After a seven-year absence, the Irish Orchid Society is bringing back its celebrated Spring Show and Exhibition, promising a weekend of botanical wonder and expertise for both orchid enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.
Set for the first weekend of March (1st-2nd), this free public event will transform the visitor centre into a haven of exotic blooms and botanical artistry. The exhibition marks a significant moment for Ireland’s orchid community, bringing together collectors, experts, and nature lovers under one roof.
International flavour comes to this year’s show with featured speaker Challen Willemsen, a Guatemalan ecologist and member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission’s Orchid Specialist Group. Fresh from receiving an American Orchid Society Conservation Grant, Willemsen will take visitors on a virtual journey through the neotropical orchid habitats of Central and South America.
“Whether you’re struggling with a wilting Phalaenopsis or curious about Ireland’s native species, we’ve designed this show to appeal to everyone,” says David Morse, Chair of the Irish Orchid Society. Morse will lead a practical workshop on home orchid care, addressing common growing challenges faced by indoor gardeners.
The show features several unique elements:
- A hands-on “Orchid Surgery” where visitors can bring their struggling plants for expert diagnosis.
- An exhibition of botanical art featuring works by renowned Irish artists Susan Sex and Deborah Lambkin
- Historic botanical illustrations from the NBG Library Archive
- A comprehensive look at Ireland’s wild orchids, drawing on expert Brendan Sayers’ authoritative work on native species
The exhibition will run from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday and 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM on Sunday at The Visitor Centre in The National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. Admission is free, with donations to support the Society’s work warmly welcomed.
Contact Information: David Morse, Chair, Irish Orchid Society
Email: chair@irishorchidsociety.org
Phone: 086 825 8537
