Thousands of spectacularly colorful flowers will brighten cold winter days at the 19th annual Deep Cut Orchid Society show.
The largest orchid show in the tri-state area is scheduled for Feb. 11-14 at the Dearborn Market, Route 35, Holmdel.
Exhibit hours are Feb. 11, 1-6 p.m.; Feb. 12-13, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. On Feb. 13-14, orchid experts will give free lectures from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will be exhibits from orchid clubs in the mid-Atlantic area and vendors from across the United States. Certified American Orchid Society judges will award prizes to the best exhibit and flowers, according to a press release.
Deep Cut Orchid Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to educating people about orchids.
Admission to the exhibit and parking are free. Lunch is available in the Dearborn Market. Visitors can eat in the 11,00-square-foot garden facility where the orchids will be shown.
Larry Desiano of Middletown, Deep Cut Orchid Society president, said, “Orchids breathe color and fragrance doing the winter doldrums. The bright flowers are long-lasting and hardy.”
Helen Kroh of Milltown, show co-chair, said her love of 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 (stem) and the full bright colored flower,” Kroh said.
A limited number of special group tours with a knowledgeable orchid expert as a guide can be arranged. There is no charge for the tour, but arrangements must be made in advance by calling Carol Abaya at 732-536-6215.