San Diego International Orchid Show

This is the orchid show we have been waiting for! The 15th annual San Diego International Orchid Show is coming up this weekend showcasing an extravaganza of spectacular orchids of every color and variety. Featuring some of the finest orchid growers, breeders and hobbyists, this show will have thousands of orchids for display as well as for sale. Adding to the festivities will be lectures on the care and culture of orchids with a special presentation for kids on orchid science and art.
Plus it’s an official American Orchid Society (AOS) event, which as a highly respected award system, judges and recognizes new orchid hybrids and superior culture. The AOS judges are highly qualified and trained to evaluate worldwide sanctioned orchid shows and are dedicated volunteers. See http://www.aos.org/
One of the premier orchid vendors, Haute House Orchids, will showcase their signature orchid arrangements, which are often enhanced by succulents, tallandsias, twigs and live moss, all set in unique containers. Orchid centerpieces that can be used for special events, weddings and gifts will also be featured. Haute House Orchids is a Vista based orchid nursery with over 25 years of experience in growing high quality phalaenopsis, novelty and intergeneric orchid plants. The company has recently established a strong internet sales presence to ship their premium orchids across the country. See http://www.hautehouseorchids.com/
The San Diego Botanic Gardens (formerly Quail’s Garden) will be hosting and sponsoring this event. The 35 acre garden located in Encinitas is a must see for all plant and nature lovers. Because of the mild climate, the garden supports the largest bamboo collection in the world along with desert gardens, rainforest exhibits, succulent and herb gardens and unique plants varieties from international microclimates. This summer, the Hamilton Children’s Garden was opened to explore plant science, art, stories and crafts through the eyes of children. Click her for $2.00 off coupon: http://www.sdbgarden.org/
San Diego International Orchid Show
230 Quail Gardens DriveEncinitas, CA 92024

Hours:
Friday, October 2• 1 pm to 5 pmSaturday, October 3 • 9 am to 5 pmSunday, October 4 • 9 am to 4 pm

Admission to Garden includes Orchid ShowAdults $12Seniors, students, active military $8Children ages 3-12 $6Members; children ages 2 & under FREEParking $2 (Members park free.)

NBC Throws a Wedding at the Prado

The early morning show, NBC 7/39 News in the Morning, is “Throwing a Wedding at the Prado”. This is a free wedding give-away to a selected lucky couple where the viewing audience votes and decides on every aspect of the event including the bridal gowns, invitations, bridesmaid dresses and FLORISTS.

Haute House Orchids is one of the 3 finalists in the floral division. This is a must-see for any bride seeking beautiful and unique orchid arrangements and bouquets for her wedding.

The inspiration for the centerpieces came from the historic Spanish architecture and colors of the Prado venue, which features lush landscaping, fountains with painted tiles, and accents in a rich teal blue. The floral designers highlighted their white, cascading phalaenopsis orchids to reflect the many water features of the Prado. This waterfall effect given to the orchids is a signature look for Haute House Orchids. The white flowers are set off by the Tiffany Blue tableclothes which keeps the look fresh, clean and contemporary and juxtaposes well with the historic elements of the Prado. This interaction of the old and new makes for an especially elegant yet rustic feel for a stunning wedding site.

The bridal bouquet takes its color cue from the magenta bridesmaid dresses. The matching phalaenopsis orchids are again combined with hydrangeas and roses to create glorious color against the white wedding dress.

To view more photographs of the wedding orchids go to http://blueflairphotoblog.com/

And to learn more about the NBC Throws a Wedding at the Prado event see http://www.nbcsandiego.com/station/contests/NBC-739-Throws-a-Wedding-at-The-Prado.html

Vote for Haute House Orchids online at http://www.nbcsandiego.com/station/contests/57032962.html
Voting ends on September 10, 2009 at 4:00pm PST and the winner is announced on live TV September 11 at 6:45 am.

Botanical Building in Balboa Park

If exotic orchids catch your imagination, the place to go is the Botanical Building set in beautiful Balboa Park. This lath greenhouse structure is home to an amazing collection of orchids as well as palms, ferns and other tropical plants.

The extensive collection displays the diversity of the orchid species with a wide variety of speculator colors, sizes and shapes, all in a natural setting. With over 35,000 known orchid species though-out every continent except Antarctica, the orchid has adapted to live in many environments including rainforests, mountains and grasslands.

Not only are the plants spectacular, but the greenhouse itself is a work of historic art. Built for the first World’s Fair Exposition in 1915-16, it was part of the extensive landscaping earning the name “The Garden Fair” for the exposition. The arboretum is one of the largest wood greenhouses in the world and is a great example of classic architecture, evoking feelings of natural beauty and serenity. The adjacent lily pond along with the Botanical Building creates one of the most picturesque views in all of Balboa Park.