2008 Western North Carolina Orchid Show and Sale, Part 1

Display Room of the Western North Carolina Orchid Show in the Education Center of the North Carolina Arboretum


This morning I attended the second day of the 2008 Western North Carolina Orchid Show and Sale at the North Carolina Arboretum. Although I've gardened outdoors for many years, I cannot keep a houseplant alive. I certainly haven't ventured into the Orchid world. My experience of an event like this is much like how I describe myself going to Sunday services: like a dog in church. I enjoy the sights and scents for their own sake, and have no interest in tapping into the deeper religion of the event.

So here is my report from today's visit, emphasizing the visual experience, which was more than satisfying to this orchid-ignorant gardener. This first part gives the overview and most of the exhibits. When I get home I'll be able to filter through the flower portraits for Part 2.



The event was sponsored by the Western North Carolina Orchid Society (WNCOS). The event was held in the Education Building of the North Carolina Arboretum. Specimens from WNCOS members occupied the central display. All of these photos are from the members exhibit, taken from different vantage points around the room.











Displays from vendors and other orchid societies covered the perimeter of the room. The vendors tables themselves occupied two other rooms.

Carolina Orchids


South Carolina Orchid Society Display


Ironwood Estates Orchids Display


Marble Branch Farms Displays


Elmore Orchids Display


Orchidview Orchids Display


Carter & Holmes Display


One thing that struck me - and I wonder if others have the same impression - is that orchid society seems to be disproportionately male. If one were to judge the demographics of gardeners by that of its bloggers, one might come up with a distribution like this:

• 70% women
  
• 30% men
  
  • 15% straight
    
  • 15%gay
    

It's hard to say what the breakdown would be at today's event. Men seemed to be in the majority, at least while I was there. As for the rest of it, I would not presume to infer. I'll just say that the orchids weren't the only eye-candy on hand today.

Links

Program and Exhibitors for the 2008 WNC Orchid Show and Sale [PDF]
North Carolina Arboretum
Western North Carolina Orchid Society (WNCOS) [Note: The site was completely unavailable when I wrote this post.]