Beauty and Beasts on display at Raby Castle Orchid Show

Raby Castle 's annual orchid show promises to be particularly intriguing this year. Taking place over the May Bank Holiday, 2 nd – 4 th May, focus will be on the wonderfully diverse range of Orchids deemed ‘Beauty and the Beasts'. As always the show will feature a spectacular display of beautiful Orchids, but in addition a ‘chamber of horrors' will feature more unusual specimens, including the sticky tendrils of the Sundew Orchid, the acid well of the Pitcher Plant and Venus Fly Traps. Visitors will be able to talk to the experts, attend lectures and demonstrations for advice on how to make the most of their orchids, in addition to viewing exotic displays of hybrid species.

Dr Richard Warren , co-organiser of the show and a member of the British Orchid Growers Association states “This will be a fantastic display of Orchids for North East England .” As well as showing some of the rare, exotic and unusual plants, our aim is to illustrate reliable types of Orchids that people can grow on their own window sills or in their own gardens.”

The show at Raby has become one of the most significant Orchid shows in the north. The North East of England and Darlington Orchid Societies will both be in attendance. Jac Wubben, one of Europe's leading Orchid growers has once again chosen Raby as the only show he will exhibit at in the north of England this year. Jac will be carefully transporting a range of over 75 different species and hybrids from Holland from among the hundreds of plants in his catalogue of 1500 types.

MIDDAY LECTURES

Saturday:   Chris Barker talks about Taiwan – the world's largest orchid exporter.

Sunday: Xavera Willigendael of Pazuzu Extreme Flora from Germany will talk about fascinating carnivorous plants and their gruesome habits.

Monday:  Jac Wubben will talk about orchid collecting in the tropics of America.

TALKS AND DEMONSTRATIONS EACH DAY

Repotting Orchids: 1.30 – 2.00 pm.

Orchids for Beginners: 3.00 – 3.30 pm.

ALSO AT THE SHOW:

• Orchid displays by Societies and Nurseries from around Europe.
• The opportunity to talk to the experts and gain valued advice.
• Many Orchids for sale.

Set in the beautiful grounds of Raby Castle, Home of Lord Barnard, a whole day can be spent here. Whilst visiting the Orchid Show, take the opportunity to discover the magnificent Raby Castle. Enjoy a stroll around the Deer Park and Gardens, taking light refreshment in the Stable Tearooms or bring your own feast that you can eat at the picnic area by the Woodland Adventure Playground.