Best/largest orchid show to attend in the U.S.?

[Cym Ladye]

I think you have made the best choice for the type of orchids you are growing. No, the cool growing genera most California growers want you will not find in Florida. I personally would far prefer buying directly from the nursery, that is why I prefer seeing the dispays at SBIOS, and not the vendors at the show. I go to the shows to see what new is out there, not to buy. But then, I am undoubtedly in the minority.

The best displays of Botanicals and other orchids of this type displayed at POE are from hobbyist growers or one grower who does not sell at the show. Andy's Orchids does sell at both California shows.

Happy shopping.

[voyager]

because I began my orchid indulgence while living in AK, I had never been to an orchid show before moving to the Hilo, HI area.
So, I have no frame of reference to judge comparisons from.
I have attended the last 2 shows.
The first filled a small [by sports dome standards] pavilion.
The second was moved to a somewhat smaller venue.
While smaller in footprint, it still had many displays and vendors.

Both of those shows were in August or September.
For some reason I'm not certain of, maybe to move it out of hurricane season, this year it will be in June, if I remember correctly.

Because I dislike being in crowds, my visits are always quick and efficient, One quick pass through to see the exhibits and scope out the vendors.
Then, another quick pass through, to pick up anything that caught my eye followed by a quick exit.
I never make a second trip back on a subsequent day.

Pricing is quite reasonable.
Although, the weekend farmer's markets are cheaper, the quality and selection is better at the show.

[Orchidreamer]

I'm back on this thread! Last year I went to Redland's, and it was a blast. Next year I want to go to the Santa Barbara Orchid Show. Do you guys think the show's worth going to? I'll be flying across the country. Just need an excuse for a "vacation"!

What orchid nurseries can I visit? For some reason I'm drawing a blank and I can only think of SBOE, Cal Orchid, and Norman's Orchids. I grow intermdiate orchids, can't really do cool growers. Don't like Noid clones or cyms. I'll stay a few extra days in the LA area, and I don't mind driving a bit to get around.

[tropterrarium]

Originally Posted by Orchidreamer

I'm back on this thread! Last year I went to Redland's, and it was a blast. Next year I want to go to the Santa Barbara Orchid Show. Do you guys think the show's worth going to? I'll be flying across the country. Just need an excuse for a "vacation"!

What orchid nurseries can I visit? For some reason I'm drawing a blank and I can only think of SBOE, Cal Orchid, and Norman's Orchids. I grow intermdiate orchids, can't really do cool growers. Don't like Noid clones or cyms. I'll stay a few extra days in the LA area, and I don't mind driving a bit to get around.

You may know that SBIOS 2018 is also the AOS 2018 spring meeting. So a big show will be even bigger! There will be other additional show benefits that you will find exciting. I'm in Santa Barbara, so know a few things that are in the pipeline, but can't spill the beans quite yet. So if you wanted to see SBIOS, 2018 is a particularly good year.

Re nurseries: Santa Barbara Orchid Estate, CalOrchids, Hatfield Orchids, +++, or you can take a drive down to San Diego and see Andy's which will blow your mind.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by tropterrarium

Re nurseries: Santa Barbara Orchid Estate, CalOrchids, Hatfield Orchids, +++, or you can take a drive down to San Diego and see Andy's which will blow your mind.

If you are in the LA area for an extra couple of days, definitely visit Andy's, and while you're down there, Sunset Valley Orchids in Vista (about 15 minutes from Andy's) is also a treat. In both of those cases, contact them ahead of time to be sure that a visit is possible, neither of them is set up for "drop-ins". (Might mean that you have to go a day or two BEFORE the SB show, i know that except for Open Houses, Andy's isn't usually open on weekends, and early in the week they're busy shipping so don't want visitors)

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I have read and been told that the Pacific Orchid Expo is now the largest US orchid show.

UPDATE: POE downsized dramatically this last year with a much smaller venue, and will keep the smaller size in 2018. 10-15 years ago it rivaled SBIOS in size and number of displays and vendors. Sadly, it is now half the size.

[Orchidreamer]

Thanks for the info, everyone!

I booked my flight tickets to LA and will spend a couple days there, visiting the SB show and other nurseries in the area. I definitely need my orchid fix, especially after a long winter.

Unfortunately Andy's isn't open for visits the week before the SB show so I won't be able to visit due to my schedule, as I am leaving right after the show. Bummer (I know they are so amazing). Guess I'll have to make do with seeing them at the show.

I'll be going to Sunset Valley Orchids though! Too bad Hatfield Orchids is permanent closed. I'll be definitely going to Cal Orchid + SBOE.

Do you guys think Norman's Orchids is worth visiting? They have some cool stuff on their website but I've never ordered from them due to the mixed reviews I've read, but I wonder if I visit in person, I can choose better plants? I don't know...

And if there are any other orchid nurseries I missed, let me know!

[Roberta]

Norman's is worth a visit. You're definitely better off seeing what you are buying.
Hatfield sells his plants at Yamada Co. in Gardena a couple of Saturdays a month but I don't have the schedule, and it changes "on the fly" at any rate (he's very much still in existence, just does not maintain regular visitor hours) You might try to contact him by email.

[jmrathbun]

Since you're so close, you don't want to miss Asheville's annual orchid festival this March 24 and 25 at the North Carolina Arboretum. They normally have exhibitors from all over the SE and numerous AOS awards. In 2016 they hosted the AOS national meeting and it was considered one of the best shows in the SE. There's lots more to do around here, being a premiere tourist destination. More at Asheville Orchid Festival

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Orchidreamer

And if there are any other orchid nurseries I missed, let me know!

Just checked the SB orchid show website, and Hatfield is listed as a vendor. So you won't be able to visit the nursery but looks like he'll be selling plants (he does still grow them, but only sells at Yamada Co. about once a month, and clearly, at the show.)