I can see both sides of this. On the one hand, I don't care for the
over-the-top displays in which the props take center stage and the orchids
become almost incidental. The vendors' cost of participation in such venues
almost guarantee that they will be selling mass produced Phals, etc.

On the other hand, Gene makes valid points. Local societies like mine (100
members, +/-) are committed to educating the public about orchids. Our show
is designed to bring in the maximum number of visitors possible, for the
sake of the vendors and to increase our membership, among other things. I
don't think that would happen here without the displays. But we don't
require or expect the mammoth contraptions that they set up down in Miami
and Lauderdale.

I don't think one can compare a show like ours with a venue such as Redland,
which is a rollicking, no holds barred and totally wonderful event. It's not
for the faint of heart, for sure! No displays there (they do judging,
however), and for the most part the people who attend are serious about
their orchids. I can't imagine going down there and coming home with a white
Phal (well, okay, I can't see myself coming home with *any more* white Phals
from anywhere). It's a place to haunt the tents, look under the top layer,
and hunt for gold.

As long as things don't get out of hand, with pagodas and Buddhas
overshadowing the orchids, I think there is plenty of room for both types of
events.

Just my NSHO.

Diana

As long as things don't get out of hand, with pagodas and Buddhas
overshadowing the orchids, I think there is plenty of room for both types of
events.


I did my last display with all Phrag. besseae (and one Phrag. besseae v.
delassandroi)... http://tinyurl.com/z8snr

An interesting attempt... Didn't sell many besseae, though (a few).
Thought it was both educational and at least an attempt at art. I'm not
very good at displays though...

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://littlefrogfarm.com
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a) See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to obtain more
orchids, obtain more credit

Here's a link that will give you an idea of what Mick was talking about when
he began this thread. These were taken by a friend of mine.

http://community.webshots.com/album/548213766zVRcEA

Diana

Diana Kulaga wrote:
Here's a link that will give you an idea of what Mick was talking about when
he began this thread. These were taken by a friend of mine.

http://community.webshots.com/album/548213766zVRcEA

Diana


Yeah... well.... it still beats a day at work. ;-)

Did you go to the last 3 images? They sneak in advertisements as if they
were the person's pictures???

Steve

Diana,

Thanks for the link - those displays were uniformly boring and
uninteresting, at least to me. The Boca Raton Society Display was a sea of
green foliage with a few orchids here and there. Not good.

-Eric in SF
www.orchidphotos.org

Diana,

I think the natives want less displays and more tables selling plants
(preferably species and not all the hybrid junk that gets unloaded on the
newbies in Miami... ed). That's what I would like to see too.

Mick

====================

"Eric Hunt" wrote in message
...
Diana,

Thanks for the link - those displays were uniformly boring and
uninteresting, at least to me. The Boca Raton Society Display was a sea
of green foliage with a few orchids here and there. Not good.

-Eric in SF
www.orchidphotos.org