HANAPEPE – Despite the rash of inclement weather including windy conditions and lots of rain, there were many orchids that came through the ordeal as the Garden Island Orchid Society opened its Annual Spring Orchid Show and Sale, Friday at
HANAPEPE – Despite the rash of inclement weather including windy conditions and lots of rain, there were many orchids that came through the ordeal as the Garden Island Orchid Society opened its Annual Spring Orchid Show and Sale, Friday at the Hanapepe United Church of Christ social hall.
“We really had some bad weather,” one grower commented while putting finishing touches on her display just before the doors opened to the public. “But, there are some really nice orchids.”
American Orchid Society (AOS) judges seemed to agree as they mulled over the colorful field to seek out those specimens that earn the coveted national awards.
Grower Wayne Ajimura, who has been a past recipient of AOS awards was lamenting the fact that despite being selected, none of the Kaua‘i specimens appear to make the Society’s monthly periodical.
However, it was an Ajimura, this time Mackenzie, who took one of two AOS awards that were presented at this show.
Mackenzie Ajimura’s phalaenopsis Sogo Twinkle, a prolific bloomer with numerous stalks atop its smallish-medium base, was selected for its performance as was a dendrobidum, Den. Alexanderae x Polysema #1 submitted by Hanalei Orchids, the judges waiting to confirm several aspects from its owner before awarding it with an AOS recognition.
Orchid growers spent the greater part of Thursday setting up for the two-day show that concludes at 4 p.m., Saturday, Mar. 19, with three of the AOS judges flying in from O‘ahu Friday morning for the judging before the doors opened to the public.
Orchid enthusiasts, however, kept peeking through the jalousie slats prior to the 1 p.m. opening, hoping they could get a sneak preview of the colorful offerings inside.
Orchid growers appeared to have a plentiful supply of plants to sell, and in addition to the orchid plants, baked goods and other items were also available to benefit the hosting Garden Island Orchid Society.
Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) and dfujimoto@pulitzer.net
