The Iowa Orchid Society held their annual Orchid Fest last weekend at Reiman Gardens, celebrating the organization’s passion and love for orchid culture. 

The society invited all orchid admirers, nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts to come and view a variety of exotic and rare orchid species in full bloom, as well as give visitors the chance to purchase their own orchids. Although orchids are notoriously difficult to grow and maintain, the Iowa Orchid Society urged visitors to try and grow their own orchids considering how many species and hybrids of orchids do well in Iowa’s climate.  

Inside the event room at Reiman Gardens, a collection of booths and vendors were set up for visitors to browse around. At the entrance, Friday’s Embroidery, a local embroidery business, was selling a collection of stunning, orchid-inspired art and embroidery. The event also included a booth for Natt’s Orchids, an orchid business from Naperville, Ill., that was selling a huge variety of gorgeous orchids, ranging in sizes, colors and species.

Nearby, informational tri-fold posters and free magazines intended to be taken were displayed, detailing lots of interesting facts about orchids, as well as a pile of brochures that included helpful tips and tricks for anyone interested in growing them for the first time. 

The room also had a large table showcasing many elegant orchids for visitors to observe and ask questions about. Behind the table, an informational video continuously played on a large screen, which shuffled through detailed scientific graphics, statistics and fun facts about orchids.

The Iowa Orchid Society was founded in Des Moines, Iowa, on Dec. 5, 1960, as a non-profit organization seeking to build a community of orchid lovers in the central-Iowa area with a sincere interest in orchid culture and preservation. 

According to the Society’s website, members have access to a lot of great resources about orchids, including a “large library of orchid literature, videos, practical tips, helpful advice, door prizes, interesting programs on various topics related to orchid growing and preservation, displays, judging of blooming plants, plant sales and lots of friendly socializing about orchids.”

The Iowa Orchid Society encourages anyone interested in learning more about orchids and orchid culture to visit their Facebook page or to consider signing up for a membership through their website. 

The Central Iowa Orchid Society also encourages visitors to attend the 36th Annual Speaker’s Day on July 19, where orchid-growing professionals will be presenting about unique and niche, orchid-related topics. Guests and visitors are also welcome to come attend the organization’s monthly meetings that are held in Des Moines on the first Sunday of each month.