‘Orchids at Play’ this weekend

MEMBERS OF the public are invited to the Montego Bay Orchid Club’s (MBOC) 26th staging of our Annual Orchid Show and Sale this weekend. Dubbed ‘Orchids at Play’, we will be showcasing the best grown orchids of our members, our sister societies, local nurseries and other talented and amateur orchid growers. Each exhibit will be an interpretation of the individual and/or group’s idea of orchid’s ability to play. Orchids are great imitators of insects, birds, and animals. They run and climb, therefore they can ‘play’.

The new but easily accessible Pier 1 on the Waterfront will be the venue. It will provide a splendid backdrop to exhibit not only our beautiful orchids, but also orchid-related materials and supplies.

The planned model planes exhibit will not be featured this year, as the change in the date of the show from the last weekend in February to the first weekend in March created a conflict.

During the hours of the show, members of the MBOC will be available to answer questions regarding the orchids and/or membership in the club. In addition, there will also be entertainment, educational sessions and demonstrations on both days of the show. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Ivy Innerrarity Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to high-school students at the CXC level.

There will be orchids and orchid-related material on sale and vendors of other plants, clothing, craft, pottery and more. Refreshment will also be on sale.

The Montego Bay Orchid Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. at Seawind on the Bay. The club’s objective is to promote and encourage the growth of orchids. More recently, this has also included efforts to preserve our native species. Each year, the club participates in shows staged by the other societies – Jamaica Orchid Society, Mandeville Orchid Society and the Ocho Rios Orchid Society. There are field trips to orchids nurseries, other society’s meetings and safaris to collect our local species.

Come and enjoy a day (or two) with orchids!

A display of all the award-winning orchids at the 25th staging of the Montego Bay Orchid Club show.

Montego Bay Orchid Club’s exhibit at the 25th staging of the Montego Bay Orchid Club Show.

The Jamaica Orchid Society’s display at the 25th staging of the Montego Bay Orchid Club Show held at West Pow Park, Irwin, St James. They are also the winner of the Best Sister Club award.

Winner of the Best Individual Display, Friends Garden Club, had this display at the 25th staging of the Montego Bay Orchid Club Show.