Takes place in the large sports hall at the Josephine Butler College.
Thanks to Robert Jones and Neil Coulson for providing extra images.
We have received many comments from around the country about the wonderful flowers displayed by the societies. Also comments about how helpful people were and freely providing information. Several people thought that the only orchids are like those in the shops (Phalaenopsis) and could not believe at how huge the range is. Many people travelled from places such as Manchester and beyond and are coming back next year …….. Patricia McLean (North East of England Orchid Society).
Five specialist trade were selling at the Show.
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Zuza Serer of Spicesotic Plants
Andrew Bannister of Orchid Alchemy
Laurence Hobbs of Laurence Hobbs Orchids
Richard Warren of Equatorial Plant Company
Peter Walker of Wacks Wicked Plants, Carniverous
Janet Orme
A local botanic artist was also selling at the show.
A Selection of orchid rosette winners and other interesting specimens. Sorry not to include them all; there is not enough room.
Best Cymbidinae Grammatophyllum scriptum + Best in Show
Grown by Barry Openshaw
Best Masdevallia Species triangularis
Grown by Trevor Crook
Best Miltonia species spectabilis
Grown by Jean Barker
Best Bulbophyllum Elizabethh Ann Buckleberry
Grown by Katy Garven
Best Phalaenopsis Species gigantea
Grown by Jean Barker
Best Paphiopedilum Hybrid Transdoll
Grown by Patrick Lindsay
Best Phragmipedium Hybrid Grande
Grown by Arthur Deakin
Best Phalaenopsis Hybrid Unimax Blush
Grown by Derek Armstrong
Best Epidendreae species Prosthechea radiata
Grown by Chistine Nicholson
Best Vanda hybrid (lamelita x geraldino)
Grown by Bob Cant
Best Vanda species falcata
Grown by Len Gray
Stunning Carniverous plants
Oncidium Jungle Monarch
Psychopsis mariposa
Phalaenopsis gigantea
The flowers were hiding behind the big leaves
Miltonia spectabilis
A closer view of the flowers
Bulbophyllum Elizabeth Ann Buckleberry
A closer look at the flowers
Other plants
were on sale.
Lots of people buying
The show was extremely busy.
Vanda Christensonianum
Not judged because the plant was a recent purchase.
Seven Orchid Societies were exhibiting at the Show. Members were there to answer questions and offer cultural advice
North East of England left
The host society
North East of England right
The host society
Scottish Orchid Society
North of England Orchid Society
Darlington Orchid Society
East Midlands Orchid Society
Harrogate Orchid Society
Hinkley & District Orchid Society
At the end of the show there was a special presentation to Dick Warren. An AI search describes him as – Dr Richard Warren a prominent British botanist, orchid expert, and founder of the Equatorial Plant Company. Established in 1975 in Durham. He has been exhibiting and selling his orchid flasks at shows for many years and this was his last show. I suspect he will not fully retire and will still keep sowing orchid seeds and producing flasks. He has been an inspiration and good friend to many orchid enthusiasts and to orchid Societies. We showed our appreciation with a small gift of wine and chocolates, plus an orchid for him to look after in his retirement from Spicesotics.
This proved to be the most successful Durham Show ever, with an amazing number people through the door and enjoyed by all. Bob Cant, a member of the NE society, made good use of targeted social media to advertise the show. Obviously there is a lot of people out there wanting to know more about orchids just need to know where to go.
The date for the 2027 is already on our BOC Events Calendar, Sunday 5th September.
If you were there, we hope you will return, and if you missed it put the date in your diary. Durham is a great historic city. Why not make it a weekend for your visit. The show is next to Durham Botanic Garden and just a short walk away from the OrientalMuseum Then there is the City!
Responses From Happy Customers.
No bad ones!
“We had a great day seeing all the different plants and met some lovely people. We will be back. The displays were amazing!”
“Had a lovely time some amazing orchids. Got some lovely pictures and I had to get myself a couple of new orchids. Look forward to the next one.”
“Really enjoyed the displays, wow so fantastic. Obviously bought some so might be visiting the group at Bowburn.”
“It was our first visit today and it exceeded our expectations. We are looking forward to seeing you all again. Many Thanks”
“Had a lovely day seeing orchids we had never seen before. The growers were extremely helpful with advice and expertise. Well done to all involved.”
“We had a great time. The displays were amazing and we came home with some lovely purchases.”
“We had a lovely time looking at all the different orchids. Difficult to decide which to choose to take home and care for. Well advertised, thankyou to whoever sorted it. Good job Thanks.”