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Arts & Entertainment

Orchids Bloom At Soquel High this weekend

Santa Cruz Orchid Society hosts annual flower show and sale, which continues today.

Foxfire Amber, Pixie Bloomers, Shanny Babies, Golden Sambo, Sweet Memories, Un-chanted Melodies, Mastevallia, Ludisia Discolor, Twinkle "Red Fancy"—reds, blues, purples, greens, oranges, and yellows—were the names and colors of the flowers  that bloomed at Soquel High Saturday afternoon during the annual Santa Cruz Orchid Society show and sale.

This weekend’s flower sale, hosted by the Santa Cruz Orchid Society, saw a multipurpose room filled with several hundred verities of home-grown orchids and plenty of green thumbs. It's an event that has been going on for nearly 40 years, said event chairwoman Bridget Binko. It continues Sunday.

The Santa Cruz Orchid Society is a group of flower enthusiasts who meet regularly to discuss plant growing techniques and to share their love for botany art, said Binko. She has been a member of the society for 22 years—ever since she bought her first dendrobium at Kmart for $1.99.

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“Growing plants is a very rewarding and enriching experience for most people, and a lot of them enjoy gardening,” said Binko. "Having blooming plants in their house, or keeping them on their porch is just an exciting and challenging thing. It’s so interesting to see what nature has put together for us to enjoy.”

The orchid show consists of two parts: one part flower show and judged competition, and one part flower sale.

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Plants are available to buy from members of the Santa Cruz Orchid Society, many of which are already in bloom, said Binko. With every flower sold, the society provides culture information and tips on plant care, such as how much light and water to provide for the plant. Prices range from $4 to $50.

On the competition side of the event, society members and the general public entered their plants for judging by American Orchid Society judges, who evaluated the plants for their form, color, flower count and size, said American Orchid Society judge Weegie Caughlan, who has been involved with the society since 1984.

“We’re looking for over-presentation and WOW! factor,” said Caughlan. “It’s fun, you base a lot of the ribbon judging on what you see at the moment, how the plant is presented, and your knowledge from years back.”

Saturday’s competition was swept by Ken Bruland, 10-year veteran and Santa Cruz Orchid Society member, who impressed the judges with his colossal cymbidiums and dendrobiums.

“The most challenging part is making sure that you water them and take care of them, and put them in the right area,” said Bruland, an oceanographer by profession. “Some people would look at my backyard and say, ‘Ken, you’re out of control; you’re addicted!’  There are a lot worse things you can be addicted to than this.”

In conjunction to the orchid society’s event, Soquel High School’s Future Farmers of America raffled off plants to help raise funds for their club—an organization that aims to teach students leadership, professionalism, and career training.

“The link between the orchid society and the FFA is very long standing,” said Mariam Kaplan, Soquel High agriculture teacher and FFA adviser. “Our goal here with our students is not only to teach them about the orchids, but it is also a matter of learning leadership skills and professionalism. A lot of it has to do with building customer service types of skills.” 

The orchid show and sale continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Soquel High, 401 Old San Jose Rd., Soquel.

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