2008 Woodie Awards
Not All Orchid Shows are Alike
Caryn Connolly
Issue date: 4/27/07 Section: Opinion
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The 27th Annual New York International Orchid Show at Rockefeller Center wrapped up over the weekend. Touted as one of the must-see shows of the year, this gathering did not live up to expectations. The booklet handed out with the tickets was the most informative and interesting part of the show.
Coming upon Rockefeller Plaza from the west, it was difficult to see what all the hubbub was about. One somewhat long, narrow, white tent resided where the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree usually stands. From outside, the show did not look very impressive. There was a short wait to get inside, simply because the tent was so narrow and only so many people could fit inside at one time.
First impressions upon entering the tent included: "Is this it?" "Is this for real?" "They've gotta be kidding!" The room resembled a high school science fair. Flowers were haphazardly placed. Nothing delineated one display from the next, except in very extreme circumstances in which the styles and colors were obviously different. No signs, or anything else, appeared to indicate which displays were winning displays. It can only be assumed that they were ALL winning displays, since nearly every display had at least one plant with either a blue or red ribbon.
No officials appeared to be present. Only some of the display creators were around, and most of those seemed intent on finding new students or trying to get bystanders to join their particular orchid society.
By Saturday, most of the displays appeared wilted. While understandable that flowers have a limited "shelf-life", dying flowers should be removed, if only out of respect for those paying five dollars to see them.
There were some beautiful flowers and varieties, but they were arranged quite arbitrarily. Several displays were noteworthy and included Buddha statuary and larger than life orchid paintings. One table held just fragrant varieties of orchids and attracted a crowd that wanted to smell the coconut and lemon scented flowers. While these individual species of orchids were on display, this forum did not adequately showcase their beauty. This particular display resembled an elementary school plant sale.
Many orchid vendors assembled downstairs on the concourse. The beauty of the orchids for sale far surpassed those on display and did not require an entrance fee to view. Workshops were supposed to be going on all day, no signs or announcements indicated where these were taking place.
Two orchid shows have taken place recently in the New York area in the past couple of months. Those shows were spectacular - most notably the one at the New York Botanical Garden. The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens also had lovely orchid displays in their conservatory. This show at Rockefeller Center does not compare. This was a disorganized and unimpressive show. There are much better ways to spend a gorgeous Saturday afternoon.
Coming upon Rockefeller Plaza from the west, it was difficult to see what all the hubbub was about. One somewhat long, narrow, white tent resided where the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree usually stands. From outside, the show did not look very impressive. There was a short wait to get inside, simply because the tent was so narrow and only so many people could fit inside at one time.
First impressions upon entering the tent included: "Is this it?" "Is this for real?" "They've gotta be kidding!" The room resembled a high school science fair. Flowers were haphazardly placed. Nothing delineated one display from the next, except in very extreme circumstances in which the styles and colors were obviously different. No signs, or anything else, appeared to indicate which displays were winning displays. It can only be assumed that they were ALL winning displays, since nearly every display had at least one plant with either a blue or red ribbon.
No officials appeared to be present. Only some of the display creators were around, and most of those seemed intent on finding new students or trying to get bystanders to join their particular orchid society.
By Saturday, most of the displays appeared wilted. While understandable that flowers have a limited "shelf-life", dying flowers should be removed, if only out of respect for those paying five dollars to see them.
There were some beautiful flowers and varieties, but they were arranged quite arbitrarily. Several displays were noteworthy and included Buddha statuary and larger than life orchid paintings. One table held just fragrant varieties of orchids and attracted a crowd that wanted to smell the coconut and lemon scented flowers. While these individual species of orchids were on display, this forum did not adequately showcase their beauty. This particular display resembled an elementary school plant sale.
Many orchid vendors assembled downstairs on the concourse. The beauty of the orchids for sale far surpassed those on display and did not require an entrance fee to view. Workshops were supposed to be going on all day, no signs or announcements indicated where these were taking place.
Two orchid shows have taken place recently in the New York area in the past couple of months. Those shows were spectacular - most notably the one at the New York Botanical Garden. The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens also had lovely orchid displays in their conservatory. This show at Rockefeller Center does not compare. This was a disorganized and unimpressive show. There are much better ways to spend a gorgeous Saturday afternoon.