The Deep Cut Orchid Society will host an orchid auction on Oct. 1 at the Colts Neck Fire House No. 1, Route 537, Colts Neck. The auction will begin at 10 a.m. Doors will open at 9 a.m. so that guests may get a glimpse of the beautiful plants for sale. The largest orchid auction in the Mid- Atlantic region is scheduled for Oct. 1 at the Colts Neck Fire House No. 1, Route 537, Colts Neck. The auction will begin at 10 a.m. Doors will open at 9 a.m. for a preview.
The auction is sponsored by the Deep Cut Orchid Society and will feature more than 400 prime orchids. Some of the area’s most successful growers are donating plants. There will also be orchids from growers in Hawaii, California and Florida, according to a press release.
Covering central and southern New Jersey, the Deep Cut Orchid Society is a nonprofit organization whose members grow orchids and offer information about these beautiful plants. All money raised is used to bring in orchid experts as speakers to the monthly meetings. Orchids are Earth’s most varied species of plants, with more than 25,000 pure strains and 250,000 hybrids, according to the press release. Colors of all seasons and the rainbow are seen in orchids.
Joan Mesander, auction chair, received her first orchid as a gift five years ago.
“I loved the look of the flowers, which lasted a long time. I quickly found that orchids are really easy to take care of.”
She describes her orchid passion as “relaxing and enjoyable.” Mesander now has several hundred plants.
Faye Arnett, Deep Cut Orchid Society president, said many orchid flowers last for weeks. Most other flowers last for a short period of time and then they die.
“Orchids present nature at its best, its most unusual. While some orchids do not bloom every year, when they do bloom, the colors and shapes are incredible,” Arnett said. Deep Cut Orchid Society board member Carol Abaya said, “Orchids are incredibly, delicately ‘put together.’ What better holiday gift? The vibrant colors and fragrances uplift a person’s mood, especially during winter months. Also, the fact that orchids are ‘alive’ helps bring a smile to a housebound person.”
Matt Riesz, Deep Cut Orchid Society board member, added, “Orchids are often easier to grow than houseplants. Many bloom in the winter, when the weather is dreary and nothing else is in bloom. They lift our spirits and brighten our lives as no other flower can.”
Entrance and parking for the Oct. 1 orchid auction are free. Food and drinks will be available.