Top event to become permanent fixture, reports Ian Hodgson
Orchids from around the world will dazzle as a permanent part of the BBC Gardeners’ World Live (GWL) event – held this year in June at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
The International Orchid Show (IOS), a partnership between the British Orchid Council and GWL, is an unrivalled display from around 25 specialist orchid growers and societies, plus expert advice and plants for sale.
“Previously held at Malvern Agricultural show, this new venue offers us the opportunity to reach out to the biggest audience of gardeners possible,” said IOS shows secretary Clive Lloyd, adding: “This is the only show that attracts overseas exhibitors, such as South America and Malaysia, so visitors can see far more types of orchids to buy than can be seen in garden centres, significantly reduced since Brexit import controls were introduced.”
BBC Gardeners’ World events horticultural director Bob Sweet called it “a major new attraction for our flagship event”, adding: “It gives anyone interested in orchids, whether beginner or expert, the opportunity to discover more about these beautiful plants and how to grow them successfully.”
Arecent survey by the Orchid Society of Great Britain found that 25% of enthusiasts classed themselves as beginners. Moth orchids (phalaenopsis) and dendrobium and other commercially available hybrids were grown by 65% of respondents, but they wanted to experie
