February 8, 2013
SUBJECT: C OF O ORCHIDS RECEIVE TOP AOS DESIGNATION
The spring orchid show season has begun. College of the Ozarks cares for the renowned McDade Orchid collection and takes some of its prized orchids to competitions each year. College of the Ozarks orchids, grown by Greenhouses staff and students, received the highest designation given by the American Orchid Society (AOS) at the Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis’ Annual Show on February 3, held at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
The plants were recognized as superior quality and given numerous national AOS awards for:
American Orchid Society Show Trophy: Top Exhibit of Plants
Best in Class Society Exhibits
Best in Class Phalaenopsis
Best in Class Misc. Genera
Best in Class Specimen Plant
Best in Class Floral Design
Memorial Kokie Millard Equitant Oncidium Missouri Orchid Society Best Hybrid Orchid in Show
“This year we did very well, and I am so pleased that we won so many awards in one show,” said Nathan Bell, C of O Greenhouses supervisor. “We normally don’t win this many awards for the entire year.”
Ribbon judging is based on a comparison of orchids present for the show, and the AOS judging utilizes nationwide comparison. “There are several items that judges look for when evaluating plants: form, color, number of flowers present, position flowers are arranged on the stem, petal firmness and overall presentation,” explained Bell.
C of O will participate in upcoming orchid shows at the Greater Kansas City Orchid Show, Fayetteville, Arkansas Botanical Gardens Show, Springfield Orchid Society Annual Orchid Show and the Memphis Orchid Society Annual Show.
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