A variety of attractions featuring diverse displays and blooming booths welcome the public at the Garfield Park Conservatory for the Central Indiana Orchid Society’s spring show from April 20-21.
Running from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. both days, the ceremony will also include a competition hosted by the American Orchid Society on April 20 at 8 a.m. to determine the best display at the event.
“This show is the perfect example of the diversity of orchids. There are so many different types of orchids people wouldn’t believe,” said Flint Lowell, former President and show chair of the Central Indiana Orchid Society (CIOS).
With more than 28,000 species officially recognized, orchids are found in nearly every habitat on Earth, making them one of the most diverse and resilient flowering plants, according to the American Orchid Society. Perfect for those looking to start their own family of plants at home, the $6 tickets to the spring show go toward the Central Indiana Orchid Society and their mission to help orchids flourish.
Winding paths throughout the lush gardens will guide the patrons to a variety of the abundant species of orchids, as well as to vendors and local gardeners seeking to share their creations with the public.
A yearly gathering for orchid enthusiasts and local plant-lovers, the show will feature at least 18 displays, with 20 or more plants in each display, for vendors and conservationists to encourage the public to explore and delve deeper into the vast world of orchids.
Aside from the beautiful sights and smells, the spring show also works to educate and inform both seasoned and amateur gardeners on the proper way to care for orchids in a climate as ever-changing as Indiana weather.
“[The show] is an opportunity to educate the public…to teach them how to grow certain plants, how to care for them,” said Josh Waymire, President of the Central Indiana Orchid Society.
This year’s event organizers, Lowell and Waymire included, hope to see more than one thousand patrons pass through the path of displays at this year’s event, making it one of the largest events hosted by the Garfield Park Conservatory throughout the year,
“I think a lot of people really look forward to this event,” said Lowell.
Aside from drawing so many community members to enjoy the show, CIOS hopes to bring more opportunities for community members to connect with one another over a shared hobby while enjoying a relaxing day at the park.
“It’s an opportunity for hobbyists to come together and show what we’ve got growing…to swap and to purchase things that you can’t find in-store,” said Waymire.
While the show brings opportunity for education regarding specific species and care for orchids, the overall goal of the spring show is to encourage the conservation of orchids.
“Behind it all is conservation. Making sure that orchids aren’t collected to a point of extinction, and making sure the flowers are classified the right way,” said Lowell.
Contact Staff Writer Hanna Rauworth at 317.762.7854 or follow her at @hanna.rauworth
