Orchid Paradise at Fruit & Spice Park

Are you an orchid hobbyist? A Collector? A Beginner? Is your orchid thumb in need of expert advice? Then this is your weekend.

The 18th Annual Redland International Orchid Festival is gearing up for a busy weekend beginning this Friday, May 16th and ending on Sunday, May 18th, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day.

Join thousands of people, from across the country and around the world, as they meet at the RedlandFruit & SpicePark, 24801 SW 187th Ave, Homestead, for “America’s Favorite Festival.”

“This time of the year, late spring—early summer, there are many orchids in bloom that are not at other times of the year,” Martin Motes, of Motes Orchids, Homestead, an original organizer of the festival, said.

It’s also easier for growers to attend this time of the year, Bill Peters, of Whimsy Orchids, Homestead, said. “The intense sales of the holiday selling season are over and they are able to offer specials on the products they need to move before they start the new season.”

The festival has grown considerably from the original four growers, Motes Orchids, Carib Plants, Whimsy Orchids and Soroa Orchids to this year featuring over 60 vendors from across the U.S. and around the world. Meet orchid growers and suppliers from the Caribbean, South America, Asia, Europe, and the U.S. including many of your favorites from right here in your neighborhood, Amazonia Orchids, Carib Plants, Henington Farm, Motes Orchids, RF Orchids, Sedona Orchids, Soroa Orchids, Stelmar Gardens, and Whimsy Orchids.

“Eighteen years ago we saw a need that needed to be filled,” Peters said. “We emphasized international and have products not seen anywhere else in this country.”

“This festival is an absolute illustration of a free market place in action,” Motes explained as one of the many reasons the festival has grown. “We have the largest selection, best prices and our fame has spread worldwide.”

Expert speakers of various topics from repotting to diseases and pests, as well as, the specific needs of many orchid varieties and orchid culture will take place in air conditioned classrooms. For more information and times, visit redlandorchidfestival.org/speakers.html

Don’t forget to stop by the show tent and get a close-up look at rare and exotic orchid entries judged by the American Orchid Society (AOS). You’re even close enough to smell their fragrances.

While at the festival, check out the Fruit & Spice Park’s unique tropical botanical garden through the walking tours offered at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and learn about the exotic fruits and spices grown there. Don’t forget to stop by the vendors selling orchid art and supplies. And, if you haven’t eaten your fill of fruits, check out the many food vendors.

“This is a homegrown event that highlights the horticulture superiority of South Florida. If you haven’t seen it, you’ve probably missed the best orchid event in the world,” Motes said.

Admission is $10 for adults; children under 12 years-of-age are free. Take advantage of the three-day passes, available on Friday at $25, as Motes recommends attending Friday morning for the largest selection of exotic orchids and Sunday afternoon for the greatest bargains. He also recommends checking out the many lectures as you start, add to or cultivate your orchids.