‘Stairway Of Orchids’ Theme For March 22-24 WOS Show, Sale

Windward Orchid Society director Larry Kamiya checks out his favorite Paphiopedilums (lady slipper orchids) in his hothouse. Kamiya will discuss the variety at the WOS show, set for March 22-24 at King Intermediate School gym. Photo from Larry Kamiya.

Windward Orchid Society will present its 33rd annual orchid show and plant sale, “Stairway of Orchids,” March 22-24, Friday through Sunday, in the King Intermediate School gym, featuring displays, a country store, workshops and demonstrations for the public.

The spring sale is chaired this year by Ingelia White, a botany/microbiology professor at Wind-ward Community College and award-winning orchid grower in her own right. White also coordinates the Kuhi La’au-Tropical Plant and Orchid Identification Facility at WCC.

Longtime WOS green thumb and orchid expert Larry Kamiya will discuss Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) and Paphiopedilums (lady slipper orchids) during the three-day show.

“The more I worked with them, the more I came to appreciate their beauty, fragrance and color,” Kamiya said of his early work in an orchid nursery. The one that grew to be his favorite is the lady slipper variety, which has “hairy warts and curly, long tendrils.

“They hover above the other plants in the hot-house like alien beauties,” he explained.

The educational workshops are scheduled for 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to noon Sunday.

Hours for the show itself are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 22 and 23, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 24.

Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For more information, call 383-9487.

Orchid fans can enjoy a full weekend of orchidophelia, as the Kunia Orchid Society also plans its spring show for March 22-24 at Leilehua High School gym in Wahiawa.