A few tips to help you get started or even refine your skills doing displays for orchids shows:
- Always make sure the attention and FOCUS are on your orchids and not your props
- MASK distractive backgrounds
- CLEAN, stake and prep your plants
- ELEVATE some of your orchid plants to create flow and interest
- COVER surfaces but remember you don’t have to fill your assigned space! You can leave the edges clear and center your design. Use a black or brown cloth to cover table surface
- Accent your display with LIGHT and shadowWhen you light something brilliantly and cast its surroundings in shadow, you force attention onto the lit item in a dramatic and powerful way. The best practice is to use both light and shadow to make a display item “pop.”Lighting is very seldom discussed for orchid displays but should be a key element in enhancing your display. That tiny Masdevallia comes to life at the end of the branch when light hits it and would have been unnoticeable otherwise and light can really make that red orchid flower ‘pop’!The old style pole light stands with pivoting lights are versatile or clip on lights. Remember to keep the stands to the side so as not to become a hazard to the judges or public.
- Add FILLER – green plants may be used but ensure that it does not overwhelm the orchids or create a ‘busy’ look. Green moss allows the orchids to stand out. Beware of variegated foliage. It can be frowned upon as a distraction in some regions.
A super article by Greg Allikas on his website, Orchid Works, goes into great detail, covers many areas, with easy to follow guides and photo examples. We highly recommend it!
Also here are some external resources:
Marlene Young – Orchid Journal & Canadian Orchid Congress
