Orchid enthusiasts will be making their way to Raby Castle for the eighth annual Orchid Show over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

This year's show focus is ‘Fabulous Phalaenopsis (pronounced fal-ee-nop-sis) Orchids: Care and Cultivation. Also known as the Moth Orchid, these are the long lasting window sill plants that are found in many supermarkets. But there is much more to these plants as visitors will find out over the May Day Bank Holiday, Saturday to Monday 11am – 5pm. 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.

Phalaenopsis is from the Greek literally meaning moth-like. In the shops they can occur in a wide variety of colours from purest white through to yellows and reds to purple and even verging on black.  But the wild types in nature are much more varied and many of these will be on show at Raby.  Incredibly the smallest types will fit comfortably into a thimble while the largest, aptly called Phalaenopsis Gigantea, stretch to over one metre in height.

This year's Orchid Show is extra special for one person in particular; Allan Long owner of Mansell & Hatcher Orchids Ltd at Cragg Wood, near Leeds. After over 50 years in the orchid business, Alan has decided to retire, making Raby his last ever major show before the company closes down. Allan says “I have spent a fantastic 50 years in the orchid industry, which has taken me all over the world from shows in Japan to Germany . I have been involved with the Raby show since it started eight years ago and have watched it grow into one of the most significant orchid shows in the north. I always thoroughly enjoy exhibiting here and offering advice to all the visitors. I hope to make my last show a fantastic one to remember.” Chris Barker, an orchid expert and assistant show organiser says “We are honoured Allan has chosen Raby to be his last major orchid show before retiring.”

The show at Raby has become one of the most significant orchid shows in the north and 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.

Dr Richard Warren , from Barnard Castle , an orchid expert and a member of the British Orchid Growers Association states “This will be a fantastic display of Orchids for North East England .” He continues to say “As well as showing some of the rare, exotic plants, our aim is to illustrate reliable types of Orchids that people can grow on their own window sills or in their own gardens.”

MIDDAY LECTURES

Saturday: Phalaenopsis Hybrids from Taiwan - Chris Barker

Sunday: Phalaenopsis Species - Jac Wubben

Monday: Phalaenopsis Hybrids from Taiwan by Chris Barker

TALKS AND DEMONSTRATIONS EACH DAY

1.30 - 2pm: Orchids for Beginners - Allan Long of Mansell & Hatcher

3 - 3.30pm: Potting and Dividing Demonstration - Chris Channon of Deva Orchids

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.