Members of the Bucks County Orchid Society recently brought home top honors from a major regional orchid show in New Jersey, showcasing the skill and dedication of this local group that has been growing a passion for orchids for decades. The society earned multiple awards at the Deep Cut Orchid Society’s 27th annual orchid show held Feb. 20 – 22 at Dearborn Market in Holmdel, New Jersey.
Six members of the Bucks County Orchid Society displayed plants at the event, which is widely promoted as one of the largest orchid exhibitions in the region. Judging was conducted by the American Orchid Society, the nationally recognized authority on orchid cultivation and evaluation.
Mitch Paroly, a member since 1985, received a blue ribbon and two prestigious rosette ribbons for his outstanding Phalaenopsis Lioulin 'Hot Lip' noted for its unusual coloring. One rosette was for Best in Class and the second was for Best in Alliance. Paroly earned three additional blue ribbons for three of his other phalaenopsis orchids.
“The rosette ribbon is a spectacular award,” said Bucks County Orchid Society president Sandy Kern. “It goes beyond a blue ribbon, signifying the best of the best in its class.”
In addition, the society earned third place overall in its category, and several members took home blue ribbons for their individual plants.
While the recent awards highlight the group’s expertise, the Bucks County Orchid Society remains focused on education and community, welcoming members of all experience levels.
This orchard society got its start back in the 1970s when a group of people started meeting monthly to share ideas on how to cultivate orchids because they have a reputation for being difficult to grow,” Kern said. Bucks County Orchid Society was officially launched in 1983 at which time 25 members met monthly at the Tamamend Park farmhouse. Eventually meetings were moved to its current location at the Churchville Nature Center.
Over time, the club has grown to roughly 50 members today, with about 30 active participants who regularly attend meetings. Members range from beginners growing orchids on windowsills to experienced greenhouse growers.
The society meets ten times a year, typically on the third Thursday of the month, with meetings beginning at 7:30 pm. A show table is set up at 7 pm, where members bring blooming plants to be judged by fellow members. The group does not meet during July and August.
A major focus of the organization is education and support for new growers.
“We get a lot of beginners who want to learn, and that’s a huge function of our society; to nurture and encourage people,” Kern said.
Meetings often include guest speakers, plant raffles, and opportunities to buy or trade plants. Members also socialize and exchange growing tips while judging takes place.
“It’s a very supportive group,” Kern said. “A lot of our meetings are about camaraderie, getting to know people, and finding out how their plants are doing.”
Throughout the year, plants displayed on the show table earn points toward annual awards for both greenhouse growers and windowsill growers. Members celebrate the winners at an annual banquet, where each participant receives a free orchid. Anyone is welcome to attend their meetings, but only members may have their plants judged. Membership costs $25 annually.
“Joining this society is great for camaraderie, sharing knowledge and growing techniques,” Kern said. “It’s an opportunity to network and learn, to get support so you can grow your plants to the best of your ability and to show off your plants.”
Upcoming events will offer additional opportunities for both experienced growers and newcomers to learn more about orchids. The society’s Thursday, April 16 meeting will feature an experienced presenter discussing orchid viruses.
Later in the year, the group will host its annual orchid auction the first Saturday in May indoors at the Churchville Nature Center, a popular fundraiser where members and visitors can purchase unusual and affordable plants. The auction typically features up to 100 orchids available for preview and bidding, giving attendees a chance to expand their collections while supporting the society’s educational programs.
Interest in orchids has grown dramatically over the past several decades, in part because of advances in breeding and mass production. “There was an explosion in the early 2000's when you were able to get these beautiful blooming plants everywhere,” Kern said.
Modern breeding techniques have made orchids, particularly moth orchids, or phalaenopsis, widely available in supermarkets and garden centers. Many are grown in large commercial greenhouses in warm climates such as Taiwan and Thailand, allowing plants to reach market size in about two years.
Orchids are among the most diverse plant families in the world, with thousands of species and countless hybrids. “They have really unusual flowers,” Kern said. “There are thousands and thousands of different types, and within each species they have different growth habits and shapes.”
Some orchids resemble animals or faces, including varieties that look like ducks or monkeys, which has fueled interest among collectors.
Orchids grow wild on every continent except Antarctica. While most species are tropical and cannot survive freezing temperatures, a few hardy types can tolerate cold climates.
Many orchids grow as epiphytes, meaning they attach themselves to trees for support rather than growing in soil. “They use trees for physical support to access light in the canopy, but they do not take nutrients from the tree,” Kern explained. Because of their unique growing habits, orchids are sensitive to environmental conditions such as humidity, air circulation, and temperature.
A simple tip for success at home, Kern said, is to avoid overwatering.“Don’t overwater them and provide air circulation,” she said.
The society also promotes orchid conservation and environmental awareness. As an affiliate of the American Orchid Society, members participate in conservation efforts and educational programs.
“Our overall mission is to cultivate and nurture an interest and a love of orchids and to share knowledge of how to grow the more unusual ones,” Kern said.
Conservation has become increasingly important as orchid habitats face threats from deforestation, pollution, and climate change. “Some species have been wiped out of existence because of overcollection and reduced habitat,” Kern said. “Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.”
International regulations now control the trade of endangered plants, helping protect wild populations.
Kern’s own interest in orchids began when she visited the Philadelphia Flower Show in the 1970s and was captivated by the variety of plants on display.“I was amazed to see all the different types of orchids,” she said.
After raising a family, she returned to the hobby about a decade ago and joined the Bucks County Orchid Society. Today, she encourages others to discover the rewards of growing orchids.
“Overall, orchids are just beautiful,” Kern said. “Some of them are very fragrant, and they really brighten up the winter because they’re basically an indoor plant that grows yearlong”
For more information about the Bucks County Orchid Society, visit them on Facebook or contact them directly at bcorchidsocietyeditor@gmail.com.
