PHOTO COURTESY OF CHERYL A. LANGSETH Thousands of colorful flowers will brighten the day at the 17th annual Deep Cut Orchid Society Winter Show. The largest orchid show in the tri-state area, the event is scheduled for Feb. 6-9 at Dearborn Market, Route 35, Holmdel.
Exhibit hours are 1-6 p.m. Feb. 6, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 7-8, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 9.
Orchid experts will present free lectures from Feb. 8-9 about orchid cultivation and information about popular species. The lectures will be given at 10:30 a.m., 2 and 3:30 p.m. Feb. 8; and 10:30 a.m. and 2 and 3 p.m. Feb. 9.
There will be exhibits from orchid clubs in the mid-Atlantic area and vendors from across the United States. Certified judges from the American Society of Orchids will award prizes to the best exhibit and flowers, according to a press release.
Deep Cut is a nonprofit organization devoted to educating people about orchids.
Admission and parking are free. Lunch is available in Dearborn Market, and visitors can eat in the 11,000-square-foot garden facility, where the orchids will be exhibited. “Orchids breathe color and fragrance during the winter doldrums,” Deep Cut Orchid Society President Larry Desiano of Middletown said. “The bright flowers are long-lasting and hardy.”
Faye Arnett of Millstone Township, past Deep Cut Orchid Society president and show co-chair, said watching orchids bud and bloom has been a “lasting love” of hers.
Helen Kroh of Milltown, show co-chair, said her love for orchids began 40 years ago when she went to orchid events with her aunt.
“There is nothing else like the thrill of seeing a new spike and then full flower,” she said.
A limited number of guided group tours with an orchid expert 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 meets the second Tuesday of every month at the Monmouth Reform Temple, Hance Avenue, Tinton Falls.
Every meeting has a guest speaker, a show table and refreshments. Meetings are open to the public at no cost.