Orchid Society honors its namesake

February 21, 2011

The whites and browns of winter can prove overwhelming to anybody, which is why the Amherst Orchid Society's latest display is sure to be a good cure for the winter blues. The show, which is taking place on February 26, and may inspire many to send exotic flowers & bouquets because of the tropical theme.

The Amherst Bulletin likens the event to a tropical getaway, where one can take a moment to bask in the exciting colors and fragrances of all the different flowers in the greenhouse. Bill Hutchinson, of the Amherst Orchid Society, explained that up to 90 percent of these beautiful buds are grown organically, without the help of a greenhouse.

"It's a myth that you can't grow orchids on a windowsill," he told the news source. "If you can grow African violets, this is where you should put your orchids."

And he knows a little something about these flowers - Hutchinson grows over 5,000 buds in his greenhouse, which is divided into three sections.

This show goes back more than two decades, when Hutchinson helped found the society so that he could help people become more informed about orchids. Even the first show was a popular event - 200 people showed up, despite the fact that there was a snowstorm.

There are many different flower types when it comes to orchids, and Hutchinson is more than willing to share his vast knowledge of this particular blossom. He said that many orchids bloom during the colder months including the cattleyas, which are often used for prom corsages.

He also has beautiful Dendrobium orchids, which offer a vast and varied range of flowers. These hail from Australia and there is a bright pink subspecies that can actually grow on rocks.

Some orchids, such as the Vanda, actually prefer cooler air so Hutchinson has a special part of the greenhouse dedicated toward flowers with specific temperature requirements. These buds are also unique because of the fireworks displays of color for which they are famous. From pink to purple to white to yellow, this show has a little bit of everything.

Orchids can mean many different things to many people. Expert Melissa Burdeck recently told The Virginian-Pilot that orchids, with their vivid and memorable hues, as well as their bold and beautiful buds, can symbolize lust, nobility or luxury.

This article is brought to you by Teleflora - a leader in the flower delivery service for over 75 years. Teleflora helps its customers buy flowers online and specializes in bringing the freshest available flowers for a variety of holidays and occasions - all hand-delivered in keepsake vases by the best local florists.

12d92816-dd13-4f15-b058-e77172432b09|0|.0

Add comment

Commenting Options

Enter your personal information to the left

Name*

E-mail*

Website

b i u quote

Notify me when new comments are added

comment policy