I don't think this has been brilliantly advertised, which is a shame because it sounds like it's going to be a fabulous event.
The usual orchid show stuff: show, preview evening, lots of dealers, plant displays, lectures...
A science symposium with lectures
Free bufet for the preview, and a meal on Saturday (extra)
A chance to see Writhlington's orchid greenhouses and lab (I heard maybe there will be a chance to try your hand in the lab, though this isn't being advertised at the moment)
Registrants lounge, and onsite catering.
Anyone travelling by public transport... it's possible. PM me as I possibly still know of a couple of rooms available a 5-10 minute walk away!
Also open to sharing a taxi from Bath (there are local buses, but this would be easier if there's people to share!) or even a lift from London on the Friday.
Anyone desperate for close accomodation? Still available as far as I know... Place has good reviews.
For anyone not sure they can make it, I've found out public transport is not bad! There are 3 buses an hour from Bath: numbers 184, 173 and 178. Each take about half an hour. You get off at Radstock, Victoria Hall. From there it's 10-15 minutes walk to my accomodation and a then a shorter walk to the school. One of those buses at least went to Bristol, so should be possible to travel from there too.
Getting very excited! My credit card limit just got put up too. Too tempting.
There may still be a couple of rooms left at The Fromeway, which is where I'll be staying. I was keeping it quiet since I thought there might be more doing it by public transport like me, but no-one's got in touch so... Only 5-10 minute WALK from the venue. Above a pub so might not be the quietest until that closes, but reviews seem good.
For me the reason I HAVE to go is the chance to see the greenhouses and labs and maybe have a go in the lab myself. I actually saw a talk by some of the kids from Writhlington at RHS this year which showed pictures and thought I'd love to visit. So when I found out this was happening I had to! The congress is only every 2 years and a different venue each time, so this is pretty much a one-off chance. They have a great list of vendors too: maybe not quite as many as RHS, but quite enough to spend all my money! I already have a massive list of possibles from looking at their websites!
There are cheap day tickets, so I'm hoping to see lots of people turning up on the day. My parents are popping in on Sunday.
Great event. Lots to see and do. Great catering. Came home with lots of plants. Will post more, but I have to get on with some coursework to be handed in tomorrow!
Posting some pics. Names should be on them where I have them.
Any other variety: made me laugh to see this got second in this catagory. It's on a display of orchids made out of sugar. I should have got more pics...
I neglected to get the name of the catasetum. I think it was a hybrid. Also couldn't get a better picture which was frustrating. The plant had two spikes: one male and one female.
Den nobile: yes, it's out of flower. This is the plant that won best in show at the RHS orchid show this year. At home in it's greenhouse at Writhlington *G*
Epigeneium amplum: only spotted this on the last day. Hung from the door handle on the back of the door by the Burnham stall!
Fredclarkeara After Dark: I think the clone was called 'Anja'. Looking at pictures of others online, I think I like the shape of this one. I think it was the Asendorfer stall, so if he clones it I'll be in the market! And yes, it really is that colour.
Max. procurrens: crazy growth habit! I'm guessing the roots grow down through the old sheaves like with Max tenufolia.
British Orchid Congress at Writhlington School
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