21st World Orchid Conference in South Africa

We traveled to Africa with RF Orchid Tours to attend the 21st WOC in Johannesburg. Held every three years, the location of the World Orchid Conference varies. Mark and Dawn went to the 19th WOC in Miami six years ago, and then they went with RF Orchid Tours to the 20th WOC in Singapore. About half of the people in our tour group went to Singapore.

In Johannesburg, we stayed at the Sandton Towers which was conveniently connected to the Convention Center. We enjoyed the orchid show but the general consensus was that it was smaller and less impressive than the Singapore show. RF Orchids was the only American grower that exhibited. Bob Fuchs came away with quite a few ribbons!

 

The exhibition halls opened after speeches at the Opening Ceremony on September 9th. One of the highlights of the evening were two lovely models wearing gowns covered with live orchids.

The Thai orchid growers had a huge display running the length of the exhibition hall.

 

One of our favorite displays was "The Botanist's Study" designed by a South African orchid club.

The variety of orchids and quality of the specimens on display was amazing!