Press releases

The finest orchids in the heart of the capital

An explosion of colour, scent and style arrives in the heart of London this spring. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) London Orchid Show (Saturday 17 - Sunday 18 March) returns to the RHS Lawrence Hall, Westminster, with a selection of thousands of the finest orchids from around the globe. To book tickets, call 0845 612 1253.

One of the world’s longest running orchid shows, the RHS London Orchid Show offers visitors the rare opportunity to purchase an orchid directly from expert growers. More than 30 exhibitors from countries as far afield as Taiwan, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil will be unveiling their displays. With exotic hybrids, rare species and traditional varieties to choose from there is an orchid to suit every taste and match every budget.

There is also an exclusive Preview Evening on Friday 16 March (6.30-9pm). At this event visitors will be offered a complimentary glass of wine and have the first pick of thousands of orchids available to buy.

Despite their reputation for being difficult to grow, orchids can be surprisingly easy to care for and RHS Advisors will be on hand alongside the specialist growers to offer advice on the selection and cultivation of plants. Lucinda Lachelin, RHS Garden Wisley’s orchid expert, suggests that the RHS London Orchid show is the perfect opportunity for visitors to find an orchid that is out of the ordinary. Lucinda says, “Some of the more unusual varieties are beautiful, striking and still fairly easy to care for.” For those with a taste for the exotic Lucinda suggests the following:

Zygopetalums: These handsome orchids have heavily scented flowers that bloom for weeks at a time.

Laelia anceps: This can be easily grown on a cool, sunny windowsill and will flower in the winter months.

Brassia (spider orchids): The long and slender petals of these orchids stretch out like spider legs and are ideal for those who wish to make a dynamic addition to their home.

There will be a series of talks on growing orchids at home as well as a variety of sundries, books and gifts for sale. Dr Henry Oakeley, Chairman of the RHS Orchid Committee, will speak about orchid hunting from the Orient to the Andes in a lecture more akin to a journey across the globe.

Dr Oakeley says, “There is a certain romance about orchids, dating from the stories of Victorian explorers enduring great hardships to find a new and splendiferous plant that would be fought over in the sales rooms by the wealthy and powerful. Although orchids are now produced by the millions in giant Dutch and Chinese glasshouses, there is still a frisson of excitement when one sees a 'new' orchid, and a sense of satisfaction to have it flowering at home - or to receive one as a present."

For those truly bitten by the orchid bug make a note to visit the Bicentenary Glasshouse at RHS Garden Wisley after its opening in June 2007. It will house a remarkable collection of orchids, from the largest to the smallest, the most colourful and the most fragrant.

Notes to Editors

For more information contact: Hannah Talbot in the RHS Press Office on 020 7821 3043 or e-mail hannahtalbot@rhs.org.uk

Venue: RHS Lawrence Hall, Westminster, London SW1P 2QD (nearest tubes are St James Park and Victoria, 5 minutes)

Opening times: Saturday 17 March, 10am-5pm; Sunday 18 March, 10am-5pm

Ticket prices: RHS members £3; non-members £5

Special rates are available in advance for groups of 10 or more, groups from RHS Affiliated Societies and groups from orchid societies.

Preview evening: Friday 16 March, 6.30-9pm
All tickets £8
Tickets valid for re-entry on Saturday or Sunday

Talks programme: Orchid Hunting from the Orient to the Andes, Saturday 17 March, 12.15-1.30pm
Price: £4 RHS members/£5 non-members

To book tickets in advance, call 0845 612 1253

www.rhs.org.uk/pressoffice

The RHS is the UK’s leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. RHS work includes providing expert advice and information, advancing horticulture, training the next generation of gardeners, helping school children learn about plants, and conducting research into plants, pests and environmental issues affecting gardeners.

An interest in gardening is all you need to enjoy being a member of the RHS. For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk or call 0845 130 4646.

Founded in 1804, the Royal Horticultural Society is Britain's largest gardening charity and is committed to being the leading organisation demonstrating excellence in horticulture and promoting gardening. Renowned for its outstanding gardens and inspirational flower shows, the RHS is a key source of advice and information for all gardeners. It encourages gardening through its publications, trials, lectures, education programmes and scientific research and is home to the Lindley Library, which contains the most comprehensive collection of horticultural books in the world.

Membership of the Royal Horticultural Society offers many exclusive benefits including a monthly copy of The Garden magazine; free entrance to RHS Gardens Wisley in Surrey, Rosemoor in Devon, Hyde Hall in Essex and Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire; free access to a further 88 beautiful gardens across Britain and 20 gardens in Belgium and France; access to seeds collected at RHS gardens; free gardening advice and privileged tickets to 18 RHS flower shows, including the Chelsea Flower Show, the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park.

For further enquiries about membership of the RHS contact: Membership Department, Royal Horticultural Society, PO Box 313, London SW1P 2PE; 0845 130 4646 Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm or via the RHS website

For more information e-mail the Press Office or visit the online Press Office