Orchids of many colors and varieties will be on display at Dearborn Farm Market in Holmdel during the Deep Cut Orchid Society’s annual show Feb. 10-13. PHOTO COURTESY OF DEEP CUT ORCHID SOCIETY Thousands of brightly colored, delicate orchids will surround visitors at the Deep Cut Orchid Society’s 14th annual show, scheduled Feb. 10-13. The show, the largest in New Jersey, will be held at Dearborn Farm Market, 2170 Route 35, Holmdel.
Exhibit hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On Saturday and Sunday, orchid experts will present lectures, at no cost, on how best to grow orchids and on some of the most popular species. The lectures will be offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. No preregistration for the lectures is required.
Deep Cut Orchid Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to educating people about orchids.
Admission and parking are free. Lunch is available in the Dearborn Farm Market, and visitors can eat in the 11,000-squarefoot garden facility, where the orchids will be exhibited.
Orchids, the most diverse flowers on Earth, have 25,000 pure species and more than 250,00 hybrid named flowers. Colors range from white and pale pinks and yellows to vibrant purples, oranges, magenta, and even black. Some orchids’ flowers even have polka dots and stripes.
Faye Arnett, Deep Cut president, said, “The delicate shapes of the flowers are nature’s wonder. The colors warm up any room and everyone’s spirits during the cold winter months. Many can be grown on window sills and do not require any special environment. Like any living thing, orchids just need love and appreciation.”
Pat Bliss, exhibit co-chair, said, “These colorful flowers are a great complement to the winter blues. The blooming season for many orchids is from Thanksgiving to Easter, and the flowers can last for weeks and even a couple of months.”
There will be exhibits from orchid clubs in the tri-state area and vendors from all over, including Florida and Hawaii. Certified American Society of Orchids judges will award prizes to the best exhibit and flowers.
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.
Deep Cut Orchid Society meets monthly at the Monmouth Reform Temple on Hance Avenue in Tinton Falls. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 1. Thereafter, meetings are on the second Tuesday of every month. Every meeting has a guest speaker, a show table and refreshments. Meetings are open to the public at no cost.