Orchids Bloom at Annual Expo

TIME remains to see this year’s Orchid Exposition in the old customs house in Barrio La California, San José.

Until Sunday, March 14, orchid experts, fans and the plain curious can see the more-than-1,500 plants at the exhibit that began March 11.

The event, hosted by the Costa Rican Association of Orchidology and dedicated this year to President Abel Pacheco, has grown in its 34 years from the first exhibit of 147 plants in flower pots to the cultural and educational display that it is today.

Each year more Costa Ricans go for the diversity of colors, sizes, shapes and scents of the mounting number of orchids arranged in scenes such as country home, a garden wall or a forest lookout.

AN auditorium features videos and speeches over various flowery subjects and visitors can buy orchids, fertilizers, watering equipment and other supplies.

Apanel of 11 judges from the American Orchid Society will rate flowers in 48 categories.

Ribbons will go to the first, second and third place winners in each category and prizes will go to the best national cultivated plant, the best cattleya and non-cattleya hybrids, best miniature, best of certain breeds and the most original, most creative and most educational arrangements. After the national competition the judges will award 175 prizes in an international competition.

THE exposition is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Entrance costs ¢1,000 ($2.35) and is free for students with uniforms, seniors and children. From the Iglesia Santa Teresita (in Barrio La California), the exposition is 200 meters north and 50 meters west; the sign in front reads ACO.

For more info, see www.ticorquideas.com, call 248-1623, 248-1041 or 223-6517.