winnipegger Terry Enno, a member of the MOS, grows several orchid species. Her presentation will discuss the importance of water quality and fertilizer for orchids.

Carnivorous companions

A unique addition to this year’s event will be a presentation by Andrew Gierys on growing carnivorous plants. Gierys, a self-described carnivorous plant addict, grows hundreds of carnivorous plants along with orchids in his Winnipeg home.

Certain species of orchids and carnivorous plants make great companions, says Fortier. Who knew? It’s an idea that’s catching on. “Many people are growing orchids in terrariums because they provide a humid environment. Carnivorous plants also thrive in high humidity,” says Fortier. But carnivorous plants, by their very nature, can also trap fungus gnats and fruit flies. Combining the right plant partners in a terrarium environment can make for a happy marriage.

“The MOS orchid show is a chance to discover something completely new,” says Fortier. “The classic white phalaenopsis is a great first step to test the waters. It’s the easiest type of orchid to grow in our homes but there are other orchid varieties, that are easy to grow, too.

“We have a great lineup of local vendors including Everspring Orchids and Orchid Botanix and Tropicals of Winnipeg. They are bringing a selection of unusual and hard to find orchid varieties you won’t find in a grocery store. Shelmerdine Garden Centre will also be on hand with everything you need for growing orchids including potting mixes and containers,” says Fortier. “There will be some big cymbidium orchids for sale as well as orchid arrangements and even some cut orchid stems.”

Tiny plants, big blooms

Miniature orchids are all the rage. For one thing, they adapt easily to small spaces in homes and offices, and they make for unique conversation pieces. Some of the mini orchids at this weekend’s show are the tiniest of plants but produce large blooms, says Fortier. She is especially excited about an incredibly tiny orchid with flowers that is no larger than a grain of wheat. “You may find these jewels displayed next to huge sprays of weird and wonderful new orchid hybrids,” she says.

And then there are the extraordinary bulbophylum orchids. “Bulbophyllum is the largest genus in the orchid family with over 2,000 species,” says Taras Kowalczuk, owner of Flora Peculia in Toronto. “Some plants have leaves that are only one-millimetre in size.”

Kowalczuk grows Bulbophyllum mastersianum that is found in Molluca and Borneo. “It is technically a small orchid, not a true miniature but small, nonetheless,” he says. The orange-yellow flower clusters have a fan-like structure. Bulbophyllum orchids come in a range of sizes. “Some have wide thick leathery leaves over 1.2 metres in length.”

At last year’s event, visitors were fascinated by tiny miniature orchid plants Kowalczuk brought to the show, says Fortier. “He will have many more little gems this year,” she says. “But watch out for the bulbophylums.” In addition to their exotic appearance, they are famous for their strong scents.

Cameras are sure to be out in full force. Each year, visitors to the orchid show have a rare opportunity to capture the luxurious blooms of diverse orchid varieties such as Pink Cymbidium, Phragmepedium roelzii, Paphiopedilum Black Garnet, Cattleya Autumn Symphony and countless others. There will also be artistic displays designed by MOS members.

The theme for this year’s show is “Orchids for the Prairie home.” MOS members have re-created a cosy Prairie living room decorated with blooming orchids which will provide an enchanting backdrop for visitors to take photos.

Orchid-themed quilts, needlepoint and artwork will also be on display. “Orchid-lovers are collectors,” says Fortier. “It’s amazing to see what our members bring to the show.”

Fortier tips her hat to the folks at Breezy Bend who have provided the venue for the MOS show and sale for the past several years. “They have been so accommodating,” she says.

“Visitors to the Orchid Show can enjoy breakfast, lunch or a light snack in the Breezy Bend Café while they take in the sights and sounds of the tropics.”

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