It can be a struggle to spend time with nature in the Louisiana heat. That’s what makes the Baton Rouge Orchid Society’s (BROS) annual orchid show a special opportunity to immerse in local flora and pick up a new hobby, all while staying out of the summer humidity.
The orchid show takes place indoors at Burden Museum & Gardens on Saturday, July 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. The free event will have orchid vendors, a competition between orchid displays and an educational booth about the flowers.
BROS President James Morrison says the purpose of the show is not just to show off the delicate flowers but also to entice the public to get involved with the blooms themselves.
“I think there’s a given population of people who know about orchids and love their beauty,” Morrison said. “I think our big thing is just to try to introduce the hobby of growing orchids to the area. We continue to try to educate that these are wonderful plants that can be grown and enjoyed here in Louisiana.”
The theme for this year’s orchid show is “A Feast of Orchids.” Members of BROS will show off their flower displays next to displays from other orchid societies along the Gulf Coast. Judges from the American Orchid Society (AOS) will compare the plants and give blue ribbons for the most deserving blossoms in different categories.
If an orchid qualifies, it’s compared to other plants on a national level and has the chance to gain a national award from the AOS. David Coco, the show chair, emphasizes the delicate complexity of growing orchids, especially in the summer season.
“The one big difference is in this heat, somebody could have a plant that’s beautiful today and by next week it’s over,” Coco said. “It’s just a tricky timing thing, and the judges are looking for perfection.”
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There will be five vendors selling orchids suited to grow in the humid Louisiana climate. Attendees have the chance to explore varieties of orchids from Florida, Texas and other parts of Louisiana. The orchid show is an opportunity for people of all ages to learn more about a diverse species of plant that’s an important part of horticulture in Baton Rouge.
“I think it’s always interesting to see people’s reactions,” Coco said. “They’re so exotic and there’s so many different types. Orchids are the largest species of flowering plant on the earth. People, I think, only know what they see in a grocery store.”
Despite highlighting their uniqueness, Coco also wants people to know that anyone can grow and enjoy orchids.
“It’s a challenge and they really are exotic and interesting looking,” Coco said. “I just would like to emphasize that people should not be afraid of orchids. It doesn’t have to be something that’s in some rarefied environment. Once you get the right medium going, they’re pretty easy.”
The Baton Rouge Orchid Society welcomes anyone who takes interest in growing orchids, whether it’s their full time occupation or a relaxing hobby. In addition to putting on their annual show, the society has monthly meetings to increase their knowledge on growing the flowers.
Morrison encouraged everyone to discover the beauty of orchids and learn about this staple plant in Louisiana horticulture.
“There are literally thousands of different orchid varieties that are available to be grown right here in Louisiana and Baton Rouge,” Morrison said. “It’s a very interesting hobby. I’ve been able to take my retirement time and learn the culture. It’s a different type of culture than growing house plants, but once learned, it’s very rewarding.”
