Exotic orchids at Chelsea Flower Show

At Chelsea this year, our exhibit will feature tropical species and their hybrids, staged in a naturalistic landscape to display the astonishing variety within the largest flowering plant family on Earth.

There are around 25,000 species of orchid worldwide, of which 95% grow in the tropics. These exotic relatives are far more diverse than our 50 or so British native species – in form, colour and growth habitat.

Arundina graminifolia is a terrestrial orchid originally native to Asia which is now classed as an invasive weed in parts of the world.

Arundina graminifolia grows freely in many parts of the world

V Scientific Conference on Andean Orchids in Colombia

The Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Cali and the Palmira branch of the Universidad Nacional are organizing the V Scientific Conference on Andean Orchids that whill take place on the 19-21 November 2015 at the Universidad Javeriana's campus in Cali, Colombia.

The Conference takes place every three years and for the first time it will take place in Cali. It will be a cultural and scientific event with special interest for those who study, preserve, and cultivate orchids and a very important event for the Cauca Valley and for Colombia as a country.

During the event the latest research will be shared via oral presentations as well as through printed materials with the latest research work.

The thirty five speakers invited to the Conference are renowned expert investigators in their respective areas of study who will share their knowledge on Taxonomy, Systematics, Ecology, Biotechnology, and Orchid Conservation.

Simultaneously with the Conference, will be The International Orchids Show at the Museo Vivo de Orquideas y Plantas Tropicales Orquideorama Enrique Perez Arbelaez.

Colombia has a wide diversity of orchids, with over 4100 species, i.e. 12% of the orchids in the world. The Valle del Cauca region has 30% of them, many of which can be found in their natural environment, properly preserved and protected.

The Conference is a great opportunity to show the natural beauty that Colombia possesses, particularly the Valle del Cauca region.

We invite you to visit our website: www.andeanorchidconference.org. For more information please contact: info@andeanorchidconference.org

Curious orchids in the British countryside

Neottia nidus-avis is known as our British native Bird’s-nest Orchid because its roots resemble a badly-made bird’s nest. It lacks both leaves and chlorophyll – all parts of the plant are a uniform brown colour.

In contrast our British native Monkey Orchid, Orchis simia, is vibrantly-coloured with flowers that seem to have monkey-like limbs and tails.

We are delighted to be sponsored at Chelsea this year by Albourne Partners Ltd, a UK-headquartered investment advisory firm with offices worldwide.

Britain's Bird's-nest Orchid, Neottia nidus-avis, lacks leaves and chlorophyll

The flowers of Britain's Monkey Orchid, Orchis simia, appear to have monkey-like limbs and tails 

A British sponsor for our Chelsea display

Our Chelsea exhibit, generously sponsored this year by Albourne Partners Ltd, will offer images and information about the beautiful and intriguing orchids which grow in the British countryside.

Albourne Partners Ltd is an independent advisory firm ‎headquartered in the UK with expertise across hedge funds, private equity, real assets and real estate.

Over 50 species of orchid are native to Great Britain. They all grow terrestrially (in the ground) and can be admired in Britain’s captivating landscapes without leaving our shores.

Britain’s Man Orchid, Orchis anthropophora, has flowers which seem to have the heads and limbs of tiny people while our Fly Orchid, Ophrys insectifera, resembles its insect pollinators.

Flowers of Orchis anthropophora seem to resemble tiny people

Ophrys insectifera is known as the Fly Orchid

Beautiful images highlight British native orchids at Chelsea

As usual, the OSGB’s Chelsea display will be staged using plants grown by the society’s members, friends and affiliates. 

Beautiful orchid images taken by society members will focus on the curious and undeniable attraction of these beguiling flowers.

Ophrys apifera is our British native Bee Orchid and is self-pollinating because its pollinator does not occur in this country.

Ophrys apifera - British native Bee Orchid

Chelsea exhibit building begins next week

The year’s Chelsea exhibit will showcase orchids from around the world displayed in a naturalistic setting. British native species will be highlighted using large-scale images on the rear wall of the display and information panels at the front will introduce visitors to a variety of our home-grown beauties and their exotic relations. 

We are pleased to welcome sponsorship from Albourne Partners Ltd, an independent advisory firm ‎headquartered in the UK with expertise across hedge funds, private equity, real assets and real estate.

Dactylorhiza fuchsii is one of our British native Marsh Orchids and readily colonises newly exposed ground; it can be a valuable indicator of the health of our environment. In contrast, Platanthera chlorantha, Britain’s Greater Butterfly Orchid, can be shy to flower and only bloom when conditions are perfect.

Dactylorhiza fuchsii - one of Britain's Marsh Orchids

Platanthera chlorantha - Britain's Greater Butterfly Orchids

All About Plants weekend at Wisley 20th and 21st June 2015

The OSGB will be exhibiting at RHS Garden Wisley's All About Plants weekend, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June, 9am to 6pm. Please come along and visit the show which will include exhibits by a wide variety of plant societies.

OSGB members (who are not RHS members) are entitled to a reduced-price entry of £8.00 to this event . The reduced-price entry applies to either Saturday or Sunday and is available only on production of a current OSGB membership card. (It applies to OSGB members only and not their guests.)