THE FANTASY BEHIND THE 2007 POE

San Francisco Orchid Society Hosts Annual Orchid Show

(San Francisco, CA, September 19, 2006) -- Transcend the boundaries of the imagination with the San Francisco Orchid Society as they present the 55th Pacific Orchid Exposition (POE), appropriately named ‘Orchid Fantasia,’ for its wonderment of beauty and elegance. Over 150,000 orchids, from all over the globe, in every color, shape and size will cast a spell on all horticultural connoisseurs and orchid enthusiasts alike. The 2007 orchid showcase and plant sale will be housed at Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion in San Francisco, CA, February 15-18, 2007.

The orchid comes from the largest family of flowering plants and grows in every region of the world except for Antarctica. The simple- structured orchid is known for its long-life span, revealing its intricate beauty for up to several weeks. More than 50 nurseries will be displaying their unique breeds and rare hybrid forms, while also giving orchid lovers the chance to purchase a one-of-a-kind treasure to gaze at in the comfort of the home, office, restaurant or shop.


The 2007 San Francisco Orchid Society’s Pacific Orchid Exposition will offer tours, educational demonstrations of the latest developments in orchid culture and award winning orchids, judged by the American Orchid Society (AOS). Preview night, Thursday, February 15, includes delicious appetizers and a wide array of local wineries showcasing their finest selections. POE is praised every year for maintaining its position as the top 3 orchid show in the country. Come celebrate the prestige this year as the San Francisco Orchid Society expects the colors to be brighter and hybrid breeds more outrageous. Let the imagination run wild as the fantastical nature of orchids is unveiled.



WHO: The San Francisco Orchid Society (SFOS)

WHAT: The 55th Pacific Orchid Exposition, ‘Orchid Fantasia’

WHERE: Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion

WHEN:
• Gala Benefit Preview, Thursday, February 15, 2007, 6:30-10:00 p.m.
• Friday, February 16, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, February 17, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, February 18, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

COST:
• Preview Night: $30.00 in advance, $35.00 at the door
• General Admission: $12.00, seniors (65+), disabled: $8.00
• Children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult, except at the Gala Benefit Preview

INFO: Call 415.665.2468 or visit www.orchidsanfrancisco.org

Orchids For the Beginner

Most people start out growing orchids in their kitchens, bathrooms or on a windowsill. Although most orchids do best in greenhouses; there are also quite a few that are easy to grow for beginners. When a grower has purchased their first plant and it stays in bloom for up to two to three months, they are usually convinced that orchid collecting is exciting and rewarding.

Beginning Orchids:
Beginner orchid growers should probably start with a Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, or a Colmanara Wildcat.

The real trick is getting these beauties to re-bloom. The most important things for a new grower to remember is to provide proper light, fertilizer, and water. Most people do not fertilize often enough and do not provide enough light. It is best to purchase an orchid which will do well in your home’s conditions, if you expect it to re-bloom.

Most orchids need to be repotted within a year from the time you buy it. The best time to repot an orchid is shortly after it flowers (1-2 months after). We would like to suggest that you inform your readers that there will be repotting demonstration at the show to learn the proper technique. There is a ‘right’ way to repot.

There are many orchids, which will grow outside for most of the year in the Bay Area – Cymbidiums, Odontoglossums, Masdevallias, Australian Dendrobiums, some Laelias, some Oncidiums, some Dendrobiums, and Coelogynes.

As you become more addicted to these beautiful plants, you may want to invest in a greenhouse. Most orchids really do best with a greenhouse, because the conditions can be most easily controlled.