The 2014 Grand Champion of the Show is shown in this photo by the Eastern Iowa Orchid Society.

The 2014 Grand Champion of the Show is shown in this photo by the Eastern Iowa Orchid Society.

Even if you don’t think you can grow your own, a free show coming up at the Noelridge Greenhouse in Cedar Rapids offers the chance to view an array of exotic orchid displays.

Organizers say more than 800 visitors took in the displays last year, and this year is expected to be the biggest show yet, with nine orchid clubs planning to participate from surrounding states.

Read on for more info from the Eastern Iowa Orchid Society about the upcoming event:

The Eastern Iowa Orchid Society in cooperation with the
Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce The Fourth Annual Eastern Iowa Orchid Show and Sale on October 17 & 18th, 2015, at the Noelridge Park Greenhouse, 4900 Council Street NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The show is free and open to the public  Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM and Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM.

Over 500 blooming orchids will be featured, arranged in beautiful displays by exhibitors from throughout the Midwest. Activities include American Orchid Society orchid judging, floor and table top orchid exhibits by regional orchid societies, amateur hobbyists and professional orchid growers. Orchid related crafts and collectibles will also be exhibited. Several vendors will have a wide variety of orchid plants for sale.

Volunteers will be present to answer questions about orchids in the show and how to grow orchids. Daily lectures are scheduled on Repotting, Basic Culture, and Reblooming Orchids.

Visitors are encouraged to cast their vote for the ‘People’s Choice Award’, the best orchid display in the show. Other special awards include: Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion for the best two blooming orchids; Nature’s Best Award for the best orchid species; Weird and Wonderful Award for the most unusual orchid; and Mini but Mighty Award for the best miniature orchid.

This show venue is family friendly and offers visitors an ‘up close and personal’ view of some of nature’s most exotic orchid blooms in artistically arranged displays.

Visit our website: www.easterniowaorchidsociety.org