‘Exotic blooms’ will take over Pembroke Pines City Center for orchid showcase
A global showcase of rare blooms is coming to Pembroke Pines.
The Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society’s annual show and sale — Orchid Magic — will take over the Charles F. Dodge City Center Friday, Jan. 9, through Sunday, Jan. 11.
On the three-day flower festival’s itinerary are stunning floral displays, vendor marts, educational classes and judging opportunities to show off your prize plant.
Tickets range from $20.25 for general admission or $40 for VIP early entry.
“Orchids by the thousands will arrive from major growing centers from around the globe,“ said Luanne Betz, the event’s organizer, in a statement released in December. “Our amazing show and sale will completely transform the Dodge City Center auditorium with fragrant, exotic blooms, along with elaborate vendor displays.”
Thousands of enthusiasts, hobbyists and hybridizers are expected to attend the festival, which is bringing in about 40 vendors.
Growers from around the world, including orchid hostspots Taiwan and Ecuador, and those of Florida fame — Homestead’s Soroa, Apopka’s Krull-Smith and Miami’s Quest Orchids — will also show.
Those who’d rather window shop can enjoy the “artistically designed exhibits,” art displays from local elementary schools and orchid-themed gifts, including books and growing supplies.
Educational classes on how best to cultivate the flower — think repotting and insect control — will be taught for those interested in building their own collection.
And for attendees who dabble in growing orchids, consider submitting your plant to Orchid Magic’s contest, considered one of the “largest and best juried orchid shows in the country.”
Ribbons and cash prizes, awarded by the West Palm Beach Judging Center of the American Orchid Society, await those who win the following categories: Grand Champion Flower - Hobbyist ($200), Best Quality Flower - FLOS Member, Any Genus ($100), Best Vanda - Species or Hybrid, Hobby Grower ($50) and Best Specimen Plant - Any Genus ($100).
If you’d like to enter drop off your prize plant at the Charles F. Dodge City Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, from 3 to 7 p.m., or Friday, Jan. 8, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Pickup is Sunday, Jan. 11, at 4 p.m.
Looking for more reason to participate in the flower power fest?
Also on the docket are food and drinks available for purchase, hourly prize drawings, in-house orchid experts available to answer all your questions and an educational conservation booth with the Fairchild Botanic Garden .
Check out the three-day schedule for FLOS’ 66th annual Orchid Magic:
- Friday, Jan. 9: 9 to 11 a.m. for VIP Early Shopping; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for general admission
- Saturday, Jan. 10: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 11: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society’s website.
