New Jersey’s largest orchid auction is scheduled for Oct. 11 at the Colts Neck Fire House No. 1, Route 537, Colts Neck. The auction will begin at 10 a.m. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
Sponsored by the Deep Cut Orchid Society, which covers all of mid-New Jersey and south, the auction will feature more than 400 colorful orchids. The orchids are being donated by the area’s best growers. There will also be orchids from Hawaii, California and Florida.
Deep Cut Orchid Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education about orchids and the growing of orchids. All money raised from the auction will go toward the group’s monthly educational programs.
Deep Cut Orchid Society President Faye Arnett said, “There are more than 35,000 different orchid species. Orchids are the most numerous species of any plant on earth. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. Colors are so varied that they range across the color spectrum.”
Denis Dayan, of Deal and former Deep Cut Orchid Society president, has more than 1,500 orchids, many with flowers the size of appleseeds. Dayan pointed out that the vanilla bean is really an orchid.
“What would we do without vanilla?” he asked.
Both Arnett and Dayan note that the beauty and delicacy of orchids are very beneficial to humans.
Carol Abaya, Deep Cut Orchid Society member and national expert on aging issues, said, “The vibrant colors uplift a person’s mood — especially during winter months. The fact that orchids are ‘alive’ also helps uplift a person’s mood and feelings in general.”
Deep Cut Orchid Society meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Monmouth Jewish Reformed Temple, 332 Hance Ave., Tinton Falls. Guests do not have to be a member to attend a meeting. The program features a talk on orchids, a display table and refreshments.
For more information about the auction, call Larry Desiano at 732-615-0447.