The largest orchid auction in New Jersey is scheduled for Oct. 10 at the Colts Neck Fire House No. 1, Route 537 (a quarter-mile west of Route 34), Colts Neck. The auction will begin at 10 a.m., with doors open for previewing at 9:30 a.m.
The Deep Cut Orchid Society’s annual auction will be held Oct. 10 at Colts Neck Fire House No. 1. The public is welcome to learn about orchids and to purchase plants. Here Linda Lytell displays a prize orchid. The auction is sponsored by the Deep Cut Orchid Society (DCOS).
Faye Arnett, DCOS president, noted there are more than 35,000 different orchid species.
“The auction provides a marvelous opportunity for those who are curious about these magnificent flowers, with their diverse shapes and brilliant colors. Amateur growers as well as experienced collectors will be able to see new species not readily available elsewhere,” she said.
Arnett said, “Hundreds of high-quality plants will be available from premier orchid growers across the country and as far away as Hawaii. Prices will be less than in stores, and many plants will be available at real bargains.”
DCOS, which covers all of mid-New Jersey and south, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education about orchids and the growing of orchids.
All money raised will go toward the monthly educational programs. National and international experts are brought in as speakers.
Larry Desiano, of Middletown, auction chair, encourages even beginners to come to the auction, even just to look at the marvelous blooms.
“We will have top-quality plants from the best growers across the country,” he said.
Desiano also noted that orchid growers by nature are friendly people.
“DCOS is a friendly club and an excellent source of information about orchids. We provide a marvelous support system for experienced growers as well as for beginners,” he said.
DCOS member Jimmy Yu, of Marlboro, has been growing orchids since 1972 in his native country, the Philippines. Yu grows his plants indoors with no special equipment. His favorites are catalayeas (known as the prom orchid) because “they are exotic and their colors are spectacular from the deep sunset colors (especially the oranges) to dark purples and reds.”
“Anyone can grow orchids,” he said. At the same time, “It is challenging to see them blossom.”
Linda Lytell, DCOS member, of Freehold, has been growing orchids for 10 years and has about 200 plants. Her specialty is miniature orchids, some smaller than a pencil eraser.
“It’s thrilling to bring them into bloom,” Lytell said, “When they bloom, especially in winter, the colors are really stimulating. Growing orchids and keeping them alive makes me feel special.”
For more information about the Oct. 10 orchid auction, call Larry Desiano at 732- 615-0447.