It’s All About Orchids

Explore the mystery and majesty of the orchid as Nature Coast Orchid Society presents “ORCHID OASIS,” its 2024 Annual Show & Sale, Saturday, April 13, and Sunday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Church, 13485 Spring Hill Dr., in Spring Hill.

NCOS is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit that educates people about orchids, offering information about the types of orchids, colors, what to do when they bloom, and how to care for them.

Orchid-growing professionals will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice on how to provide a healthy and happy environment for your new or old plants. There will be free lectures by professional growers on both days at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Then, of course, there are the orchids. A large display of opulent orchids will be presented at the show, including American Orchid Society judged and awarded plants. Guests can win their own lovely samplings of prized orchid blossoms, as awarded through event raffles.

Matt Riesz, president of the Nature Coast Orchid Society, is proud to present what is being characterized as the biggest and best NCOS show in event history. “This year, we have a new venue, a new location, that is larger,” he said. “We’ll have a large display of orchids of different varieties.”
Furthermore, the timing of this year’s show is also different, with the 2024 event happening during the spring growing season.

“This is when the flowers and plants grow,” said Riesz. “This is when the orchid growers are selling. So we’ll have more kinds of orchids. And in the judged show, in particular, people will see top quality blooms.”

Participants will also grow their knowledge of orchids thanks to the expert guest speakers set to deliver valuable informational presentations at this year’s show. “These are professional growers and members of our society,” said Riesz. “People who have judged orchid shows and who have written for American Orchid Society magazines.”

Aside from their obvious beauty and grace, orchids offer many natureborne benefits for avid growers.
“Dendrobiums are popular. They’re large, they look nice, they smell nice, and they’re long-lasting,” said Riesz. “Cattleya orchids are perfect for corsages.”

Admission to Orchid Oasis is $5 at the door, and parking is free. Refreshments will be available for purchase at this event, which is open to the public. NCOS is a 501(c)(3) group and always welcomes newcomers for a free visit to monthly meetings to see what it’s about. See www.naturecoastorchidsociety for more information, or call 863-231-8384.

“Proceeds from this show will go to bring in our expert speakers for our meetings and to advance our mission of teaching the public about how to grow and care for orchids,” said Riesz. “We’re here for the community.”