The grower of orchids is favored. She belongs to a starry-eyed fraternity, to whom each small chore, accomplished in its turn for the better culture of her orchids, is a source of never-ending and absorbing delight.

The beauty of the orchid's line and color is known to all who bask in the offerings of the florist's win¬dow, but the breathless suspense and expectation that attend the unfolding of the mysterious growth of the orchid plant are known to the grower alone.

The appearance of each new growth and root is cause for rejoicing; the slimy mark of a snail or the cottony warning of the presence of scale is cause for distress. The habits and idiosyncrasies of every species and plant are subject to absorbed study.

Different methods of growing and the relative merits of hybrids and species are endlessly discussed among fellow growers.

The orchid grower checks his mundane worries at the door of the greenhouse and enters a world that offers surcease even to the heart heavily burdened with sorrow and loss.

Therefore, orchid shows are an exciting venue for the orchid grower. If you are an avid orchid grower, the following shows are a must see:

The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show

One of the world's most prestigious orchid shows takes place each spring in beautiful Santa Barbara, California.

An Orchid Celebration...

The 61st annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show takes place on March 24, 25 and 26, 2006 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

More than 70 commercial and amateur growers from the United States and around the world will display thousands of their most perfect orchids at the show. A special preview evening on Thursday, March 23, offers visitors a first look at the freshly arranged exhibits.