By Michelle Fitzpatrick
Did you know that orchids are the world’s most advanced plant? Or that there are between 40,000 and 50,000 orchid species, more than any other plant on earth? Or that they grow on every continent except Antarctica?
Whether you’re looking for your first orchid or exotic varieties to add to your collection-- and advice on how to grow them successfully— or simply want to enjoy the beauty of thousands of orchids in bloom-- do not miss San Miguel’s annual Orchid Market on Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st between 10:00 -- 5:00 at #30 Ancha de San Antonio (within the Instituto walls, almost to Cardo). The Orchid Market will feature 20+ vendors from throughout México selling orchids and orchid supplies as well as succulents, bonsai and cacti plus organic fertilizers and insecticides.
The San Miguel Orchid Society is offering two free Success with Orchids workshops. The English language workshop is at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 31. The workshop will be repeated that afternoon in Spanish at 2:30 PM. Admission to the Orchid Market and the workshops is free. Orchids thrive in all of México’s eight climate zones; several varieties are native to Guanajuato. One of the most popular orchids—the Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum)—grows throughout the state. San Miguel has a wonderful history as a center of orchid cultivation. Sterling Dickinson collected hundreds of varieties of Mexican orchids and established the Jardin de Orchideas Los Pocitos to further their cultivation.
Orchids have played significant roles in many cultures throughout history. México is no exception. Knowledge of orchids—their uses, properties, and characteristics—dates to pre-historic times. For example, the Aztecs mixed vanilla—derived from the indigenous vanilla orchid— with chocolate to create a ceremonial elixir.
The Orchid Market is sponsored by the non-profit San Miguel Orchid Society, a member of both the Mexican Orchid Association (AMO) and the American Orchid Society. The group was organized in 2013 with the intention of creating opportunities for the people of San Miguel to learn how to grow orchids and to renew the legacy of Stirling Dickinson, who was a local teacher, artist, and international orchid expert.
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