13th Annual Orchid Show

The 13th Annual Orchid Show organized by the Negros Orchid Society at the Bacolod Government Center opened last Sunday, October 10, and will run until October 20, 2010. People who love flowers as a hobby or just appreciate their beauty will be awed by the array of ornamental plants on display at the Orchid Fiesta Garden Show .

A magnificent display of orchids and bromeliads was the centerpiece of the landscaped display. Various orchids from local growers were on display including some of our endemic species. Aside from ornamental plants, fruit tree seedlings and herbs can also be bought at the exhibit.

We were fortunate to have a chat with Doreen De Asis-Dofitas, Secretary of the Negros Occidental Orchid Society and a bromeliad grower. I asked her why she prefer growing bromeliads over orchids and she said unlike orchids, which you really need to care for, bromeliads thrive on neglect. But when they bloom, you’ll be enjoying their beauty for several months.

Doreen showed us how to spot a Waling-Waling, Euanthe (Vanda) sanderiana from other vanda hybrids. Waling-waling is characterized by the balloon shape at the bottom of the the lip and it has no spur. Do you know that Waling-Waling is endemic to the Philippines? Currently there’s a move to lobby for Waling-Waling to be the Philippines’ National Flower.

Doreen said there is also a species of orchids which is endemic to Negros, the Grammatophyllum martae which was named after Marta Rivilla, a Negrense who is also one of the founders of the Orchid Society of the Philippines.

Forget not having a green thumb. You don’t need one to appreciate these beautiful plants. If you have time, visit the Garden Show at the Bacolod Government Center. For only P10 entrance fee you’ll be able to help in the group’s advocacy in conserving orchids.

For more pictures, visit this album.