Orchids, new grotto headline annual show

“A Rainbow of Orchids” is the theme of the 31st annual Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club Show and Sale, to be staged from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at the Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission Hall in Honalo. Admission is free and the annual event offers complimentary refreshments, plus an orchid boutonniere corsage — while they last. Cameras are welcome.

In addition to an elaborate indoor display of blooming orchids showcasing the many colors found in numerous hybrids, the show offers a specialty collection of United States Postal Service orchid stamps and colorful orchid badges from clubs across the nation. The unique display includes a selection of antique and modern magnifying glasses to examine the stamps by club historian Carol Zakahi.

Attendees are also invited to view the just-completed Orchid Grotto on the grounds of the mission. The grotto was completed by club volunteers and was recently named a 2013 Landscape & Beautification Award winner by Scenic Hawaii.

The Daifukuji Taiko drummers will offer a rousing performance in the parking lot at 10 a.m. and harpist Bonnie Mitchell will also provide morning entertainment.

Got growing questions? Veteran members will staff a question-and-answer booth where attendees can get expert advice on caring for orchids. The club boasts eight charter members who each have been growing orchids at different Kona elevations.

In addition to the other displays, the annual event offers an outdoor sale of high-quality orchid species and hybrids, plus expert tips on how to grow them.

The Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club is West Hawaii’s oldest orchidaceae organization, with a mission to learn and foster orchid culture and promote fellowship among orchid collectors. The club meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Daifukuji Soto Mission Hall on Highway 11 at mile marker 114, just north of Kainaliu. For information, contact Sarah Fogelstrom at 328-8501.