March 31-April 1, 2012
Visitors to the N.C. Arboretum will will step into a lush, tropical world at the Western North Carolina Orchid Society’s Annual Show on March 31 and April 1, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Read about more Spring Flower Shows at the Arboretum!

This year will prove to be a celebration unparalleled, as this event will mark two major anniversaries. First, for The North Carolina Arboretum, 2012 is a silver jubilee year. And for the Western North Carolina Orchid Society, double that! A golden jubilee, 50 years of orchid camaraderie. Concentric anniversaries will infuse the air with a heightened sense of excitement.

This year’s theme, "The Secret Garden of Orchids," will be an adventure of the imagination. World-class orchid growers from around the country, as well as regional orchid societies, will fill the exhibition hall with orchids of wondrous variety. Displays will be carefully crafted with dazzling color, exotic scents and hints of faraway lands, all in an attempt to lure the visitor into the wonderful world of orchids.

And there will be orchids by the arms-full for sale, including, of course, the rare and hard to find. Whether an orchid lover or new to orchids, there will be something for everyone at this year’s show, including educational programs presented throughout the weekend by professional growers. In addition, the WNCOS raffle table will tempt visitors with bright bloomers, orchid supplies and fanciful getaways.

The WNCOS Annual Show is an American Orchid Society judged and sanctioned show. Well known for its first rate plants and the number of awards it typically receives, the WNCOS show is the premier orchid show in the greater southeast region and is expected to draw several thousand.

The Orchid Show is one of the most popular events hosted by The North Carolina Arboretum. Each year more than 376,000 visitors experience the Arboretum’s gardens, trails, exhibits, shows and expos, educational programs, demonstrations and lectures. Shows and events are free for Arboretum Society members or with the standard parking fee ($8 per personal motor vehicle). Visitors are also encouraged to explore the Arboretum’s kaleidoscope of spring color, 65 acres of cultivated gardens, ten miles of hiking and biking trails, and engaging exhibits.

For more information, see our NC Arboretum Guide.