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MyspaceIn addition to being one of the largest flower families, the orchid is also one of the most coveted. There is a racy Greek myth regarding its origin (Orchis) and a book about orchid poachers (The Orchid Thief), and it’s a popular scent for perfumes. The orchid is also a major player in Santa Barbara’s flora. And for the past 32 years, the bulb has been celebrated at the three-day Santa Barbara International Orchid Fair. The event presents orchids from around the world for viewing, plus demonstrations, and a book-signing by leading orchid DNA researcher Dr. Mark Chase from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England. The fair takes place Friday, July 13-Saturday, July 14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, July 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. Free admission. For more info, visit orchidfair.com or earlwarren.com.
Orchid Fair
Santa Barbara International Orchid Fair July 13-15
Friday, July 6, 2012
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Comments
Orchids are not actually grown from bulbs. Orchids are very hard to propagate from seed, and are usually grown by division.
Since we live in the orchid capital of the world, I thought I'd correct that little comment about "the bulb has been celebrated..."
GandG (anonymous profile)
July 6, 2012 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Isn't Hawaii where the most orchids are grown?
billclausen (anonymous profile)
July 6, 2012 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OK, maybe I'm a bit of a homey, but it looks like Hilo, Hawaii is in fact the orchid capital of the world. I hate it when you're right Bill!!
GandG (anonymous profile)
July 6, 2012 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Orchids certainly do grow--if introduced to this area, but let me be specific: "This area" means along the coast. When we moved from Santa Barbara to the Santa Ynez Valley the orchids did not survive the winter there.
billclausen (anonymous profile)
July 6, 2012 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)