The Deep Cut Orchid Society will sponsor an orchid auction Oct. 11 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Route 34 and Phalanx Road, Colts Neck. CHERYL A. LANGSETH An event dubbed as the largest orchid auction in the Mid-Atlantic region is scheduled for Oct. 11 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Route 34 and Phalanx Road, Colts Neck. The auction will begin at 10 a.m. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. for a preview.
The auction, which is sponsored by the Deep Cut Orchid Society (DCOS), will feature more than 400 exotic orchids from all over the world, according to a press release.
Orchids from some of the country’s most successful and award-winning growers will be available from Carmela Orchids, H&R Nurseries, Kalapana Tropical Orchids, Komoda Orchids, Krull-Smith Orchids, Lehua Orchids, Newman’s Nursery, Piping Rock Orchids, Silva Orchids, Sunset Valley Orchids and Waldor Orchids. Prices can start as low as $5.
DCOS is one of the oldest and biggest orchid clubs in the region. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education about and the growing of orchids. All money raised is used to bring in orchid experts as speakers to the monthly meetings.
Joan Mesander, who is chairing the auction, said that the flowers of many orchid species last for weeks.
“Some orchids can bloom for as long as six months. Most other flowers last for a short period of time and then they die,” she said.
Mesander also notes that orchids are the most diverse plant species on earth, with more than 25,000 purebred species named and more than 250,000 hybrids named.
“Orchids are marvelous gifts for anyone throughout the year. For holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and housewarming and thank you gifts,” Mesander said. For the housebound, the bright colors and unusual shapes can be uplifting, especially during the winter.
DCOS board member Carol Abaya said, “I love to walk into my kitchen and feast on the bright colors of my blooming orchids. Orchid colors range from white to bright yellow, pink, magenta, orange and even green. One of my favorites is the color of peaches, with subtle yellows and pinks throughout the flowers.”
Admission and parking at the orchid auction will be free. Food and drinks will be available.

