Impressive Win by Treasure Coast Growers at Miami's 19th World Orchid Conference

Vero Beach's Wendy & Jason Griffin, Owners, Indian River Orchids, Take Home 2 Medals & 7 Ribbons

VERO BEACH, Florida - When the dust finally settled, and the last medals and ribbons had been awarded to the more than 100 orchid exhibitors at Miami's 19th World Orchid Conference, January 23 - 27; a team of Treasure Coast professional growers came out with impressive wins. Wendy and Jason Griffin, owners of Vero Beach's Indian River Orchids, located at 1030 90 th Avenue, off State Road 60 near the entrance to I -95, were honored with two prestigious medals from the World Orchid judging team, plus a total of seven ribbons for their orchid display. Specialists in Cattleya, their C. percivaliana took a Silver Medal and their Lc.Canhamiana (C. mossiae x L. purpurata) a Bronze Medal. (See photos attached of medal winning orchids.) In addition, they won 4 first place ribbons, 2 second place and 1 third place.

The World Conference, often referred to as the Olympics of the orchid world, hosted professional and amateur growers from 20 countries including Brazil, China, Thailand, and Australia. Tens of thousands of orchid species, and hybrids were on exhibit during the 5-day event. In addition to intricately designed and themed orchid displays, including an erupting volcano; the event featured hourly seminars on orchid history and cultivation; and orchid-related photography, quilting, Ikebana exhibitions. Over 80 national and international vendors had prime specimens on sale at the event. .

Growers since 1989, the Griffins have been in Vero Beach since 1978. "We jumped from dedicated amateurs to professional growers because we wanted to work at something we loved for the rest of our lives", explained Wendy. "There is nothing more exciting than growing healthy, sturdy plants that perform well for buyers. Each workday is filled with new people new crazy orchids and new ideas", she added. "We love sharing our knowledge and teaching others how to care for and expand their orchid collections." The Griffins greenhouses currently hold approximately 50,000 orchids divided among 20 varieties.

Wendy and Jason will be competing at the Fairchild Gardens International Orchid Festival located in Coral Gables, Feb 29 - March 2. Untiring supporters of the Treasure Coast orchid community, they are frequent speakers and vendors both at major exhibitions and local shows. Jason hosts a monthly Species and Spirits seminar for local growers and enthusiastic hobbyists. Novices through experts are welcomed to the Griffins' nursery/greenhouse, for hands-on workshops and seminars covering best practices in orchid cultivation that start the first of each month. Call for topic and time. In addition, the Griffins are available 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.,Wednesday through Sunday for advice, encouragement and how-to information on growing, purchasing or renting orchids. Contact: Indian River Orchids, 772-563-0070. Email: o rchids@aol.com .