LIHU‘E — Spectators peered through the grating at the exhibition area at Kukui Grove Center while the American Orchid Society (AOS) certified judges and hosting Kauai Orchid Society members worked on deciding AOS award-winners Friday. The AOS judges arrived Thursday
LIHU‘E — Spectators peered through the grating at the exhibition area at Kukui Grove Center while the American Orchid Society (AOS) certified judges and hosting Kauai Orchid Society members worked on deciding AOS award-winners Friday.
The AOS judges arrived Thursday morning for their task that preceded the opening of the popular show and sale that takes place just in time for Mother’s Day gift-giving.
Local orchid grower Wayne Ajimura, a previous AOS winner, noted that weather conditions and the timing of the show prevented him from having any specimens in this show.
He added that one of the qualities for the AOS judging was having bloom count, and because many of his blooming plants were younger, he simply submitted them for exhibition.
The AOS judges make their trip to Kaua‘i three times a year, Friday’s appearance being their second time here. Earlier, a crew of judges did the honors at the Garden Island Orchid Society’s Annual Spring Show and Sale at the Hanapepe United Church of Christ social hall.
Their final swing through the island will occur during the Labor Day weekend, when the Kauai County Farm Bureau Fair takes place.
Winners of the AOS awards have an opportunity to appear in the organization’s periodicals, circulated throughout the world.
Wilbur Chang, one of the three judges who visited the island Friday, noted that they just returned from a trip to Thailand to view orchids there. “It’s better here. There’s a lot more variety,” said Chang.
The next major orchid show will take place during the first weekend in June at the ‘Aiea Elementary School cafeteria, where AOS judges will again scrutinize plants for AOS awards.
The Kauai Orchid Society Mother’s Day Show and Sale, continuing 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Kukui Grove, also features gift items from Growing Greens, as well as specimen from the Orchid Alley in Kapa‘a, which was recently closed down due to damages sustained after a car accident.
- Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@pulitzer.net.
