Central Coast Orchid Show 2012

Well, hot on the heels (2 weekends later) of the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show is the Central Coast Orchid Show & Sale.  It is sponsored by the Five Cities Orchid Society and takes place in Arroyo Grande, CA.

Central Coast Orchid Show & Sale

 Volunteers from the Coastal Valley Orchid Society and I set up our display on Thursday, and the show is open to the public Saturday and Sunday.  Here is a quick preview of our efforts:

CVOS display preview
©2012 MadOrchidist.com

Bug Box and Bird Cage
©2012 MadOrchidist.com

The show's theme this year is "stepping back in time."  Our display is Victorian-(ish), and features an enlarged facsimile of Charles Darwin's 1862 orchid book: "On the various contrivances by which British and foreign Orchids are fertilised by insects,  and on the good effects of intercrossing," including enlargements of several illustrations.

I even brought in a selection of insects (the wooden box in the center of the photo above) from my personal collection, representing different kinds of possible pollinators.

Insect Collection
©2012 MadOrchidist.com

When I was at UCSB, I was required to assemble an insect collection for an invertebrate zoology class. I enjoyed it so much that I went right on collecting after graduation, and I still enjoy it to this day. Darwin was also an avid collector of insects (as were many other Victorians), and it seemed like a nice tie-in with the book and display.

We also included other period touches, including a Tiffany Dragonfly Lamp (very late Victorian).  Of course, it's a replica, or I'd never let it out of the house!  Other props include an actual antique candle table, authentic tea cups, and even a real chamber pot!

Detail of the CVOS display with Tiffany lamp and Orchids
©2012 MadOrchidist.com

Oh, did I mention that it's chock-full of beautiful orchids!

Wide Angle CVOS Display
©2012 MadOrchidist.com