HUNDREDS of orchid lovers are expected to converge at the Couples Sans Souci property in St Ann, on February 5, for the Ocho Rios Orchid Society’s annual show.

The society’s founder, Pam Chong, said each year, hundreds of Jamaicans look forward to the show and that she expects nothing less for this year’s staging.

She said the event, which will be hosted under all-white tents, presents an aura of beauty that patrons usually enjoy.

“It is like a big garden party; it is really beautiful,” she told the Jamaica Observer in a recent interview.

Chong said people attending the event can expect an amazing showcase of orchids. She said too that other items will be on sale, as more than 25 vendors will be on site selling products such as plants, craft items and jewellery.

“There will also be a food court catered by Sans Souci,” Chong shared.

According to Chong, the Ocho Rios Orchid Society, which started with just five orchid growers in 1992, has grown to approximately 40 members.

“When you have something [in] common with others, then you come together,” she said, adding that the society is not a boring group.

She explained that the society is filled with fun activities such as travelling together to different countries to source orchids. Chong said the group has travelled to Panama, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hawaii, Bali, and Miami, USA, visiting nurseries and ordering plants. The group has also searched for orchids locally.

For those who are not necessarily orchid lovers, Chong said the show also offers a major entertainment package. She said too that it is the ideal event for those who want to learn about caring for orchids.

“This is the best place to buy orchids,” she told the

Observer, adding that with many different sellers, people will be able to purchase the plant at competitive prices.

“It is a good opportunity to add to your collection,” she said.

According to the society’s founder, the show is a family-oriented one, which will allow children under 12 years old to enter free.

Scheduled for 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Chong said while orchids are the main attraction, the day will include a number of other events such as a classic car display, a fashion show and various performances.

On February 5, the Ocho Rios Orchid Society and other orchid societies are also expected to display plants at the show, where they will be judged. Chong said judging will be done by the American Orchid Society, with which the Ocho Rios Orchid Society is affiliated. She explained that plants will be judged by class and winners will get the opportunity to name their plants .

At the same time, Chong said being a member of the society is beneficial to people who grow orchids. At the monthly meetings, which are held on the second Sunday of each month, members get an opportunity to learn from each other. Chong said the meetings are held at members’ houses and that membership is not limited to people from Ocho Rios.

Now an obvious lover of orchids, she was happy to share her journey as an orchid grower.

Chong said she started growing orchids in St Mary when she retired from her job as a restaurateur.

“My sister was growing so I decided if she can do it, I can do it too,” Chong said. “It started out as a hobby; after that it became addictive.”

Chong said her love for the plants grew, resulting in her buying many different types of orchids and planting them at her home.

“I have to stop buying. I ran out of space,” she said.

From just being a hobby to becoming an orchid lover and eventually starting a society with like-minded individuals, Chong describes the plant as “the most beautiful species with a wide variety”.

She explained that taking care of orchids is not difficult; however, she said “it requires understanding”.

—Renae Dixon